This article sheds light on the rooftop solar potential that offers a sustainable, decentralized, and affordable solution for India’s growing electricity needs.
Rooftop Solar Potential and Growth Capacity
- Growth in Capacity: In 2023-2024, India’s Rooftop Solar capacity increased by 2.99 GW, reaching a total of 11.87 GW as of March 31, 2024.
RTS Potential and Targets-
- Overall Potential: India’s RTS potential is approximately 796 GW.
- Future Goals: To meet the 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030, with 280 GW from solar, RTS needs to contribute 100 GW by 2030.
About Rooftop Solar (RTS)
- Rooftop solar refers to photovoltaic (PV) systems with electricity-generating solar panels installed on the rooftops of residential or commercial buildings.
- Rooftop-mounted systems are smaller compared to ground-mounted photovoltaic power stations.
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| Roof Type |
Capacity Range (kW) |
| Residential |
5 – 20 |
| Commercial |
100 – more |
Rooftop Solar Programme Overview
- Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission: This programme was launched in 2010.
- First Major Initiative: It marked the initial significant effort to foster solar energy growth.
- Primary Objective: Aimed to generate 20 GW of solar energy, including RTS, across three phases:
- Phase 1: 2010-2013
- Phase 2: 2013-2017
- Phase 3: 2017-2022
- Extension of Targets: As of December 2022, India had an installed RTS capacity of 7.5 GW, with the 40 GW target extended to 2026.
- Reasons for Improvement:
- Favorable initiatives (SUPRABHA, SRISTI schemes).
- Financial incentives.
- Technological advancements.
- Awareness campaigns and training programs.
Advantages of Rooftop Solar System
- Electricity bills: Use of RTS system reduces electricity bills expenses.
- Optimum use of land: RTS system uses vacant roof space, thereby reducing additional requirements of land.
- Energy and Ecological security: Reduction in carbon emission leads to energy and ecological security.
- It also enhances tail -end grid voltages and alleviates system congestion.
- Decrease inT & D losses: This system reduces transmission and distribution losses as power consumption and generation are co – located.
- Low Gestation period: The installation and commissioning requires less time.
- Better management of daytime peak loads: RTS system helps DISCOM/ utility in managing daytime peak loads.
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| Leading States in RTS Capacity |
| State |
Installed Capacity (MW) |
Factors for Success |
Notable Achievement |
| Gujarat |
3456 |
Proactive government stance, Efficient approval processes, Numerous RTS installers, and High consumer awareness |
Modhera – India’s first solar-powered village (1300 1 kW RTS systems) |
| Maharashtra |
2072 |
Robust solar policies and a conducive regulatory environment |
|
| Rajasthan |
1154 |
High solar irradiance, Streamlined approval processes, Financial incentives, and Promotion through public-private partnerships |
|
| Moderately Performing States |
| State |
Installed Capacity (MW) |
| Kerala |
675 |
| Tamil Nadu |
599 |
| Karnataka |
594 |
| Lagging States |
| Uttar Pradesh |
| Bihar |
| Jharkhand |
| Challenges – Bureaucratic hurdles , Inadequate infrastructure , Lack of public awareness |
Muft Bijli Yojana Scheme
- Initiative: The ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ aims to equip 1 crore households with rooftop solar (RTS) systems, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
- Capacity Addition: An average system size of 2 kW per household will lead to an additional RTS capacity of 20 GW.
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Ways to Ensure Rooftop Solar Growth
- Awareness Campaigns: Distribution companies and local bodies should lead grassroots-level campaigns, with door-to-door promotion for comprehensive coverage.
- Economic Viability: Enhance low-cost financing options for households, making RTS loans easily accessible.
- Research and Development: Invest in solar technology, energy storage solutions, and smart-grid infrastructure to reduce costs and improve reliability.
- Training and Skill Development: Accelerate training programs like ‘Suryamitra’ to build a skilled workforce for RTS infrastructure.
- Policy and Regulation: Update RTS policies, net-metering regulations, grid-integration standards, and building codes to support the ‘Muft Bijli Yojana’ and address emerging challenges.
June 27, 2024
