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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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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Performance of States in Rooftop Solar (RTS) Installation

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.