India’s rooftop solar power is on the rise! The country saw a record increase in installed capacity in 2023-2024, but to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals, it needs to significantly boost this sector. Let’s delve deeper into the current state of rooftop solar in India, how different states are performing, and what needs to happen to achieve future targets.
Growth of India’s Rooftop Solar Capacity
- Installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity increased by 2.99 GW in 2023-2024.
- This is the highest growth in a year.
- Total installed RTS capacity as of March 31, 2024, was 11.87 GW.
- India needs to expand RTS efforts to meet rising energy demand.
Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
The RTS Programme
- Launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in January 2010.
- Initial goal: Produce 20 GW of solar energy in three phases (2010-2022).
- Revised target in 2015: 100 GW by 2022, with 40 GW from RTS.
- As of December 2022, installed RTS capacity was 7.5 GW.
- Extended 40-GW target deadline to 2026.
- India’s overall RTS potential is 796 GW.
- To meet 2030 goals, RTS needs to contribute 100 GW.
Performance of States
- Gujarat: Installed RTS capacity of 3,456 MW.
- Quick approval process, many installers, high consumer awareness.
- Maharashtra: Installed RTS capacity of 2,072 MW.
- Strong solar policies, supportive regulatory environment.
- Rajasthan: Highest RTS potential at 1,154 MW.
- Streamlined approvals, financial incentives, public–private partnerships.
- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka: Capacities of 675, 599, and 594 MW respectively.
- Challenges in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand:
- Bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness.
‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’
- Aim: Fit one crore households with RTS systems.
- Provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
- Average system size: 2 kW, adding 20 GW capacity.
- Financial outlay: ₹75,021 crore.
- Includes ₹65,700 crore for consumer assistance.
- ₹4,950 crore for distribution company incentives.
- Incentives for local bodies, solar villages, security mechanisms, capacity building, and outreach.
- Encourages advanced solar technologies, energy storage, and smart grids.
Ensuring RTS Growth
- Create consumer awareness.
- Make RTS economically viable for households.
- Government subsidies and low-cost financing options are key.
- Increase RTS loan accessibility.
- Promote R&D in solar technology and smart-grid infrastructure.
- Invest in training programs like the ‘Suryamitra’ solar PV technician program.
- Review and update net-metering regulations, grid-integration standards, and building codes.
Source: How well is India tapping its rooftop solar potential?, (The Hindu, June 27)