GS Paper III
News Excerpt:
In 2023-2024, India's installed Rooftop solar (RTS) capacity grew by 2.99 GW, marking the highest annual increase on record.
More about News: RTS has the potential to transform India's energy landscape. As of March 31 this year, the total installed RTS capacity in India stood at 11.87 GW.
- It is a sustainable, decentralized, and cost-effective solution to meet the country's increasing electricity demands and empower consumers to become self-reliant.
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
- The Mission, launched in January 2010, was the first major initiative to promote solar energy growth, aiming to produce 20 GW of solar energy (including RTS) across three phases: 2010-2013, 2013-2017, and 2017-2022.
- In 2015, the government revised the target to 100 GW by 2022, including a 40 GW RTS component, with specific yearly targets for each State and Union Territory.
- By December 2022, India had achieved an installed RTS capacity of about 7.5 GW, and the deadline for the 40 GW target was extended to 2026.
- Progress in RTS installations has been driven by:
- Sustainable Partnership for RTS Acceleration in Bharat (SUPRABHA)
- Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI),
- However, India still has a long way to go, as the country's overall RTS potential is approximately 796 GW. Several States have yet to fully tap into this potential.
- To meet the target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with a solar component of 280 GW, RTS must contribute about 100 GW.
Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
- This scheme aims to install RTS systems in 1 crore households, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
- With an average system size of 2 kW, this initiative is expected to add 20 GW to the RTS capacity.
State-wise progress
- As of March 31, 2024, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have made significant progress.
- Gujarat's installed RTS capacity of 3,456 MW is attributed to the government's proactive stance, quick approval process, and high consumer awareness.
- Maharashtra, with an RTS capacity of 2,072 MW, has robust solar policies and a conducive regulatory environment.
- Rajasthan, being the largest state by land area and having high solar irradiance, boasts the highest RTS potential with a capacity of 1,154 MW.
- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have also performed reasonably well, with installed capacities of 675 MW, 599 MW, and 594 MW respectively.
- However, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand face challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of public awareness, which have hindered their progress in tapping RTS potential.
Way Forward:
- Awareness campaigns are crucial for consumer participation. Distribution companies and local bodies should lead grassroots-level awareness efforts, including door-to-door RTS promotion campaigns.
- Making RTS economically viable for households is also essential. While government subsidies lower the cost, more low-cost financing options are needed.
- Increased availability of RTS loans from banks and non-bank financial companies will encourage more consumers to adopt solar energy.
- Promoting research and development in solar technology, energy storage, and smart-grid infrastructure can further drive down costs, improve performance, and enhance RTS system reliability.
- Technology solutions such as drone and satellite imagery can aid in analyzing shadow-free rooftop areas, building patterns, and energy consumption trends, providing accurate feasibility assessments and optimal RTS system designs.
- Investments in training programs, vocational courses, and skill development initiatives will build a skilled workforce.
- The ‘Suryamitra’ training program, initiated in 2015, has already trained over 51,000 technicians as of December 2022, and such programs should be accelerated to support RTS infrastructure.
- Virtual net-metering and group net-metering options should be fast-tracked for consumers with limited roof space for RTS installations.
- With the right push, India can fully realize the potential of RTS and accelerate its transition to a clean energy future.
