Context:
India’s installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity surged by 2.99 GW in 2023-2024, marking the highest growth in a single year. By March 31, the total RTS capacity reached 11.87 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. To meet rising energy demands, India must intensify its efforts to enhance RTS potential.
Relevance:
- GS2- Government Policies and Interventions
- GS3- Mineral and Energy Resources
Mains Question:
How equipped are the states in India in tackling rooftop solar capabilities? How can more awareness and efficiency be promoted in this regard?
What is the RTS Programme?
- India launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in January 2010, 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 this target to 100 GW by 2022, with a 40-GW RTS component, and set yearly targets for each State and Union Territory.
- By December 2022, India had an installed RTS capacity of 7.5 GW and extended the 40-GW target deadline to 2026.
- Despite financial incentives, technological advances, increased awareness, and training boosting RTS installations, much work remains.
- India’s overall RTS potential is about 796 GW. To achieve the target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity, including 280 GW of solar energy by 2030, RTS needs to contribute around 100 GW by 2030.
How Are States Faring?
- As of March 31, 2024, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have made significant progress in RTS capacity, while others lag behind.
- Gujarat, with an installed RTS capacity of 3,456 MW, has benefited from quick approval processes, a large number of RTS installers, and high consumer awareness.
- Maharashtra, boasting 2,072 MW, excels due to robust solar policies and a conducive regulatory environment.
- Rajasthan, with the highest RTS potential at 1,154 MW, has seen growth due to streamlined approvals, financial incentives, and promotion of RTS through public-private partnerships.
- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, with capacities of 675, 599, and 594 MW respectively, have performed reasonably well.
- However, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, among others, have yet to fully explore their RTS potential, facing challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of public awareness.
Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
- The ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana‘ is a flagship initiative aimed at equipping one crore households with rooftop solar (RTS) systems, providing them with up to 300 units of free electricity each month.
- With an average system size of 2 kW per household, the total RTS capacity will increase by 20 GW.
- The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹75,021 crore, which covers financial assistance for consumers (₹65,700 crore), incentives for distribution companies (₹4,950 crore), incentives for local bodies and model solar villages in each district, payment security mechanisms, capacity building (₹657 crore), and awareness and outreach (₹657 crore).
- Additionally, the scheme promotes the adoption of advanced solar technologies, energy storage solutions, and smart grid infrastructure.
How can we Ensure RTS Growth?
- Creating awareness is crucial for getting consumers to adopt RTS. Additionally, RTS must be economically viable for households.
- Although government subsidies help, multiple low-cost financing options are necessary.
- Recently, more banks and non-bank financial companies have begun offering RTS loans. Access to these low-cost loans should be as straightforward as obtaining a bike or car loan.
- Promoting research and development in solar technology, energy storage solutions, and smart-grid infrastructure can reduce costs, enhance performance, and improve the reliability of RTS systems.
- Investments in training programs, such as the ‘Suryamitra’ solar PV technician program launched in 2015, along with vocational courses and skill development initiatives, will help build a skilled workforce.
Conclusion:
As the scheme’s implementation progresses, net-metering regulations, grid-integration standards, and building codes should be reviewed and updated to address emerging challenges and ensure smooth implementation.
