Growth and Targets:
India's installed rooftop solar capacity reached 11.87 GW in 2023-24, the highest annual increase (2.99 GW).
The target is to reach 40 GW of RTS capacity by 2026 (revised from 2022).
Ultimately, India aims for 100 GW of RTS by 2030 to contribute to its 500 GW renewable energy goal.
What is the RTS programme?
India launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in January 2010.
Its main objective was to produce 20 GW of solar energy (including RTS) in three phases: 2010-2013, 2013-2017, and 2017-2022
In 2015, the target was revised to 100 GW by 2022, including a 40-GW RTS component.
Yearly targets were set for each State and Union Territory
Progress and Challenges:
By December 2022, India had installed 7.5 GW of RTS capacity and extended the 40-GW target deadline to 2026.
Despite financial incentives, technological advances, and awareness efforts, significant potential remains untapped.
India’s overall RTS potential is approximately 796 GW.
To achieve the target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 (with a 280 GW solar component), RTS needs to contribute about 100 GW by 2030.
How are States Faring?
Top Performers:
Gujarat: Installed RTS capacity of 3,456 MW due to quick approval processes, numerous RTS installers, and high consumer awareness.
Maharashtra: Installed RTS capacity of 2,072 MW, supported by robust solar policies and a conducive regulatory environment.
Rajasthan: Highest RTS potential in the country (1,154 MW) due to its vast land area and high solar irradiance, along with streamlined approvals and financial incentives.
Other Notable Performers:
Kerala: Installed capacity of 675 MW.
Tamil Nadu: Installed capacity of 599 MW.
Karnataka: Installed capacity of 594 MW.
Lagging States:
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand: Struggle with bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of public awareness, hindering their RTS potential.
Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
Aims to install RTS systems in one crore households, providing up to 300 units of free electricity monthly.
An average system size of 2 kW per household, resulting in a total RTS capacity addition of 20 GW.
Financial outlay of ₹75,021 crore, including financial assistance for consumers (₹65,700 crore) and incentives for distribution companies (₹4,950 crore).
Additional funds for local bodies, model solar villages, payment security mechanisms, capacity building, and awareness and outreach.
Encourages adoption of advanced solar technologies, energy storage solutions, and smart grid infrastructure.
Key Strategies for Further Growth:
Consumer Awareness: Educational campaigns to promote RTS benefits.
Financial Viability:
Government subsidies.
Multiple low-cost financing options (loans from banks and non-banking institutions with easier access).
Technological Advancements: R&D in solar technology, energy storage solutions, and smart grid infrastructure.
Workforce Development: Training programs (like Suryamitra program), vocational courses, skill development initiatives.
Policy & Regulation: Review and update net-metering regulations, grid-integration standards, and building codes.
India shows promise in rooftop solar, but significant progress is needed across all states to meet ambitious national targets.
Implementing the mentioned strategies can accelerate growth and contribute to India's clean energy future.
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