Modi Government’s $9 Billion Investment Propels Rooftop Solar Growth
In a significant stride towards achieving clean energy goals, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has injected a substantial $9 billion into boosting rooftop solar installations. This initiative aims to simplify processes, offer subsidies efficiently, and expedite the adoption of solar technology crucial for India’s clean energy objectives.
Streamlined Approvals and Instantaneous Implementation
Previously a cumbersome process with multiple approvals and substantial upfront costs, the installation of rooftop solar connections has undergone a transformative shift. Shreya Mishra, CEO of Solar Square, highlighted the drastic change, stating, “We had to get 45 signatures to set up a small rooftop solar connection in 2021. Today it’s almost instantaneous.”
The Urgency for Rooftop Solar in India
As the world’s most populous nation with 1.4 billion people, India is experiencing a rising demand for energy. However, as one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the country is also highly vulnerable to climate change, facing extreme weather events. Rooftop solar is deemed essential to bring power to remote areas economically and avoid the costs of long-distance energy transmission.
Overcoming Challenges and Driving Growth
While India has made substantial progress in clean power, rooftop solar constitutes less than 15% of the total solar power generated. Awareness among consumers remains a challenge, with only 50% of Indians likely familiar with rooftop solar as an energy solution. Initiatives to provide subsidies for small rooftop solar arrays, coupled with efficient government processes, are seen as key drivers for growth.
Neeraj Kuldeep of the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water stressed the importance of consumer awareness, efficient governance, and collaboration with state-owned electricity companies to overcome hurdles. The government’s national rooftop solar portal, launched in 2022, has facilitated easier access to subsidies, further encouraging installations.
A Future-Oriented Energy Landscape
As rooftop solar gains momentum, companies like Mysun and Solar Square are simplifying the process for consumers. Gagan Vermani, CEO of Mysun, emphasizes the need to align rooftop solar with consumer needs, turning it into a consumer-centric solution rather than just building solar infrastructure.
Those who have embraced rooftop solar laud the benefits of cost savings and environmental impact. Ruchika Chahana in New Delhi shared her experience of reduced electricity bills, emphasizing the sense of contributing to environmental conservation. In Bengaluru, Satish Mallya highlighted the financial savings and carbon emission reduction achieved through rooftop solar installations in his apartment complex.
Shreya Mishra, CEO of Solar Square, views rooftop solar as a pivotal element in India’s energy future, expressing pride in witnessing the nation-building potential of advancing energy infrastructure. As India strides forward in its clean energy journey, the $9 billion boost signals a transformative era for rooftop solar.
Source：http://dunyanews.tv
