Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme — Key to Achieving India’s Renewable Energy Target
Under Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), India has committed to increasing the share of installed capacity of energy from non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030 and solar energy is one of the main sources to achieve this target. The government of India has set the target of achieving 100 GW of solar energy in the country by the year 2022 out of which 40 GW is to be achieved from rooftop solar segment.
In the year 2015, the Government approved a program “Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme” for the installation of 4,200 MW RTS plants in the country by 2019, of which 2,100 MW was through CFA and the remaining 2,100 MW was without CFA. The RTS projects sanctioned under this Program are being implemented by State Nodal Agencies (SNAs), Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and other Government Agencies.
Further, in 2019 the government-approved Phase-II of “Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme” for achieving a total capacity of 40 GW RTS plants by 2022. In Phase-II, it has been decided to implement the program by making the DISCOMs and its local offices the nodal points. DISCOMs will play a key role in the expansion of RTS as DISCOMs are having direct contact with end-user and they provide approval for installation, manage the distribution network and also have a billing interface with the rooftop owner.
Aim and Objectives of Phase-II of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme
The key objectives of the programme are:
➠ To promote grid connected RTS in all consumer segments
➠ To bring DISCOMs at forefront as key drivers for rapid deployment of RTS
➠ To create awareness, capacity building, human resource development, etc
➠ To promote sustainable business models
➠ To promote domestic manufacturing of solar cells and module
The program will be implemented through DISCOMs as this will lead to ease of access for the consumers. The program provides for Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the household owner and Group Housing Societies to set up RTS on the rooftop of their residence/residential campus. DISCOMs should create a customer-friendly environment by making enabling provisions in their regulations and the smooth approval process required for RTS.
SUPRABHA is also geared up to work in tandem with the vision laid out by the Indian government. SUPRABHA with its deep learnings from working in the Indian ecosystem will be in a favorable position to assist the government in any endeavor towards meeting the goals of achieving the target.
