Syllabus
GS Paper 2 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
GS Paper 3 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Rooftop solar power generation
– Government policies and schemes, analyze its objectives, target beneficiaries, and potential impact on the energy sector.- Energy security and Sustainable development- Environmental benefits of solar energy in mitigating climate change.
Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (January 22) announced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’, a government scheme under which one crore households will get rooftop solar power systems.
Source
The Indian Express | Editorial dated 23 January 2024
PM Modi launches new rooftop solar power scheme: What it is, why it is needed
Solar rooftop schemes in India have gained significant attention and momentum due to the country’s abundant solar resources and the government’s push towards renewable energy adoption.
Rooftop solar technology
Rooftop solar technology is a rapidly growing field with the potential to transform how we generate and consume energy. It involves harnessing the sun’s energy using photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on rooftops or other suitable surfaces to generate electricity for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
How it works?
- Photovoltaic panels: These panels are made of semiconductor materials, typically silicon, that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
- Inverter: The DC electricity is converted to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is compatible with the power grid or for direct appliance use.
- Other components: The system may also include batteries for energy storage, net metering equipment to track electricity usage and export to the grid, and mounting systems to secure the panels on the roof.
Rooftop Solar Programme
Launched in 2014, the scheme aims to expand India’s rooftop solar installed capacity in the residential sector by providing Central Financial Assistance — the financial assistance to the eligible projects as per MNRE Guidelines — and incentives to DISCOMs (distribution companies).
- The programme’s goal is to increase rooftop solar installed capacity to 40 GM by March 2026 and it is currently in its second phase.
- Owing to the scheme, the country’s rooftop solar has increased from 1.8 GW as of March 2019 to 10.4 GW as of November 2023.
- A consumer can avail of benefits of the scheme through DISCOM tendered projects or through the National Portal (www.solarrooftop.gov.in),
- On the National Portal, the consumer has the choice to select any vendor and choose the brand and quality/efficiency of solar equipment.
- The DISCOMs role is limited to issuing of technical feasibility approval, installation of net-meter and inspect the system.
- After installation and inspection of the system, the subsidy is sent directly to the bank account of the consumer.
- Surplus solar power units generated from the rooftop solar plant can be exported to the grid as per the metering provisions issued by respective SERCs (State Electricity Regulatory Commissions)/JERCs (Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission). The consumer can receive monetary benefits for the surplus exported power as per the prevailing regulations.
Benefits of solar energy
- Energy security: India faces an ever-growing energy demand, and its reliance on imported fossil fuels poses a threat to energy security. Solar energy offers a domestic and abundant source of energy, reducing dependence on foreign imports and enhancing energy security.
- India is expected to witness the largest energy demand growth of any country or region in the world over the next 30 years, according to the latest World Energy Outlook by the International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Combating Climate Change: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source, free from carbon emissions and other pollutants. Its large-scale adoption can significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
- India, being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, can leverage solar energy to fulfill its international obligations under the Paris Agreement and achieve its net-zero target by 2070.
- Air Quality Improvement: Fossil fuel-based power plants are major contributors to air pollution, leading to respiratory illnesses and environmental degradation.
- Solar energy, on the other hand, produces no harmful emissions, contributing to cleaner air and improved public health.
- This aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to tackle air pollution under the National Clean Air Programme.
- Rural Electrification: Millions of households in India still lack access to electricity, hindering their socio-economic development.
- Solar energy offers a decentralized and cost-effective solution for rural electrification, empowering communities and bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.
- Reduces electricity bills of the poor and middle class
- Push India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.
Challenges in harnessing solar energy
Rooftop Solar Programme aimed to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 megawatts (MW). However, this target couldn’t be achieved. As a result, the government extended the deadline from 2022 to 2026.
High Upfront Costs:
- Installing solar panels requires a significant upfront investment, often deterring individuals and businesses, particularly in rural areas with limited financial resources.
Grid Integration Issues:
- The intermittent nature of solar energy poses challenges for integrating it into the existing grid infrastructure.
- Fluctuations in solar power generation can cause grid instability and require robust energy storage solutions and smart grid technologies.
Lack of Awareness and Technical Expertise:
- Limited awareness about the benefits and feasibility of solar energy, particularly in rural areas, hinders its adoption.
- Additionally, a lack of skilled professionals for installation, maintenance, and grid integration can pose implementation challenges.
Policy and Regulatory Hurdles:
- Inconsistent or unclear policies, complex permitting processes, and bureaucratic delays can discourage investments and slow down project implementation.
- Efficient net metering policies and streamlined regulations are crucial for encouraging rooftop solar installations and ensuring fair compensation for surplus energy exported to the grid.
Addressing these challenges requires:
- Subsidies and financial incentives: Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Yojana offer financial assistance to farmers for installing solar power pumps.
- Innovative financing models: Public-private partnerships and creative financing solutions like solar power purchase agreements can make solar energy more accessible.
- Investing in energy storage technologies: Battery storage and pumped hydro storage can help store excess solar energy for later use, stabilizing the grid.
- Upgrading grid infrastructure: Smart grids with advanced monitoring and control systems can better manage the integration of renewable energy sources.
- Public awareness campaigns: Educating communities about the advantages of solar energy and its potential to empower them.
- Skill development programs: Training programs for technicians and engineers to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the solar sector
- Streamlining policies and regulations: Simplifying procedures, providing clear guidelines, and ensuring timely approvals can boost investor confidence.
- Effective regulatory frameworks: Robust net metering policies and transparent pricing mechanisms are essential for encouraging distributed solar generation.
Government Schemes to promote solar energy
- NATIONAL SOLAR MISSION
- Solar Schemes Grid Connected
- Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme
- Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects
- Solarisation of Sun Temple Town of Modhera in Mehsana District, Gujarat
- Solar Schemes Solar Off-grid
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM). The Scheme consists of three components:
- Component A: 10,000 MW of solar capacity through installation of small Solar Power Plants of individual plants of capacity upto 2 MW.
- Component B: Installation of 20 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps.
- Component C: Solarisation of 15 Lakh Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM). The Scheme consists of three components:
- Solar Schemes Grid Connected
- Permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100 percent under the automatic route,
- Launch of Green Term Ahead Market (GTAM) to facilitate sale of Renewable Energy power including Solar power through exchanges.
- Waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025,
- Declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2029-30,
- Setting up of Project Development Cell for attracting and facilitating investments,
- Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV and Wind Projects.
- Notification of Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022.
- Notification of “The electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and related matters) Rules 2002 (LPS rules).
India’s current solar capacity
According to the Ministry of New and Renewable, solar power installed capacity in India has reached around 73.31 GW as of December 2023. Meanwhile, rooftop solar installed capacity is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023.
- In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at the top with 18.7 GW. Gujarat is at the second position with 10.5 GW. When it comes to rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.
- Notably, solar power has a major share in the country’s current renewable energy capacity, which stands at around 180 GW.
State-wise estimated Solar Energy Potential
Credits – National Institute of Solar Energy
State-wise cumulative solar capacity installed
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana is an ambitious initiative that has the potential to significantly boost India’s rooftop solar capacity. By targeting residential consumers, a largely untapped market, the scheme has the potential to reach a wide range of beneficiaries and have a significant impact on the energy sector.
RELATED TOPICS
Key Terms
Watt is a unit of power and is calculated as the amount of energy used over time, specifically one Joule per second.
World Energy Outlook by the International Energy Agency (IEA) provides in-depth analysis and strategic insights into every aspect of the global energy system.
International Initiatives to Promote Solar Energy
- International Solar Alliance (ISA):
- Established in 2015 by India and France, the ISA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with 101 member countries, primarily from the Global South.
- Its mission is to facilitate and mobilize global efforts to scale up the deployment of affordable solar energy in member countries, particularly in tropical regions with abundant sunshine.
- The ISA focuses on areas like:
- Resource mobilization: Aggregating demand for solar technology and finance to secure better deals for member countries.
- Knowledge sharing: Providing technical assistance and capacity building programs to build expertise in solar energy development and deployment.
- Innovation: Supporting research and development of new solar technologies and applications.
- Global Climate Fund (GCF):
- Established in 2010 as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the GCF is the world’s largest dedicated climate finance fund.
- The GCF provides grants, loans, and equity investments to developing countries for projects that:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Build resilience to climate change.
- Advance sustainable development.
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP):
- REEEP is a public-private partnership that supports developing countries in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions.
- It provides technical assistance, capacity building, and grant funding to governments, businesses, and civil society organizations in areas like:
- Policy development and implementation.
- Project development and financing.
- Market development and capacity building.
- International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA):
- IRENA is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in their transition to sustainable energy.
- It provides a platform for knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and policy advice on renewable energy, including solar energy.
References
https://mnre.gov.in/solar-overview/
https://mnre.gov.in/solar-schemes/
https://mnre.gov.in/annual-reports-2022-23/
https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023
Practice Question
With reference to the recent announcement of the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, critically analyze the role of rooftop solar power in India’s energy security and renewable energy transition. Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling up rooftop solar deployment in the country. [250 words]