• Rooftop Solar (RTS) refers to the installation of solar panels on the roofs of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings to generate electricity. 
• This decentralised form of solar energy generation allows buildings to produce their own power, reducing dependence on the grid and contributing to renewable energy goals.
• India’s overall RTS potential is approximately 796 GW. To meet India’s target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity(COP 26 goal), with a solar component of 280 GW, by 2030, RTS alone needs to contribute about 100 GW by 2030.

Issues Faced in Increasing RTS Coverage:

• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Slow approval processes and regulatory challenges slows down the installation of a large number of RPS systems.
• Financial Constraints: High initial costs and lack of affordable financing options deter potential adopters.
• Technological Challenges: Need for advanced solar technologies and efficient energy storage solutions to enhance performance.
• Grid Integration Issues: Ensuring seamless integration of RTS-generated power with the common power supply grid poses technical challenges.
• Low Public Awareness: Limited awareness among the general public about the benefits and availability of RTS systems.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of proper infrastructure, particularly in less developed states, impedes RTS expansion.

Measures to Increase RTS Installations:

• • Financial Incentives: Continue and expand government subsidies and financial assistance to reduce initial installation costs.
    • Provide multiple low-cost financing options through banks and non-bank financial companies to make RTS systems more affordable.
    • The ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ aims to increase RTS through this aspect.

• The ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’ is a flagship initiative to fit one crore households with RTS systems and help them get up to 300 units of free electricity every month.

• Enhance Awareness: Conduct extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the benefits and opportunities of RTS.
  • Utilise community outreach programs and digital platforms to disseminate information.
• Streamline Bureaucratic Processes: Simplify and expedite the approval process for RTS installations.
  • Develop clear and standardised regulations to facilitate quick decision-making.
• Technological Advancements: Invest in research and development to lower costs and improve the efficiency of solar technologies and energy storage solutions.
  • Promote the adoption of smart grid infrastructure to enhance reliability and performance.
• Training and Skill Development: Expand vocational training programs, such as the ‘Suryamitra’ solar PV technician program, to build a skilled workforce.
  • Introduce specialised courses in educational institutions to create a talent pool for the solar industry.
• Net-Metering and Grid Integration: Regularly review and update net-metering regulations and grid-integration standards to address emerging challenges.
  • Develop building codes that incorporate RTS requirements to ensure new constructions are RTS-ready.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaborations between the government and private sector to leverage resources and expertise. Facilitate investment opportunities for private companies in the RTS sector.

Conclusion:

Implementation of these measures can help India to increase the solar power usage and installed capacity to reach the long term goal.