Indian residential rooftops: a vast trove of solar energy potential

India’s residential rooftop solar capacity as of 31 March 2022 may only be a mere 2,010 megawatt (MW). But because of a rising need for cost savings and increasing awareness among consumers, it is expected that the residential solar rooftop installations to rapidly accelerate in the coming years. By the end of fiscal year 2023, the cumulative residential rooftop of solar capacity is expected to reach 3,214 MW, nearly a 60% year-on-year increase. The study note that the central government’s recent steps to create a single national digital portal to simplify the process of rooftops solar installations for residential consumers and formalising a direct benefit transfer mechanism for subsidies will aid the demand in the segment. The assessment of state-wise attractiveness for rooftop solar installations finds that Gujarat, Haryana and Maharashtra are the three most favourable states. Going forward, the study recommend state governments take concerted efforts in expediting and streamlining net-metering and subsidy-related procedures. They also must reduce the intervention of state electricity distribution companies in the entire process of residential rooftop solar installation.