Indian Rooftop Solar – Will Slow and Steady Win the Race?

Rooftop Solar on a Residential complex in Mumbai

Though rooftop solar is growing at a snail’s pace in India, people have not entirely given up on this technology. Recently, a co-operative residential society in Mumbai installed solar panels on its rooftop which is helping it save INR 25,000 in its monthly electricity bill – that is more than 80% of monthly saving.

Read the story of another residential complex in Mumbai getting solarized here.

The solar plant generates enough energy to power common areas, parking spaces and operates the lifts and water pumps.

The solar installation is gathering momentum in India given its eco-friendly nature and falling costs. It is estimated that a 20 kWh system can prevent more than 615 tonnes of carbon emissions over 10 years. Imagine the number of trees required to offset that amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Solar energy has been touted as the most environment-friendly and sustainable source of energy in modern times. Though the initial cost of installation is still quite high, people are recognizing the benefits over the long term.

Many Municipal corporations of various states are encouraging housing developers to use solar panels as a source of alternative energy. It will not only reduce the pressure on the grid but will also go a long way to reduce the overall carbon footprint and check on climate change concerns.

Rooftop Solar on Railway Stations of South India

In news from South India, 11 railway stations in Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram divisions have decided to install rooftop solar panels withtotal capacity of 390 kW to reduce their electricity bills. It is expected that the installation could reduce electricity tariff from INR 8.10 per unit to INR 3.64 per unit for 25 years. Azure Power Rooftop Solutions Pvt Ltd. will be the installer. Also, read Solar Power from MP to drive New Delhi Metro Trains

The Indian Railways have adopted solar in a big way setting up solar panels at the rooftops of its offices and railway stations. The Railways is also trying to increase renewable energy procurement by planning to install 4.5 kW of flexible solar panels on the roofs of train coaches. The panels are lightweight and can easily power the lights and AC in the coaches. The Indian government is also targeting running solar trains very soon in the country. In Indian Railways too, Azure Power has become the undisputed supplier of solar power with a cumulative awarded capacity of over 66 MW.

India has set a huge solar installation target and just has five more years to accomplish it. With the country’s growing population, a huge demand for power and a large number of buildings rooftop solar comes as a viable option with falling costs and improving technology. The people in India need prompt and proper solar education and encouraging government policies to adopt solar in a massive way. Any new construction of any type should have solar power installation as a mandatory requirement. Going forward power should equal to ‘solar power’. Not only will this reduce pressure on the power grid but will also be a big way to support our environment.