News From Rooftop Solar Sector Around The World

Vivint Solar, a leading rooftop solar player in the US broke all records reaching 1 GW rooftop installation mark in the third quarter. The company is the largest and most experienced residential solar provider in California. Vivint Solar experienced a boost from strong Q3 and solid growth in the Californian market. California ranks number one in the US for solar with over 22 GW solar capacity installed.

Vivint Solar announced a new fixed-rate solar lease plan which would allow new customers to install solar panels for no down payment. Customers would lease the solar panels from Vivint Solar for 20 years and pay a fixed monthly payment over the contract period. The company is also planning to introduce new financing options to attract more California homeowners. It also has plans to expand its footprints to other states in the US.

In sharp contrast, AusNet a network operator in Australia is charging hefty installation fees in hundreds of dollars for rooftop solar installations in Victoria. Victoria has around 1.4 GW of rooftop solar, on about 300,000 homes. A few years ago, another Australian operator South Australia Power Network had put a $100 fee but withdrew amidst public criticism.

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Solar has become too mainstream all over the world. Falling cost and improving efficiencies have led to widespread adoption of solar technology. India targets to install 40 GW of rooftop solar by 2022. The country has a huge potential in the form of a large number of urban buildings in the country. Rooftop solar also negates the usage of real estate which is too expensive in the country. Countries worldwide are looking at launching policies which will better their renewable energy target and reduce their carbon footprints.

Goa, India’s smallest state has recently launched an online single window clearance portal which will allow easy clearances for rooftop solar projects adding more convenience for the consumers. This is a good step and should reduce doubts and questions in the minds of the common people. More states should adopt this. The country had also launched e-Solar in India back in 2016.