Indians are adding more solar capacity on their rooftops in spite of rising costs

• India added 456 megawatts of rooftop in Jan-Mar period, which is 13% higher than 402 megawatts in the previous quarter Oct-Dec.
• Overall, the total installed capacity stood at 76 gigawatts at the end of Jan-Mar 2022.
• Gujarat was the top state with higher rooftop solar installations followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

India’s shift to clean energy is visible through the growth seen in solar panel installations on the roofs of homes, buildings, schools and more.

The country added 456 megawatts of rooftop in Jan-Mar period, which is 13% higher than 402 megawatts in the previous quarter Oct-Dec. Overall, the total installed capacity stood at 76 gigawatts at the end of Jan-Mar 2022, said a report by Mercom Communications India, a clean energy research and communications firm.

The costs of solar rooftops have been rising by around 17% every year. And this rise might however play spoilsport going ahead.

"It was another great quarter for the rooftop solar market as post-covid installations continued to surge. Rooftop installations have topped 400 MW for four quarters in a row, which is a first. However, future growth is dependent on system costs. If the prices continue to go up and project economics deteriorate, demand is bound to contract in the short term," said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.

Gujarat has the highest rooftop solar installations
Gujarat was the top state with highest rooftop solar installations followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Delhi government is likely to make installation of rooftop solar energy panels at all government buildings mandatory as it aims to make the city India’s ‘solar rooftop capital’.

The increased acceptance of solar rooftop is in line with the government’s plans to increase solar power production to 50% of the total demand by the year 2030.

Commercial and Industrial segments were the driving force behind the growth. The highest rooftop solar installations came from the industrial segment (47%), followed by commercial (29%), residential (22%) and government buildings which added the last with a mere 2% contribution.


SEE ALSO: Mukesh Ambani's Jio lags behind Airtel which is the top telecom brand in India
This startup which makes satellite launches cheaper and faster raises funds to start commercial operations