NEW DELHI: Households owning rooftop solar systems could save up to 95% on their electricity bills
Residents buying power from a community rooftop solar PV plant, via a subscription plan, could also save up to 35% on their electricity bills. These savings have been estimated over the 25-year lifetime of these systems.
“Solar system costs have declined by 27% over the last three years, making rooftop solar a lucrative investment. However, despite a 30% government subsidy, households have installed only about 400 MW of rooftop solar across the country (and 60 MW in Delhi),” says the report. Key challenges for residential consumers include high capital cost, lack of access to finance, lack of consumer awareness, issues with roof ownership and access, and a roof lock-in period of 25 years.
Designs of three innovative utility-led models — community solar model, on-bill financing model, and a solar partner’s model. These models target residential consumers ranging from those living in gated communities to low-income consumers receiving electricity subsidies. Expert said, “Understanding and resolving the challenges faced by households, developers, discoms, and financiers will be crucial to speeding up residential adoption of rooftop solar.”
