Solar energy in residential sector fails to take flight

Installation of renewable solar energy in residential sectors has failed completely. Just 73 gigawatts, or 20 per cent of the targeted 175 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2022, has been achieved so far.

The Centre for Science and Environment analysed the power deficit and found a major slowdown in the sector in

2018.

“Solar energy in residential areas has failed as people and also developers have found capital investment to be too high,” said Mr A. Punna Rao, an expert in the power sector. “No one has come forward to develop this sector.”

The installed solar capacity has increased from 2.6GW in 2014 to

23.1GW in June 2018. The large-scale solar consumption is only by industrial, commercial and government sectors.

Around 5,000MW of solar power is generated in Telangana state and

8,000MW in Andhra Pradesh.

“There have been abrupt policy changes in this emerging sector, which is adding to the problem,” energy group adviser Ms Priyavrat Bhati said. “A classic example is that of solar module manufacturing industry, where the auction capacity is reserved for domestic manufacturers, causing a lot of constraints.”

Solar rooftop renewable energy has not made the required headway. The aim was for 40 GW capacity by 2022, but till November 2018, only 1,334MW had been connected through roof top systems.

To add to this, distribution companies or discoms are underperforming because of financial distress and non-payment, which is adding to a cycle of bad debts.

“There is a momentous shift in energy sector and for the first time decarbonised electricity appears feasible and foreseeable,” CSE deputy director Mr Chandra Bhushan said. “We need to introduce policies for 100 per cent renewable energy quickly and efficiently.”