Rooftop
solar devices must be promoted in an accelerated manner to reduce
dependent on fossil fuels and ensure energy security in India,
Experts highlighted the need for promoting rooftop solar system at a
conference here recently. The event was focused on promoting rooftop
solar photovoltaic (PV) system in India. The highlight of the conference was launch of a web-based tool that
will aid estimation of roof top solar potential for city of Chandigarh. The tool is first of its kind in India and has to potential to be replicated for all cities of India in a cost effective manner. The tool has been developed by The Energy & Resources Institute
(TERI) in collaboration with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation.
The tool will help establish and assess viability of business models
and policy mechanisms towards realisation of the assessed solar power
potential through site specific project deployment efforts. Exports on the occasion emphasised on the need for developing a conducive environment for rooftop PV policy in India and requisite supporting mechanisms for accelerated deployment of solar devices. Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil delivered the inaugural address at
the conference attended by the delegates and officials from different
government departments and ministries including new and renewal energy,
power, environment and telecom.
Chief of programmes at Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation Chinmaya
Acharya said the costs of solar products have come down over the years,
and so, rooftop solar devices must be promoted in an accelerated manner.
Acharya highlighted the need for bringing “Solar Revolution” in
India, saying it would ensure energy security in the country which is
hugely dependent on imported oil to meet demands. “The Green Revolution brought food security to India, while the White
Revolution made India the largest producer of milk in the world. The
time has come for a solar revolution in the energy sector as there is
wide recognition about the energy security challenge in India,” he said. Rooftop solar segment while being a key potential source of
decentralised energy option, remains in a nascent stage of development
in India due to multiple reasons. Barriers to tap the huge latent potential of rooftop solar PV include
high first cost of installation for consumers, lack of financing by
banks, lack of public awareness, deficient supply chain and slow
evolving state policies. Experts called for addressing these issues and appreciated the web
based tool as a first step in addressing some of these barriers.
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