Solar’s Mass Market Entry-Challenges Ahead

Mr. Abhijeet More, Sales Head, India – Home and Commercial Business, SMA India

The renewable energy sector in India is at the cusp of unprecedented growth and has been fast accelerating. It has crossed the 70,000 MW mark in installed solar power capacity and with the right push from the government in the recently passed Interim budget, the path ahead is promising. Multiple schemes by the government of India have put the focus on renewable energy, particularly on solar energy. The recently launched Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana aims to provide electricity to low and middle-income individuals through solar rooftop installations. The scheme offers subsidies for solar panel installations making it extremely affordable. It is the Prime Minister’s vision to harness the power of solar energy and make every household Aatmanibhar for their electricity needs. Alongside the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims at taking solar energy to the masses by promoting rooftop solar panel installations. These progressive schemes are the logical step toward making households self-reliant when it comes to producing electricity and also extra earning money.

Country moving in the right direction

India as a country has been blessed with an abundance of sunlight. And harnessing this great source of energy, the government is taking all the right steps toward making solar power a reality for everyone. Many schemes now aim to make solar power installations easy and affordable for the masses. Apart from solar power being the top source of sustainable energy, it also can be used for empowering the masses to generate their electricity and be a source of regular earnings by selling surplus electricity generated by each household. These schemes also offer 60% subsidies to the house owners to make rooftop installation more affordable. This is also compounded by loans from centralized banks for installations. The Suryodaya Yojana is especially aimed at consumers whose consumption is less than 300 units, which would also comprise weaker sections of the society.

Challenges along the way

While India is making significant strides in the adoption of solar energy, challenges persist on the path ahead. A coordinated effort among stakeholders, coupled with strong political will, is crucial to overcoming these hurdles and achieving our goals. One primary challenge for newcomers is raising awareness about the long-term benefits of solar energy.

To address this, it is essential to provide comprehensive training for electricians, focusing on proper installation and maintenance of solar systems. As we aim to extend solar energy accessibility to households in Tier II and Tier III cities, establishing a robust ground-level network for regular maintenance is imperative. Additionally, there is a pressing need to cultivate skilled resources capable of efficiently handling installation and maintenance tasks.

In conclusion, the prospects for solar energy to become mainstream in India are promising. The scalability of communication infrastructure, adaptable to Smart City needs, is a key factor. With abundant sunlight, open spaces, and sizable rooftops in Tier II and Tier III cities, India is moving in the right direction. Emphasizing awareness, proper installation, and maintenance, along with financial viability, will further propel the sustainable integration of solar energy into the mainstream.