Rooftop Solar Plus Storage, now a Viable Solution for India

Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Issues Tender for 12 MW Solar Project

The declining cost of storage, along with that of rooftop solar installations, is likely to change the future dynamics of the Indian power sector.

The declining cost of storage solutions, along with that of rooftop solar solutions, is likely to change the future dynamics of the Indian power sector. Several countries such as Australia, the US, Germany, among others, have already endorsed solar power with battery storage.

The viability of storing solar power using batteries and using it during peak times is increasing due to declining battery prices. At present, in India, commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers face steep electricity costs, as well as frequent disruptions in the power supply. Installing a solar plus storage system can address both these issues and significantly reduce the company’s electricity bills.

Rooftop solar with storage system is a win-win solution for both end consumers as well as the Discoms. For consumers, the benefits are:

• Reliable and affordable power
• Ready backup power
• Consumers can manage their demand using storage system and reduce their demand charges
• Saving cost of alternate energy from diesel generator sets (due to power cuts). A recent ban on diesel generator sets in certain parts of India (Delhi/ NCR) has created the need for new energy sources
• It is also an environmentally friendly option

For Discoms, it helps in the reduction of transmission and distribution losses and saves on the investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Viability of rooftop/ onsite solar system with storage in India (JMK Research)

As per the research conducted by JMK Research and Analytics, at present, a 1 MW rooftop/ onsite solar plant with 250 kW of battery storage (4-hour backup), is already a viable solution for commercial consumers across key states in India. For industrial consumers, solar with storage is feasible in seven key states except, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

In the next two years, as per the analysis, the viability of solar with storage is likely to increase substantially across most states due to falling battery prices and rising grid tariffs.