Abstract:

The rooftop solar photovoltaic (RTS) sector plays a crucial role in achieving India’s ambitious renewable energy targets by 2022 and beyond. However, the progress of residential, commercial and industrial applications has been slow compared with utility-scale solar PV and onshore wind power. Policy, regulatory and administrative challenges at both central and state levels, as well as limited financing options and reluctance of utility distribution companies (DISCOMs), hamper the faster expansion of rooftop installations. To discuss and address some of these challenges, the International Energy Agency (IEA), in collaboration with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of India, organised an online workshop titled “Unlocking the economic potential of rooftop solar energy in India” on 12 October 2020. The workshop brought together the central and state-level policy makers of India, business communities, regulators, and DISCOMs, along with international experts from Australia, Brazil, Germany and the United States.