How Indian Rooftop Solar Panel Manufacturers Are Driving Global Growth?

After years of conceptualisation, the rooftop solar power sector of India is now all set to drive action. In the window of six months till May 2023, more than 1000 MW capacity of rooftop solar power has been added, which is a remarkable figure. This proves the upward rise of the rooftop solar manufacturing sector

India is now successfully the global leader in the renewable energy industry. Not just in 2023, but in the past few years, the installation of solar panels over the roof has experienced immense growth and revolution. Hartek Group has been at the forefront of this transformation, driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solar solutions. Following that, modern ways are now being used in order to generate or consume energy.

In this article, you shall get a clear insight into several factors that explain the expansion of the rooftop solar industry in India and how manufacturers are putting in efforts to drive global growth around it. 

How has India Become the Most Affordable Producer of Solar Power?

Across the globe, renewable energy is considered the technology for promoting new capacity of power generation. Solar power production in India is now the lowest cost in the world, reflecting a substantial shift towards the use of renewable energy that is boosting the energy transformation sector globally.

Rooftop solar panel manufacturers in India have figured out that it is quite cheaper to build or run solar farms than to run coal-fired plants. The benefits associated with the use of renewable energy are also profound, which is one of the biggest motivators for India and the world to continue the trend of using it. 

The carbon emission reduction goals are to be met with this initiative, creating a barrier against climate change. India, being a thriving economy, will definitely see increased consumption of power in the future. Therefore, the country is now inclined towards investing in developing alternative energy forms to create a proper balance between sustainability in the environment and support needed for economic growth. 

Knowing this, the Government of India encouraged the idea of introducing solar power in 2010. And that helped the industry boom impeccably in a very short time window. Thus, India holds the title of being the cheapest solar energy producer. In the year 2010, the overall installed capacity of solar power was a mere 10 MW, and by 2016, the total installed solar power capacity was 6000 MW. 

But, as of 2023, achieving a 1000MW installation took just 6 months time. These numbers are evidence of how focused India is towards encouraging rooftop solar power installations. This has been made possible by the positive responses from all the rooftop solar panel manufacturers, contributing to the whopping growth of this sector on a global scale. 

Factors that Contribute to Make Indian Rooftop Solar Panel Manufacturers Drive Global Expansion

solar Expansion

Some of the factors that have helped the Indian rooftop solar panel manufacturers contribute to the growth & expansion of the industry on a global scale are:

1. Government’s Assistance

Indian Government bodies, such as MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) and SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India), have played a role in helping India grow exponentially in the solar energy sector. 

Aggressive targets were set, and policy implementations were encouraged for the rooftop solar manufacturers to put in considerable effort. Various missions were launched by the Central Government to promote the faster adoption of solar power, and even the state governments came in to support this accelerated growth.

2. Policies and Incentives

The incentives and subsidies issued by the Government since the introduction of this technology in the nation in 2010 have been considered instrumental for the manufacturers and consumers to adopt the use of solar energy. 

Since then, the top segments in the solar power industry that have seen immense growth include open-access solar farms, utility-scale, and rooftop solar plants. To boost the growth of this sector, the Government also permitted excise duty and customs duty benefits. 

Conclusion

There is no doubt about how important energy storage will be in the forthcoming times, and the Indian solar market will continue to be the cheapest power producer, irrespective of all the challenges. The manufacturers and energy providers are working tirelessly to remove all the bottlenecks at state, national, and even global levels.

To explore reliable solar solutions, contact Hartek Group – your trusted partner in renewable energy.

HARTEK, being one of the top 3 manufacturers of Rooftop solar panels, has been making it possible for people to install and leverage solar power, even in the most remote areas or locations. We have the best technicians and engineers onboard to ensure quality solar installations on priority. To know more, connect with us right away!

FAQ’s:-

1. What makes India a global leader in rooftop solar panels?
India leads due to affordable production costs, government support, and rapid capacity expansion, making it a top rooftop solar panel manufacturer.
2. Why is solar power in India cheaper than coal power?
Solar farms are more cost-effective to build and run than coal plants, reducing overall energy costs and promoting sustainable power generation.
3. How has the Indian government supported rooftop solar growth?
The Indian government offers subsidies, tax incentives, and policy support, boosting rooftop solar panel manufacturing and adoption.
4. What are the benefits of rooftop solar power?
Rooftop solar reduces electricity bills, lowers carbon footprints, and promotes energy independence with sustainable power generation.
5. Why choose Hartek Group for rooftop solar installation?
Hartek Group offers expert rooftop solar panel installation with top-quality equipment, ensuring reliable and efficient solar solutions.

Govt Must Act as a Catalyst to Unleash Residential Rooftop Solar Potential in India

India’s Rooftop Solar Industry: A Promising Future

Chasing a stiff 2022 target of 40 GW, India’s rooftop solar industry is finally coming into its own. Registering a phenomenal growth of 113 percent over the past year, the country’s rooftop solar capacity recently crossed the 1-GW mark. This milestone should inspire the industry to give a much-needed impetus to this nascent segment and set the pace for unprecedented capacity additions in years to come.

Favorable Policies Driving Rooftop Solar Growth

Rooftop solar in India has everything going for it—favorable government policies, streamlined processes, an efficient regulatory mechanism, and an investor-friendly business environment. However, achieving the 40 GW target will require decisive measures and enhanced growth strategies.

Commercial and Residential Market Potential

While the commercial and industrial categories are driving much of the growth, accounting for 63 percent of the installed rooftop solar capacity, it is the dormant residential market that holds enormous potential. Hartek Group believes that if even half of India’s 205 million households install rooftop solar projects with an average capacity of just 2 KW, the country can achieve 20 GW capacity quickly.

Boosting Rooftop Solar

Government’s Role in Boosting Rooftop Solar

The government can act as a catalyst for growth by introducing:

  • Incentive-based mechanisms

  • Formulating effective policies

  • Mandating solar PV installations on all residential buildings

Successful State-Level Policies

More states should follow the Delhi government’s example, which offers a generation-based incentive of Rs 2 per unit (kWh) to residential consumers, over and above the central government capital subsidy of 30 percent. The Delhi government has also allowed third-party solar developers to install solar PV plants, easing the process for residents.

Net Metering: A Game Changer for Rooftop Solar

A well-thought-out net metering policy can significantly impact the growth of rooftop solar. It allows households to:

  • Save on electricity bills

  • Earn from the power they produce

Through net metering, residents can source supply both from the grid and their solar PV plants. If one source stops, the system automatically switches to the other. Reverse net metering is another attractive option, enabling consumers to send excess electricity back to the grid and get remunerated. However, the lack of proper implementation is hindering its potential.

Challenges Facing Residential Rooftop Solar

The major roadblocks hindering growth in the residential rooftop category include:

  • High upfront costs of solar systems

  • Lack of financing options

  • Poor awareness levels

  • Difficulties in operation and maintenance

residential rooftop category

Cost of Rooftop Solar Systems

While the cost of rooftop solar has been progressively declining at a rate of 12% per annum over the past four years, a typical 1-KW solar system without battery costs around Rs 65,000-70,000 with a 30% subsidy. Since solar modules account for 60 percent of a solar PV plant’s cost, the development of cheaper modules and economies of scale will make rooftop solar financially more attractive.

Financing Challenges and Solutions

A major challenge for homeowners is the lack of low-cost financing. Banks and financial institutions should offer low-interest loans for rooftop solar projects, making it as simple as applying for a car or home loan.

Need for Increased Awareness

The lack of awareness about the benefits of rooftop solar also limits its adoption. During solar awareness drives, it was observed that only a small fraction of people knew how rooftop solar projects could:

  • Save on electricity bills

  • Provide assured returns

  • Offer 30 percent subsidies to domestic consumers

To bridge this gap, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced a centralized online facility that enables consumers to apply for rooftop solar installations with ease.

Skill Development and Workforce Training

Another issue is the lack of skilled manpower for installation, operation, and maintenance (O&M). While the commercial and industrial categories have sufficient technical manpower, the residential category lacks adequate support.
To address this:

  • A large technical workforce should be trained in solar installation and O&M.

  • Companies like Hartek Power are introducing portable 1-KW and 2-KW kits that simplify installation, making it as easy as installing a satellite dish.

Rooftop Solar for Rural Electrification

Since 70% of India’s population resides in villages, rooftop solar can play a significant role in electrifying rural and remote areas that are not connected to the grid.

  • Decentralized cluster power generation can reduce transmission costs in sparsely populated villages.

  • Rooftop solar offers a cost-effective solution to electrify regions where grid connectivity is challenging.

Rooftop Solar: Powering a New India

By empowering rural India with reliable electricity, rooftop solar is doing what the government alone could not achieve. For reliable rooftop solar solutions, contact Hartek Group – your trusted partner in renewable energy. It is lighting up homes that previously had no access to electricity, creating a foundation for a self-sufficient and sustainable India.

FAQ’s:-

1. What is the current rooftop solar capacity in India?
India’s rooftop solar capacity recently crossed the 1-GW mark, growing by 113% in the past year.
2. What are the key challenges for rooftop solar in India?
High upfront costs, lack of financing, poor awareness, and inadequate technical manpower hinder growth.
3. How does net metering benefit rooftop solar users in India?
Net metering allows users to save on electricity bills and earn by sending excess power back to the grid.
4. What government incentives are available for rooftop solar in India?
Residential consumers get a 30% subsidy, and some states offer additional incentives like generation-based rewards.
5. How can the residential rooftop solar market in India grow?
Increased awareness, low-interest loans, policy support, and simplified installation can boost adoption.