Despite the State’s responsibility to support the country’s commitment to increase the share of installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil fuel sources to 40% by 2030 under the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), grid-connected rooftop solar power systems, one of the key projects identified to meet the target, is yet to attract many users. The low patronage is attributed to poor consumer awareness and lack of appropriate promotional campaigns. Less than 20,000 people have so far applied for rooftop projects in the State.
Though the national target is to achieve 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity by the end of 2022, of which 40 GW has to be generated from rooftop solar projects, the State will not be able to contribute even 62 megawatts (MW) of solar energy, given the existing situation. The field-level activities of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) are still not up to expectations.
“There are consumers capable of installing high-power grid-connected rooftop solar systems, but our architectural designs are yet to evolve in such a way to accommodate the system. Owing to structural issues, financially capable people are disinclined and are still banking on the traditional inverter power backup system,” said V. George, a retired KSEB engineer. He said many were unaware of the existing subsidy schemes and modern solar technology to meet increased power consumption needs.
