Rooftop Solar Power: Opportunities and Challenges
The concept of rooftop solar energy is gaining traction as a practical solution for generating electricity. The modular nature of solar panels allows them to be installed on any available roof, transforming it into a power plant. Despite the apparent advantages and governmental support, rooftop solar has not yet achieved a transformative scale.
Challenges in Integration with Distribution Systems
- Intermittency of Solar Power: Solar energy is available only when the sun is shining, necessitating storage or backup systems.
- Backup Systems:
- Excess energy generated during the day can be stored in batteries or exported to the grid.
- Batteries are still costly, making grid export the more feasible option.
- Financial Burden on Discoms: Using Kerala as a case study:
- Kerala has installed 1.5 gw of rooftop systems, covering 2% of its 10 million households.
- The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) reported unsustainable financial losses due to purchasing low-cost daytime electricity and selling it back at higher nighttime rates.
Policy Adjustments and Their Impact
- Kerala’s Regulatory Response:
- The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) proposed mandatory battery storage for new systems.
- Incentives through a gross metering mechanism were introduced, offering higher tariffs during peak hours.
- Notification has been paused due to a legal stay by the Kerala High Court.
International Perspective: The Case of Pakistan
- Policy Shifts:
- Pakistan eliminated import duties on Chinese solar panels and lithium batteries.
- Projected to install 25 gw of solar by 2024, meeting a significant portion of its electricity demand by 2030.
- Resulting Challenges:
- The transition has increased costs for distribution companies, triggering policy reviews.
Conclusion
The core challenge is how new energy systems can effectively displace or integrate with existing fossil fuel-based grids. This transition is crucial to observe for sustainable energy futures.
