India has installed 1,176 MW of rooftop solar in residential sector: RK Singh

• Against this target capacity of 4,000 MW, based on the demand received from states, around 3,160 MW capacity has been allocated to the states' implementing agencies, Singh told RS
• The implementation of this programme has got significantly affected due to Covid-19 pandemic, he added

New Delhi: Against a target capacity of 4,000 MW, India has managed to put in place 1,176 MW of rooftop solar in the residential sector by the end of December 2021, Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) RK Singh told the Upper House of Parliament on Tuesday. In a written response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said, "The Ministry of New and Renewable energy (MNRE) is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II, targeting installation of aggregated 4,000 Megawatt (MW) capacity rooftop solar plants in the residential sector through central financial assistance by the year 2022."

"The guidelines for the implementation of the programme were issued on 20.08.2019 and thereafter capacities were allocated to states. Against this target capacity of 4,000 MW, based on the demand received from states, around 3,160 MW capacity has been allocated to the states' implementing agencies, out of which 1,176 MW capacity has been reported installed as on 31.12.2021," Singh said.

Rooftop solar residential sector: Only 29% of target achieved

With just a year to go, the installed rooftop solar capacity put in place so far makes up just 29 percent of the target set out by the government under Phase-II. Explaining the reasons behind the slow progress in the implementation of the scheme, Singh said, "The implementation of this programme has got significantly affected due to Covid-19 pandemic. Ministry of Power has already given extension of five months time on account of first wave of Covid-19 pandemic and another four months' time on account of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. The ongoing third wave of Covid-19 pandemic has again affected the progress. However, the implementation of the programme is being reviewed from time to time to make it effective in delivering the targeted benefits and guidelines are amended accordingly."

Recently, MNRE has issued a procedure for simplification of Rooftop Solar Programme allowing household owners to get the rooftop solar plant installed by themselves or through any vendor of their choice. At a review meeting held with state governments in December 2021, the Power Minister had also pulled up states regarding the poor implementation of the scheme. 

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