Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme

Natural nonrenewable resources such as coal and petroleum decimate daily, increasing pollution from coal combustion. However, we can use renewable resources such as sunlight to generate electricity, so programs like the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme are created. Solar panels on the rooftop of any residential, advert, or institutional building in this program produce electricity at a low cost; hence, we will get clean energy at a low cost with this program’s success. As a result, we will read everything about the program in this article.

Before we get there, here’s a general introduction to the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Program:

What is a Solar Rooftop System? 

Solar panels are installed on the roofs of any residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial building under this system. It can be of 2 kinds: solar rooftop systems with battery storage and grid-connected solar rooftop systems.

Solar rooftop with battery storage

A battery is used as a storage facility in this type of system.

Grid Connected Solar Rooftop System

It is also referred to as an SPV system. The DC power generated by the SPV panel is transformed to AC power using a power conversion unit and fed into the grid via either 33kV/11kV three-phase lines or 440/220 Volt 3 phase lines, depending on the performance of the system installed at the institution, commercial establishment, or housing building and the regulatory environment specified for individual Nations.

Power generated by these processes during the day is properly utilised by propelling captive loads and sending excess power to the grid until it is available. If related to cloud cover, solar energy is insufficient to power the captive loads; power from the grid is used to power them.

Now, let’s understand the Objectives of the rooftop program and how it affects the system. 

Aim of the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme

Let’s discuss some of the Objectives of the grid-connected rooftop solar program.

Rooftop solar initiatives will produce 40,000 MW of total capacity by 2022. The program was introduced with a total of 11,814 crores in central funding. The Phase II program offers central financial support (for residential roof deck solar installations) of up to 40% for roofs up to 3kW and 20% for anyone with capacities ranging from 3 to 10kW. The second stage will also emphasise increased distribution company involvement (DISCOM).

Advantages of Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar System

Some of the advantages of the Rooftop Solar System are: 

• The consumer saves money on his or her electric bill.
• Make use of available vacant roof space; no additional land is required.
• A short gestation period.
• There is no need for additional transmission and distribution (T&D) lines.
• As energy consumption and creation are colocated, T&D losses are reduced.
• An increase in tail-end line voltage and a reduction in system congestion.
• Long-term energy and environmental security through carbon emission reduction.
• Improved DISCOM/utility leadership of daytime peak loads.
• Fulfilment of obligated entities’ Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).

Challenges of Solar Rooftop System

Let’s discuss some of the challenges that come under the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme: 

• The main issue with this system is the fluctuating supply. Because it is dependent on solar energy, such as how bright the sun is, etc. Furthermore, solar cells do not generate electricity at night even though off-grid locations require more alternative energy sources.
• Storage may be the solution, but energy storage is still in its infancy, and storage solutions are prohibitively expensive.

Now, let’s understand the agency which regulates the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme in India. 

Nodal Agency: for the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which a Union cabinet minister leads, is in charge of research and innovation, intellectual property rights, and global collaboration, promotion, and coordination in clean energy, solar and wind power, hydropower, biogas, and solar energy. The ministry’s overarching goal is to build and deploy clean and renewable energy to supplement India’s energy needs.

This ministry’s mission is to reduce reliance on oil transportation, increase the share of clean energy, and supplement energy needs for cooking, heating, and other activities. Energy is cost-effective, convenient, and safe, decreasing energy equity. 

Conclusion

Because nonrenewable resources are depleting faster, generating electricity from renewable resources is necessary for an hour. As a result, India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has launched the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme to generate electricity from solar power. Solar panels are installed in cooperative institutions and several buildings to generate electricity, lowering the cost of light production. As a result, the solar power capacity in this program exceeds 25 years. As a result, the Grid Rooftop Solar Program is a solution for a country’s long-term energy needs and environmental security through carbon emission reduction. Also, the consumer’s electricity bill decreases.