THEDU EDITORIAL DISCUSSION 5thMarch THE HINDU
Solar powerhouse For residential consumers to see rooftop solar as a viable electricity option, building awareness is crucial UBHODESP
In February, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved phase 2 of the grid-connected rooftop solar programme, with a focus on . the residential sector Solar panels turn photons from the sun into DC electricity The AC power you dont use is sent back into grid and used by the utility company. The inverter turns DC current 2into alternating current (AC) for use in your home. UBHODESP
India has set an ambitious target of achieving 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity by 2022. However, while there has been progress on rooftop solar installations among industries and commercial consumers, the uptake among residential consumers has been slow. Urban residential electricity consumers are still hesitant to consider rooftop solar power for their homes. This is because they don't have enough information about it, according to a 2018 study by the World Resources Institute in five cities Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Jaipur and Nagpur. UBHODESP
For residential urban consumers, one of the key barriers to installing rooftop solar systems is that they do not know who to contact to understand the processes to be followed and permissions required. There is no single source to access information, evaluate benefits and disadvantages, and examine if any government support (such as a financial subsidy) is available. Most of the technical information provided by various sources, including the government, tends to be Internet-based. The study shows that less than 20% of respondents rely on the Internet to make a decision concerning rooftop solar systems. A significant majority of consumers seek face-to-face discussions and recommendations from friends and family UBHODESP
Devising simple, well-designed and creative ways to disseminate information is importantto help consumers make informed decisions. Information must be made easily available to the consumers on the amount of shadow-free roof area needed for generating a unit of electricity and pricing; operating the system, after-sales maintenance and support; and reliable rooftop solar vendors. The local electricity linesmen, electricity inspectors, and other nodal officials in the electricity department also have key roles to play. Building their capacities to disseminate such information and handle consumer queries and concerns, and providingbasictraining in billing and metering for solar power can go a long way in improving consumers experience UBHODESP
Objective information must be put out through various avenues, so that it is accessible to all segments of the population and in local languages. Information kiosks can be set up in public institutions like banks to offer information on the technology, as well as on practical issues such as guidance on selecting vendors. A robust feedback mechanism can be put in place for consumers to share their experiences with others. In November 2018, for instance, the Bangalore Apartments' Federation held a workshop on residential rooftop solar to sensitise their members. UBHODESP
Since the market for residential rooftop solar power is nascent, there are opportunities to learn from more mature consumer durable markets. t is important to also acknowledge that enthusiasm for rooftop solar energy largely comes from those with higher disposable incomes and who live in their own houses. Rooftop solar is a promising energy source for everyone, including socio- economically weaker consumers. Raising awareness and building consumer capacity to engage with the sector are crucial for ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all and for India to achieve its rooftop solar targets. UBHODESP