If more than 27 crore (270 million) Indian homes were covered with solar panels, we could generate a staggering 637 GW of clean power. Yet, only 3% of that potential is currently realized—even though rooftop solar installations have jumped from 1 GW to 16 GW between 2019 and 2025.

🚧 Why the gap? Despite the rapid growth, India failed to achieve its national target of 40 GW of rooftop solar by 2022, in part due to low consumer awareness and interest, high costs, limited financing, and a lack of targeted policies. Rooftop solar is still a relatively small part of India’s current total solar power capacity of 100 GW—a mighty achievement in itself.

🏠 Regional & Sectoral Differences: Only 27% of installed rooftop solar is in the residential sector, while the commercial and industrial sectors account for 73% Only in Gujarat, Kerala, and Chandigarh does the residential segment account for more than 50% of total RTS installations, and other states are catching up. Only 7 states have dedicated rooftop solar cells for consumer support and process management.

⏳ Process Delays: The average time from application to commissioning remains 3–6 months in many states, indicating persistent bureaucratic and logistical delays.

⚡ Energy Mix Reality: According to several estimates, even with ambitious renewable energy targets, coal continues to contribute to 60% of energy generation during nights, with low increases to 75-78% during the post-monsoon season, when coal supply is also lower.

🌱 Signs of Progress: Schemes like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and digital single-window clearances are beginning to accelerate adoption.
India’s rooftops can be engines of clean growth, energy security, and climate action. It also plays a central role in global efforts to combat climate change due to the scale of change in India.

What policy, business, or research innovation do you think will make the biggest difference?

#RooftopSolar #India #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #Climate