Rooftop solar powers the path to 600 GW clean energy

As of January 2025, rooftop solar installations in India contributed only 16.28 GW of the 100.33 GW total solar capacity, leaving significant potential across commercial, industrial, and residential rooftops to bridge this gap.

The energy landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, with clean energy emerging as the backbone of future growth. According to a recent report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) the country must aim for 600 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 to meet its rising electricity demands. This ambitious target underscores the need for rapid expansion in renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind power. However, while large-scale projects continue to dominate the conversation, the potential of distributed solar energy, particularly rooftop solar remains vastly under-utilised. 

Globally, rooftop solar has played a crucial role in energy transitions. Countries like China, Germany and the USA have successfully integrated decentralised solar generation with rooftop installations accounting for 30 percent to 50 percent of total solar capacity in some cases. In contrast, rooftop solar adoption in India lags significantly. As of January 2025, only 16.28 GW of India’s 100.33 GW total solar capacity comes from rooftop installations. Given vast commercial, industrial and residential rooftops there is immense potential to bridge this gap.

The primary challenge hindering the adoption of rooftop solar is the financial and technical barriers businesses and homeowners face. Upfront capital investment, concerns over system performance and lack of financing options have slowed growth. Innovative financing models and supportive government policies are essential to address these issues. Incentives such as easier access to credit, tax benefits and streamlined approval processes can encourage widespread adoption.

Additionally, net metering policies and time-of-use tariffs can make rooftop solar a more attractive option for consumers, allowing them to sell excess energy back to the grid and recover costs faster. Beyond economic benefits, distributed solar generation is critical for energy security and grid stability. Unlike large-scale solar farms requiring vast land resources and significant infrastructure investments, rooftop solar reduces transmission losses, eases grid congestion, and generates localised energy. Moreover, with growing concerns over climate change and air pollution, expanding rooftop solar will be key to reducing dependency on fossil fuels and meeting the country’s net-zero commitments.

For India to achieve its 600 GW clean energy goal, rooftop solar must become a national priority. By learning from global success stories, addressing financial barriers and implementing robust policies, India can unlock the full potential of decentralised solar energy. The next five years will be crucial in shaping the country’s energy future—scaling rooftop solar today will ensure a more resilient, sustainable and energy-secure tomorrow.

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Authored by: Rishabh Dev Bajaj, Co-Founder and CEO- Volt Energy