Skip to main content

RoofTop Solar blessing to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in India

Due you know the Indian economy is on a transformative journey towards sustainability. Considering the net-zero goal for 2070 by Shree Narendra Modi, renewable energy & particularly solar rooftop will play a vital role. 

Here we explore the immense potential of rooftop solar for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises - MSMEs in India. We will find a way to how MSMEs can leverage this clean solar energy source to decarbonize their operations, achieve cost savings, and propel themselves towards a greener future.

Carbon free & net-zero target

India stands at a pivotal moment in its pursuit of sustainable development and economic progress. With a goal to decarbonize its economy and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 INDIA is capitalizing on its vast potential for renewable energy. Rooftop solar energy, in particular, presents a significant opportunity for India’s MSMEs to contribute to these goals while reaping substantial benefits. 

Further we explore the role of rooftop solar in the decarbonization of MSMEs and its benefits they offers.

India’s Aim to carbon free and Reach Net-Zero

India has committed to becoming net-zero by 2070, which means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere. This target is part of India’s strategy to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

Renewable energy, particularly solar power, is central to India’s decarbonization strategy. With over 300 sunny days annually, India has immense potential for solar energy generation. The government aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, with a significant portion coming from solar power. Rooftop solar installations are a key component of this plan, offering decentralized energy solutions that can reduce the carbon footprint of industries and households alike.

India’s Commitment to the Paris Agreement by Modiji

India’s pledge to the Paris Agreement underscores its commitment to global efforts to mitigate climate change. Under this agreement, India has set Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that include reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels and achieving half of its energy requirement through renewable energy technologies by 2030.

Rooftop solar installations are instrumental in achieving these targets. By promoting clean energy at the consumer level, India can significantly cut down on its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For MSMEs, adopting rooftop solar is not only an environmental imperative but also a step towards compliance with national and international regulations aimed at fostering sustainable development.

GDP Growth and the Contribution of MSMEs

MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing approximately 30% to the country’s GDP and accounting for about 45% of the manufacturing output and 40% of exports. The sector employs over 150 million people, making it a critical driver of economic growth and social development.

However, MSMEs also face significant challenges, including high energy costs, which can impede their competitiveness and growth. Transitioning to rooftop solar can help mitigate these challenges by providing a reliable and cost-effective energy source, enhancing the sector’s productivity and sustainability.

Electricity Charges for MSMEs in India

Electricity costs constitute a substantial portion of operating expenses for MSMEs in India. The high and continually increasing electricity tariffs can strain the financial resources of these enterprises.

Figure 1 – Energy charges for LT and HT Industrial consumers in top 5 rooftop solar states

On average, industrial electricity tariffs in India range from ₹5 to ₹10 per kWh, depending on the state and the consumption level. These costs can be particularly burdensome for energy-intensive industries, reducing their profitability and growth potential.

Generation Cost of Rooftop Solar

The generation cost of electricity from rooftop solar systems has been decreasing steadily due to advancements in technology, economies of scale, and supportive government policies. Currently, the cost of generating electricity from rooftop solar in India is around ₹2.50 to ₹4.50 per kWh, making it competitive with, and often cheaper than, grid electricity.

This cost advantage is a significant incentive for MSMEs to invest in rooftop solar. By reducing their energy costs, MSMEs can improve their margins and invest more in innovation and expansion, contributing to overall economic growth.

Conclusion

India’s drive to carbon free & achieve net-zero emissions presents a unique opportunity for MSMEs to contribute to national goals while benefiting from the transition. Rooftop solar is a low-hanging fruit in this context, offering significant advantages in terms of cost savings, energy independence, and compliance with environmental regulations.

The decreasing generation cost of rooftop solar makes it a financially viable option for MSMEs, allowing them to reduce operational costs and increase profitability. Additionally, by adopting clean energy, MSMEs can enhance their competitiveness, align with global sustainability standards like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and support India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

In summary, the adoption of rooftop solar by MSMEs is a strategic move that aligns economic and environmental goals. It not only supports India’s ambitious decarbonization targets but also empowers MSMEs to thrive in a competitive global market. As India continues to prioritize renewable energy, MSMEs that embrace rooftop solar will be well-positioned to lead the way towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Know the difference between Perc, TOPCon and Heterojunction technology (HJT)....

Solar panel manufacturing technology has come a long way over the years & there have been significant advancements recently with the introduction of mono PERC, Topcon and mainly Heterojunction technology (HJT) technology. These new technologies have led to improvements in solar module efficiency, durability and overall high performance so making them a more viable and cost-effective option for solar PV power generation. Colleagues, Let us know each  solar PV module  technology and understand the differences. 👉💥About PERC Technology : PERC stands for Passivated Emitter & Rear Cell. The PERC solar cell has a presence of a passivation layer at the back side of the cell which helps to minimize recombination losses and increase light absorption.  The key role of the rear-side passivation layer is to reflect light that passes through the silicon cell without being absorbed back into the silicon. By reflecting this light, the passivation layer gives the solar cell seco...

From solar to pump hydro storage - Budget 2024 is for India’s energy transformation.

Lobelsolar -  Energy transition remain a key focus area for the government with solar, nuclear and pump hydro storage getting a policy push with industry experts saying it will provide a major fillip to the capacity addition in the renewables sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana launched in January this year to install rooftop solar plants to enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity up to 300 units every month has received an overwhelming response with more than 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications. Details showed that the government allocated Rs 8,500.35 crore to solar power (grid), showing a rise of nearly 79% against the revised estimates of the Budget 2023-2024. With an objective to further boost the renewable sector, the government in Union Budget 2024 allocated Rs 19,100 crore to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy against Rs 12,850 crore allocated in the Interim Budget in February. The revised esti...

Price List of LOBEL Solar POWER Kit ( Except Solar Panel & Inverter )

Our Services Site survey. Customized design solution for solar PV projects. Preliminary design report. 2D & 3D site model. Electrical drawings. MMS design. Shadow analysis report. Detailed project report. Project planner Material procurement support. System integration and commissioning. Operation & maintenance of solar power plants.  TERMS & CONDITIONS: · Price Basis: Ex-stock LOBEL · Tax: As per above Kit table · Fright Charges: Extra as Actual. · Payment Terms: 100 % advance with P.O. · Delivery Period: 3 Days after receipt for PO & Advance