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Jaipur, Rajasthan: The Renewable Energy Association of Rajasthan (REAR) successfully organized a Solar Vendor Meet, bringing together solar vendors from across the state, senior officials, and key stakeholders to discuss the challenges and solutions for accelerating rooftop solar installations under PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
The event was attended by Ms. Mahima Sarabhai (SE, PM Surya Ghar, JVVNL) and representatives from REC, along with a large number of solar vendors.
Ajay Yadav, President of Renewable Energy Association of Rajasthan (REAR), highlighted the critical challenges hindering rooftop solar installations in Rajasthan with a strong focus on the urgent need for an additional state subsidy, DCR module availability, price control, and the removal of the 100 free units electricity scheme to drive installations in Rajasthan.
Current Progress & Challenges in Rajasthan’s Solar Installations
🔸 Rajasthan contributes only 4% of total national installations, despite being a leading solar state.🔸 The state aims to achieve 5 lakh installations annually, leading to a 10 lakh target under the scheme, but progress remains slow due to several key challenges.
Key Issues Hindering Solar Growth in Rajasthan
1️⃣ Awareness & Policy Barriers
✔ Consumers lack awareness about PM Surya Ghar Yojana and its benefits.
✔ Not additional state subsidy provided by govt for PM Surya Ghar Yojana
✔ 100 free units are also a hurdle for solar adoption
✔ Exported solar units should be carried forward annually instead of monthly settlement.
✔ Misconception about free electricity: Many people wrongly believe they will receive 300 free units after installing solar, leading to unrealistic expectations.
2️⃣ Financial & Market Challenges
✔ DCR Module Shortage & Price Hike: The unavailability of domestic content requirement (DCR) modules and price fluctuations have disrupted the supply chain.
✔ Wrong benchmark prices: The incorrect pricing set by MNRE confuses vendors and misleads consumers.
✔ MNRE is neither updating benchmark prices nor controlling module costs, creating further instability.
3️⃣ Challenges for C&I (Commercial & Industrial) Solar Projects
✔ Non-subsidy rooftop solar projects are suffering from lack of attention & support.
✔ No settlement amount is provided for net-exported units.
✔ Fees & charges for C&I projects should be included in the next bill for faster processing.
✔ C&I projects should also be allowed to apply via the PM Surya Ghar portal.
Government & Discom’s Commitment
📢 Ms. Mahima Sarabhai (SE, PM Surya Ghar, JVVNL) assured full support from Discom to resolve issues and streamline approvals for rooftop solar installations.
📢 Representatives from REC acknowledged the concerns and emphasized the need for immediate policy interventions.
Way Forward: What Needs to be Done?
✔ Introduce an Additional State Subsidy: More than 10 states already provide additional subsidies, which has significantly boosted their solar adoption. Rajasthan must follow suit.
✔ Remove the 100 Free Units Scheme: The policy discourages households from adopting solar, as people believe they don’t need solar if they get free electricity.
✔ Ensure Availability & Price Control of DCR Modules: MNRE must ensure adequate supply of DCR modules and introduce price stabilization measures to prevent sudden cost fluctuations.
✔ Allow Hybrid Inverters in Net Metering: This will enable better energy management.
✔ Ensure Exported Units are Settled Annually: Instead of monthly settlement, this will make solar more attractive.
✔ Strengthen Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Clearing misconceptions and promoting solar benefits will drive adoption.
REAR’s Action Plan to Accelerate Solar Growth
✅ Collaboration with Discoms & Banks to facilitate faster installations.
✅ Solar Rath Yatra to spread awareness across Rajasthan.
✅ Door-to-Door Awareness Campaigns to reach every household.
✅ Printing & Distributing 10 Lakh Consumer Awareness Booklets to educate people and clarify every possible doubt.
✅ Appointment of District Coordinators to ensure state-wide solar promotion.
✅ Regular Awareness Campaigns with Discoms.
✅ Organizing PM Surya Ghar Mela at district and state levels to promote solar adoption.
Conclusion
Rajasthan has the potential to lead India in rooftop solar installations, but urgent policy interventions and awareness campaigns are required. The introduction of an additional state subsidy, removal of the 100 free units scheme, and resolving procedural hurdles will help achieve the 10 lakh installation target.
The Solar Vendor Meet concluded with a strong commitment from all stakeholders to push for necessary policy changes and ensure a brighter, solar-powered future for Rajasthan.
🌞 Do you think an additional state subsidy and stable module pricing will help boost solar installations in Rajasthan? Share your thoughts!
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