The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has published new installation statistics for April 2018, in its Programme/Scheme-wise Physical Progress in 2018-2019.
According to the circular released on May 28, during the same period, Off-grid/Captive Power Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Systems achieved 40 MW, against the EoY target of 200 MW.
This is not the first time that dark clouds have loomed over India’s solar power (roof top) numbers. In the 2017-2018 financial year, Grid-Interactive Solar Power (Rooftop) fared poorly with only 352.83 MW achieved against the 1000 MW target. It may be noted that in 2017-2018, the Central government had quietly downscaled its rooftop target from 5000 MW to 1000 MW.
The cumulative numbers (as of April 30, 2018) are disheartening as well. So far, India has achieved only 1065.41 MW in the rooftop segment while ground-mounted solar power is spreading more sunshine with better cumulative statistics – 20819.64 MW.
As part of the world’s largest renewable-energy expansion plan, by 2022 India aims to have 175 GW of energy from renewable sources, with solar power contributing 100 GW. Four years from now, India expects to have 38 solar parks selling power to state-owned distribution companies to supply to end-users. Meeting the 175 GW deadline is expected to cost Rs 125 billion.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
What will not be met with in Roof top solar will be met with Grid connected ground mounted solar parks. In the ultimate analysis, it is numbers that matter, meeting the goal is important than the proportion.