Source: Monthly Policy Review of PRS
Background
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set a target of 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, of which 100 GW solar power is to be operational by March 2022, of which 40 GW is expected to come from grid-connected solar rooftops. In a pursuit to this the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has launched the State Rooftop Solar Attractive Index (SARAL).
Key Highlights
- SARAL has been designed collaboratively by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF), Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and Ernst & Young (EY).
- It was launched during the Review Planning and Monitoring (RPM) Meeting with States and State Power Utilities.
- It will rank states based on the measures adopted to facilitate rooftop solar deployment.
- It seeks to incentivize rooftop solar deployment by creating healthy competition among the states.
- It is the first of its kind index to provide a comprehensive overview of state-level measures adopted to facilitate rooftop solar deployment.
- SARAL will evaluate the following aspects of the development of rooftop solar in the state:
- Robustness of policy framework
- Implementation environment
- Investment climate
- Consumer experience, and
- Business ecosystem.
- In the recently announced rankings, Karnataka has achieved the first rank. Telangana, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have achieved 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rank respectively.
Significance
- It encourages each state to assess the initiatives taken so far, and what it can do to improve its solar rooftop ecosystem.
- This will help states to channelize investments that can eventually help the sector grow.
- In addition, such an exercise is likely to create a more conducive environment for solar rooftop installations, encourage investment and lead to the accelerated growth of the sector.
- It would also help in fulfilling India’s Intended Determined Contributions.
