Push For Installation Of Solar Energy Solutions Should Be Household-Centric

There are still significant challenges and a perception gap regarding accessibility of solar energy solutions among different demographics in India. It is also true that awareness about the alternatives to traditional energy sources is on the rise among Indians. That’s what a recent survey on ‘Solar Spectrum of New India” by Luminous Power Technologies suggests. Around 97 per cent of the respondents have not installed solar rooftop system in their homes. In terms of accessibility, nearly 28 per cent of baby boomers (age 58-76) consider solar energy solutions inaccessible, while millennials report the least difficulty, with only 21 per cent expressing concerns. Gen X and Gen Z follow closely with 23 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively indicating inaccessibility. The lower rate of seamless transition to solar solutions can be attributed to perceptions and fears about possible high installation costs associated with adoption of rooftop solar, the shortage of specialised skills and skilled labour, among others.

An overwhelming 90 per cent (males and females included) said that the installation of solar solutions such as rooftop panels need specialised skills. Additionally, 57 per cent women and 41 per cent men state that skilled labour is not available in their area for implementing solar energy solutions. Therefore, the need for industry stakeholders to take the lead in driving awareness for career-building opportunities in the solar power sector need not be over-emphasised. All these will have to be seen in light of the fact that in order to unlock the full potential of solar energy, the Centre has already taken the lead and announced a revolutionary initiative like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. In fact, the Union budget also favoured indigenous production of solar panels and cells by proposing to expand the list of exempted capital goods used for the manufacture of solar panels. Significantly, even today, an astounding 92 per cent of Gen Z, 92 per cent of Gen X and 92 per cent millennials perceive the cost of implementing solar power solutions to be more expensive than going for the traditional energy sources.

Notably, 41 per cent of non-solar rooftop-owning millennials are aware of the solar financing options, compared to 38 per cent Gen X. Additionally, 84 per cent of millennial solar rooftop owners received financing and insurance options, contrasting with 58 per cent of Gen X. One has to keep in mind that since the spending power of a consumer is on a rising trajectory, one can easily foresee the need to own smarter home appliances. It is not difficult to understand that consumers will be inclined on living a cost-effective decarbonized life. Thanks to this shift in needs and demand trends, it is not difficult to understand the changing consumer perceptions, limitations and opportunities that remain unaddressed around the sphere of solar energy adoption. It is the responsibility of industry players to direct their initiatives in bridging the skill gap, spreading awareness and providing a support system aimed at creating more viable solar financing options for the consumers.