We are extensively working our rooftop business to offer on-grid and off-grid rooftop system solutions.

- Varinder Bhatia

Assistant Vice President, Havells India

What is your take on the initiatives taken by the government to promote solar energy especially in the rooftop solar space? What are the challenges/ reasons for lower rooftop capacity addition?

Adopting the solar power as an alternative to thermal power is a step-in right direction. In global arena, India is emerging as a leading generator of renewable energy and combined with government's initiatives to promote solar energy, will lead us towards sustainable development at a faster pace. These days the percentage for acceptance of solar rooftop panels is speeding up. There are various reasons that draw one's attention on the many advantages of installing solar rooftop panels in buildings. The biggest advantage of installing rooftop solar panels is that they offer cost savings. The tariff rates for rooftop solar in comparison to industrial and commercial tariff rates are cheaper by 25% and 35% respectively and in some states, it is even 50%. It is a secure investment as the price of power generated by solar rooftops will be fix as compare to fluctuating/increasing tariff from state discoms. It reduces carbon footprint and serves as an affordable source of electricity. It entails extremely less maintenance.

The principal barriers encountered during large scale deployment of rooftops include lack of consumer awareness about the benefits of solar power, a shortage of manufacturing facilities, lack of skilled workforce and soaring direct cost. There is a requirement for increase in the investment for worldwide collaborative solar R&D, this will enable the government and industry to achieve the goal of the National Solar Mission by 2022.

How big is solar business for Havells? What are the different types of solutions that you are providing for both grid connected and off grid solar system? Also, cost becomes a major pain point when it comes to rooftop solar installations. How do your products ensure lesser burden on your clients?

Havells has been increasingly focused on its solar business. The company sees a potential for growth and expansion in the solar markets on the back of factors such as - government's push towards solar electrification and shift in lifestyle of buyers. At Havells, solar business is divided broadly in two segments i.e., solar street lighting and solar rooftop. The company is extensively working for its rooftop business and offers on-grid and off-grid rooftop system solutions. We recently launched 100KW rating solar sting inverters for rooftop solution at competitive price, which help leer burden on customer and value for money.  

We commenced connected lighting solutions in India with our products and services ranging from sensor-based lighting products to POE enabled and LitM, we are among the earliest movers in this market segment and have successfully completed numerous housing, smart town and an indoor commercial project.

What has been the impact of the pandemic on your business and the sector as a whole?

The Covid-19 pandemic has produced a tectonic shift in ways we function. It has impacted business, lifestyle, and organisations' way of working. There has been an inane desire to gauge alternative tools to interact work and perform business which can be seamless. At the same time, we see a steep shift in how we perceive social and work culture. Surprisingly, this new order is shaping and growing acceptance. Clients and users need and preferences with regards to solar/ electricity have undergone a phenomenal shift and large corporates are shifting towards solar/renewable energy and focus towards a healthy, sustainable, and human-centric workplace.

How do you see the future of rooftop solar sector? What are growth drivers behind the solar business for you and what are your future plans?

India's experience with the rise in rooftop solar has been led by government schemes and commercial and Industrial (C&I) segment. The C&I segment is expected to bounce back and increase the pace of deployment of rooftop solar installations as companies wants to optimize costs. This can be achieved by adopting various new innovative technological rooftop solar solutions.

In the past few years, the market has witnessed a steady pace of capacity additions hovering at about 1.4 GW per annum and estimated to grow by 25% on a year-over-year (Y-o-Y) basis. New trends being explored in the Indian market include adoption of large format modules (400+/500+Wp series), bifacial modules depending on site-specific conditions, and battery storage for specific applications. With falling module and battery prices, switching to a rooftop solar or rooftop solar plus storage model can help them save significantly on electricity costs.

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