In a significant leap towards sustainable energy solutions, experts champion the adoption of solar rooftop systems as a remedy for power outages and challenges faced by Kashmir and snowbound regions. The initiative focuses on utilizing the slanting roofs of residential houses, industrial establishments, commercial installations, educational institutions, and government and defense establishments for solar power generation.
Despite receiving relatively lower incident solar radiation compared to other regions, with 4.7 kWh/sq m/day in Kashmir against 5.17 kWh/sq m/day in Jammu, the viability of solar power generation remains high. This strategic move offers a range of advantages, including lower capital costs, ease of installation, savings on power bills, reduced power outages, positive environmental impact, and minimal maintenance requirements due to natural cleaning by rains and snowfall.
Officials emphasize that the prevalent slanting roofs in Kashmir, designed to shield structures against snow and rain, provide the perfect canvas for solar rooftop installations. The financial appeal of solar rooftops in Kashmir is underscored by zero land costs and the absence of extensive supporting structures. Large-sized roofs present an excellent opportunity for developing solar rooftop power generation systems.
Despite the absence of a formal study on the solar rooftop potential in J&K, experts estimate its capacity to contribute close to 50 percent of total energy consumption, assuming only half of the consumers install rooftop solar systems on their properties.
Rooftop solar power systems, consisting of photovoltaic modules, mounting systems, cables, solar inverters, and other electrical accessories, have become pivotal in the renewable energy landscape. Residential rooftop systems typically range from 1 to 20 kilowatts, while commercial buildings can host systems with capacities between 100 kilowatts and 1 megawatt.
Dispelling the misconception that Kashmir has limited solar potential due to harsh weather conditions, officials point to countries like Armenia and Serbia as examples of high-altitude regions successfully harnessing solar energy.
The installation of solar plants in snowbound areas not only addresses local unemployment but also provides a crucial avenue for reducing pollution and mitigating climate change, according to experts.
Crucially, the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of essential components of solar rooftop systems, such as solar modules, inverters, batteries, and interconnecting cabling, are enhanced under cold climatic conditions. The efficient dissipation of heat generated by these components contributes to their durability.
While acknowledging the challenges associated with large-scale projects, as seen in Himachal Pradesh’s 1000 MW solar power plant in the snowbound Spiti valley, officials in Kashmir express optimism about overcoming logistical hurdles. These challenges include strong planning, grid accessibility, maintenance, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.
As the solar rooftop system gains prominence, Kashmir envisions a future where solar energy not only addresses its power woes but also ushers in a sustainable era of clean and efficient energy production. The journey towards a greener and more energy-efficient Kashmir is underway, leveraging the potential of its unique topography and embracing solar power solutions.
