The Prime Minister’s ambitious Surya Ghar Yojana, launched in February 2024, was envisioned to revolutionize residential solar energy in India. With a goal to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million households by 2027 and a generous Rs. 75,021 crore budget, the scheme promised a clean energy transformation. In many parts of India, the program has indeed seen remarkable uptake, boosting the country’s residential rooftop solar capacity by 50% in just six months. But in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the story has been different. With the region’s residential solar capacity still struggling to meet even 20% of the program’s initial targets, J&K lags far behind the rest of India in harnessing the benefits of this promising initiative.
Challenges Faced by J&K’s Solar Sector
The challenges in J&K’s solar journey are multi-dimensional, ranging from geographical and logistical issues to financial and administrative obstacles.
1. Geographical and Climatic Limitations
Kashmir’s geographical location and climatic conditions play a significant role in slowing down solar adoption. Winters in the Valley are long, and snow often covers rooftops, which hampers solar panel efficiency. This seasonal barrier is compounded by the region’s moderate to low levels of sunlight, especially from December to February, which reduces the output of solar installations compared to sunnier states.
2. Lack of Adequate Financing Options and Financial Accessibility
While PM Surya Ghar offers a 60% subsidy and access to loans at a 7% interest rate, this financial support has not been enough to encourage widespread adoption in J&K. The region’s socio-economic demographics—comprising a large number of low-income households—mean that even with the subsidies, the initial investment required for rooftop solar is still out of reach for many families. Moreover, the availability of credit is limited in J&K, with only a few financial institutions actively involved, compared to the more than 25 banks and NBFCs supporting solar financing in other states.
3. Limited Availability of Domestic Photovoltaic (PV) Modules
The supply of domestically manufactured photovoltaic cells and modules is essential for the successful rollout of the Surya Ghar Yojana. However, India’s PV manufacturing capacity remains insufficient to meet the growing demand, particularly in regions like J&K where import logistics add another layer of complexity. This shortage of PV modules is a significant bottleneck, delaying projects and discouraging many potential adopters from going solar.
4. Vendor and Infrastructure Shortages
In states like J&K, vendor availability does not match demand, leading to lengthy delays in installation. This disparity is particularly pronounced in rural and semi-urban areas, where the number of certified vendors is limited, resulting in prolonged wait times for installation and maintenance. Additionally, the region’s weaker infrastructure in terms of roads and grid connectivity makes transportation and installation of solar equipment more challenging, thus dampening the scheme’s reach.
5. Policy and Administrative Hurdles
Although the government has relaxed rules for selling surplus energy to the grid in some regions, procedural hurdles remain in J&K. Discoms are not yet fully equipped to handle net metering processes smoothly. This bureaucratic friction discourages residents, who see net metering as a critical benefit of installing rooftop solar, from participating in the scheme.
6. Security Concerns and Local Sentiments
Security concerns in certain parts of J&K also impede solar installations. Areas affected by conflict face infrastructure damage more frequently, raising concerns about the safety and longevity of solar panels. Additionally, local skepticism towards government initiatives can act as a deterrent, impacting public willingness to engage with the scheme.
Success Stories from Other Regions: A Stark Contrast
J&K’s lagging performance in rooftop solar installations stands in stark contrast to other states. For instance, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra have shown impressive growth, with Gujarat alone accounting for a significant portion of new installations under Surya Ghar. These states have implemented streamlined approval processes, partnered with multiple financial institutions, and benefited from favorable solar irradiance levels, which together create an enabling environment for solar adoption.
Himachal Pradesh, another mountainous region, has managed to add 71 MW in solar capacity since 2020 by addressing its geographical challenges through targeted local policies, showing that mountainous terrains are not insurmountable obstacles if tackled with the right measures.
Solutions for Accelerating Solar Adoption in J&K
To bridge the gap and ensure that J&K reaches its solar potential, several strategies must be adopted:
1. Enhanced Financial Assistance for Low-Income Households
Increasing subsidies even further for low-income households in J&K and offering interest-free loan options could help make rooftop solar more accessible to economically disadvantaged families. Furthermore, additional support for down payments would reduce the financial strain and encourage more households to participate.
2. Partnership with Local Financial Institutions
Expanding partnerships with J&K Bank and other local financial institutions would provide better access to loans and financial products tailored to the region’s socio-economic realities. Incentivizing these institutions to promote solar loans could also improve financing options for households that may not have credit histories or collateral.
3. Building a Local Solar Ecosystem
Developing local solar manufacturing and installation infrastructure, possibly through public-private partnerships, could address the shortage of PV modules and skilled installers. Training local technicians in installation and maintenance would also create employment opportunities, further incentivizing solar adoption.
4. Adapted Solar Solutions for Climatic Challenges
Introducing solar systems designed to withstand Kashmir’s harsh winters, with features like automated snow clearing or optimized winter performance, could help make solar power more viable year-round. Encouraging research and development in this area would lead to more resilient and effective solutions for the region’s unique climate.
5. Awareness Campaigns and Community Engagement
A targeted public awareness campaign, involving local influencers and community leaders, could help build trust in government initiatives and educate the public on the benefits of solar power. Testimonials from local beneficiaries, like Srinagar resident Abdul Rashid, could help demystify the process and encourage broader participation.
6. Streamlined Administrative Processes
Simplifying net metering approvals and streamlining interactions with discoms are essential steps to improve the customer experience. Implementing an online application and tracking system would reduce paperwork, improve transparency, and make the process more efficient.
The Path Forward
As India progresses toward its renewable energy goals, it is imperative that all states and regions, especially lagging ones like J&K, are given the support needed to meet their potential. The PM Surya Ghar Yojana holds transformative promise not only for energy generation but also for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. With focused policy adjustments, localized strategies, and community engagement, J&K could overcome its unique challenges and emerge as a key player in India’s solar revolution.
As the nation strives for a cleaner, greener future, Jammu and Kashmir’s solar journey must not be left behind. Ensuring equitable access to the benefits of renewable energy is vital for the inclusive growth of every Indian state and region. With the right support, J&K could harness the power of the sun to light up a new chapter in its development journey.
