Impact of Tamil Nadu Solar Policy 2019 on the residential segment

WRI India organized a stakeholder consultation workshop to inform and to further understand the implications of the Tamil Nadu Solar Policy 2019 on the residential consumers interested in rooftop solar PV in early August. The half-day workshop focused on the challenges that consumers face in adopting rooftop solar, and some mitigating measures under the new policy. The workshop also threw light on additional measures that can be taken up by various stakeholders in improving the consumers’ experience. The workshop witnessed participation from a range of stakeholders including, several representatives from Chennai’s resident welfare associations, solar vendors, renewable energy experts, banks, and officials from Taminadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA); the organisation entrusted with creating awareness about the policy.

The discussions at the workshop covered topics around Tamil Nadu’s 2019 solar policy and its impact on residential solar PV, success stories from individual residents and apartment complexes and information sharing by TEDA (Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency) to clarify doubts related to policy implementation.

The key takeaways from the discussion include:

• Rooftop solar PV is a viable energy source for both independent and multi-resident apartment complexes. However, households and RWAs must keep in mind different aspects such as demand, availability of space, finances, and equipment quality before going ahead with the investment decision

• Awareness about installation approval processes and availability of subsidies

• Dissemination of information about crucial specifications about quality of solar installations that consumers need to be aware of

This effort is part of WRI India’s work on India’s clean energy transition, and specifically around adoption of rooftop solar PV by urban residential consumers. You can read our report on Residential Consumers’ Experience with Rooftop Solar PV in Five Indian Cities, here.