RTS PROGRAMME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: Rooftop solar (RTS) has the potential to transform India’s energy landscape by providing a sustainable, decentralized, and affordable solution for the country's increasing electricity demands.

RTS Programme

• Launch: The Indian government launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission in January 2010.
• It was the first major initiative to promote the growth of solar energy.
• Nodal Agency: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• Objective: The main objective was to produce 20 GW of solar energy (including RTS) in three phases: 2010-2013, 2013-2017, and 2017-2022.
• Revised Target: In 2015, the government revised this target to 100 GW by 2022, including a 40 GW RTS component, with specific yearly targets for each State and Union Territory.

oIndia achieved an installed RTS capacity of about 7.5 GW.

• Deadline: The government extended the deadline for the 40 GW target to 2026.
• Factors for RTS Growth: Sustainable Partnership for RTS Acceleration in Bharat, SUPRABHA, and the Sustainable Rooftop Implementation for Solar Transfiguration of India, SRISTI, schemes.
• Future Targets: To meet India’s ambitious target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity (with a solar component of 280 GW) by 2030 and its larger net-zero goals by 2070, RTS alone needs to contribute about 100 GW by 2030.

Muft Bijli Yojana Scheme

• Objective: Provide free electricity to households in India through the installation of solar panels.
• Launch on: February, 2024, by Prime Minister. 
• Subsidy Coverage: The scheme provides a subsidy covering up to 40% of the cost of solar panels.