Solar rooftop systems can be answer to Kashmir power crisis

Srinagar, Nov 26: In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, experts are championing the adoption of solar rooftop systems as the antidote to power outages and various challenges faced by Kashmir and other snowbound areas.

The focus is on leveraging the slanting roofs of residential houses, industrial and commercial installations, educational institutions, and government and defence 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.

The advantages include lower capital costs, easy installation, savings on power bills, reduced power outages, positive environmental impact, and minimal maintenance requirements due to natural cleaning by rains and snowfall.

Officials emphasise that these slanting roofs prevalent in Kashmir, primarily designed to shield structures against snow and rain are the perfect canvas for solar rooftop installations.

“Not only is the financial viability of solar rooftops in Kashmir appealing due to zero land costs and the absence of a need for extensive supporting structures, but the large-sized roofs also present an excellent opportunity for developing solar rooftop power generation systems,” they said.
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 the total energy consumption.

This projection assumes only half of the consumers install rooftop solar systems on their properties.
A rooftop solar power system, characterised by solar panels mounted on building roofs, has become a key player in the renewable energy landscape.
These systems include photovoltaic modules, mounting systems, cables, solar inverters, and other electrical accessories.

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,” experts said.

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 are optimistic about overcoming logistical hurdles.

The 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 answers its power woes but also ushers in a sustainable era of clean and efficient energy production.