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Uneven Rooftop Solar Growth Across Indian States: CEEW Study Highlights Urgent Policy Reforms

India’s ambitious goal of achieving 30 GW of rooftop solar (RTS) capacity by 2027 faces significant roadblocks due to inconsistent policies and regulatory frameworks across states, according to a new study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The analysis, which reviewed 30 state policies and 29 regulatory mechanisms, highlights critical barriers hampering the widespread adoption of RTS, particularly among low-income households.

Key findings indicate that 24 states impose a minimum system size of 1 kW, making it challenging for economically weaker sections to participate. While net metering is offered in most states, advanced options like group or virtual net metering remain rare, limiting access for those without suitable rooftops. Financial incentives are also sparse—only seven states provide residential RTS subsidies, and support for energy storage or innovative business models is minimal.

On the governance front, although 21 states have implemented single-window clearance systems, few possess dedicated solar cells or transparent monitoring mechanisms. These disparities underscore the urgent need for harmonized policy reforms and regulatory consistency to unlock the full potential of RTS. Accelerating rooftop solar adoption is vital for India’s dual goals of clean energy expansion and inclusive development.