Rooftop solar generation way ahead for Delhi's power needs:

With an aim to tap solar energy to meet Delhi's power needs, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. (TPDDL) is planning to conduct a study to explore the feasibility of installing solar plants on rooftop.
TPDDL has roped in San Francisco-based Energy and Environmental Economics to carry out a study for exploring feasibility of various DER technologies in the form of Solar PV, Demand Response and Storage Solutions and to prepare a roadmap for its grid integrated Rooftop Solar PV and Demand Response projects.
The study would also include preparation of business case with cost benefit analysis with the proposed regulatory framework, host a workshop to demonstrate successful business model to all stake holders and submission of final report.

As per estimate, at present, suitable rooftop space in TPDDL distribution network of 510 sq km is about 10.71 sq km or 2.1 per cent (considering sub-urban open area) which is sufficient to generate 883 MW.
TPDDL has received a grant of USD 459,238 by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for conducting the study. USTDA is an independent US Government foreign assistance agency that is funded by the US Congress.
The feasibility study is in line with government's National Solar Mission which envisages establishing India as a global leader in solar energy, by creating the policy conditions for its diffusion across the country as quickly as possible.

"We believe one of the ways of mitigating the demand- supply gap in the coming years is through optimal utilisation of renewable energy potential. In Delhi's context, Rooftop Solar generation is the way to go," Praveer Sinha, CEO and ED, TPDDL said.

The focus on DER will also reduce the technical loss of the network and lower the dependency on conventional fossil based resources like coal, gas which are becoming increasingly expensive due to rising fuel cost and need substantial investment in enhancement of congested transmission corridor, he said, adding the move will help reduce environmental pollution.
TPDDL has previously in 2010, set up capacities ranging from 1 Kilowatt to 1 Megawatt, presently aggregating to 1.65 MW, and spread over 15 locations in its distribution network area.

At present, in TPDDL's area the peak load is nearing 1700 MW.