The Delhi government is preparing to launch a citywide rooftop solar campaign that aims to increase the adoption of renewable energy across homes, commercial establishments and institutions. The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity, lower carbon emissions and help consumers save significantly on electricity bills.

The installation of rooftop solar is part of Delhi's sustainability strategy, whereby the city will be transformed into a low-carbon urban environment. Through production of power via rooftops, there is reduction of strain on the existing grid system while at the same time ensuring that there is an increase in the percentage of renewable power in the overall power mix of the city.

The greatest advantage for consumers would be a reduction in their electricity expenses. By producing electricity themselves, people can save substantially on their monthly electricity bills or avoid paying these bills entirely, provided that they consume enough and have installed an adequate number of photovoltaic panels. In addition, solar power installations help consumers escape any future hikes in electricity rates.

In environmental terms, wider adoption of rooftop solar will help reduce greenhouse gas emission due to the replacement of electricity produced by burning fossil fuels. The more buildings use solar energy as an alternative source, the less impact it will have on the environment and the less carbon Delhi will emit, thereby helping India achieve its climate objectives.

There is already fast development taking place in the installation of solar rooftops in the city. Over 24,000 rooftop solar units are generating peak power of about 420 MW into Delhi’s electric grid system, thus reflecting growing public interest in clean energy usage.

Solar rooftop may not necessarily reduce the amount of electricity used in Delhi to a great extent, but it will definitely assist Delhi in meeting its demands during the day with solar energy without resorting to the usage of the normal power grid. For each kilowatt of electricity generated through rooftop solar panels, a kilowatt of electricity is saved from the grid. The number of these savings is likely to keep growing with more installations in the city.

Officials believe that expanding rooftop solar across Delhi can turn clean energy into a people's movement while supporting the city's long-term goals of sustainability, energy independence and lower emissions. The campaign is expected to begin in phases before being expanded across the capital.