Stakeholders in the renewable energy industry have urged the Centre to provide financial support and battery subsidy for energy storage systems alongside rooftop solar installations.
The demand comes as India accelerates its renewable energy goals. Concerns grow about the lack of storage incentives, which may limit the effectiveness of residential solar adoption, particularly during non-sunlight hours.
Industry and renewable energy experts argue that while rooftop solar installations have received a significant boost under government-backed subsidy programmes, battery storage remains a costly addition for most households.
Extending subsidies for battery systems would help consumers store excess solar power generated during the day for later use, reducing dependence on the electricity grid.
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Industry Looks Up to Centre for Support on Solar Energy Storage
The request for subsidy support signals a broader shift in India’s renewable energy strategy. Currently, energy storage is increasingly being seen as an important component of grid stability & streamlined power utilisation.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) allow households and businesses to store surplus electricity generated by rooftop solar panels. The stored power can then be used during evening peak hours, power outages or periods of low solar generation.
The present subsidy structure focuses solely on solar panel installation, leaving consumers to bear the additional cost of battery systems. According to sector experts, reducing the financial burden and offering incentives will enhance the value proposition of rooftop solar projects.
The demand is also supported by the government’s broader efforts to strengthen energy storage infrastructure as renewable energy capacity continues to expand nationwide.
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Growing Focus on Battery Storage in India’s Renewable Energy Plans
The discussion of battery subsidies comes as policymakers examine storage solutions to address the intermittency of solar and wind power.
Several states have already initiated large-scale battery storage projects to capture excess renewable energy and deploy it during peak demand periods.
Discussions have emerged at the national level to integrate battery storage into future renewable energy programmes and solarisation schemes.
Energy storage is being viewed as a key enabler of improved grid reliability and support for India’s long-term renewable energy targets.
Supporters of the proposal argue that extending subsidies to battery systems will bridge the gap between solar generation and actual consumption patterns.
Combining rooftop solar with affordable storage allows consumers to maximise self-consumption of clean energy while reducing pressure on distribution networks.
The Centre has not yet decided to extend subsidy support for battery storage systems. However, the issue is expected to be a matter of ongoing buzz as India scales up its renewable energy and energy storage ambitions.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
