– By Sanjay Gupta
The solar revolution around the world has altered the status quo. Governments and industries continue to introduce policies that tilt towards reduced use of fossils and increased adoption of renewable energy, specifically solar power. In India, the case for solar energy has continued to permeate different industries as the nation strives to achieve 50% renewable energy capacity by 2030.
This means that out of its target of added capacity of 500 GW, 485 GW is expected to come from renewable sources. One of the industries with enormous potential to make this a possibility is construction. Building a sustainable future implies building sustainable homes and structures that are energy efficient and meet the demands of the future; which is why the advocacy for solar roofing as a component of modern construction is beginning to gain momentum across the nation.
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From the more popular solar panels to innovative solar roofing tiles and boards, there is widespread optimism that solar roofing can help bridge the power gap in India and provide cleaner energy as a substitute, as well as for those lacking access to electricity. Hence, there may be a need for a policy that mandates the practice on high-end, luxury construction projects in a bid to lower dependence on dirty sources like coal which accounted for 73.1% of total electricity production in India.
The solar imperative and modern construction
India’s drive to achieve substantial electricity generation from renewable sources in the foreseeable future is a huge task going by present circumstances. Dominated by thermal power, India faces the crisis of health and environmental consequences arising from coal burning, which not only pollutes the environment, but also releases carcinogenic and toxic substances into the environment, polluting the land, water, and air.
Although coal is about the dirtiest fossil fuel, oil and gas are two other enemy fuels to planet earth. Together, these fuels can cause severe health conditions (including respiratory diseases), damage the ecosystem (affecting humans, plants and animals), and lead to devastating climatic conditions in relation to global warming. Furthermore, fossil-fuels are depletable because they are non-renewable and this, in itself, is a challenge.
Thus, adopting renewable energy, specifically solar, is not a mere suggestion, but is the imperative action given the current state of affairs. Construction presents a great opportunity for tapping the immense solar energy in India. It is also cost-effective in the long run because of low maintenance, absence of monthly bills for the users, and is non-depletable. Solar power is also clean and supports the natural ecosystem.
Thankfully, India is already a leading player in the solar revolution, with installed capacity rising from just over 21,000 MW in 2018 to more than 70,000 MW in November 2023. But there’s much more to be done to build capacity to the extent where the nation becomes capable of moving away from fossil fuels.
Ornate Inroof provides an end-to-end solution for all clean energy needs. By replacing sheet roofing, Inroof transforms solar panels into the primary roof, offering a seamless and efficient way to harness solar energy. The patented assembly of ornate Inroof is fully waterproof and the solution can be used for spaces such as industrial, commercial roofs, solar facades, etc.
What’s next for India?
Beyond occasional installation of solar farms and plants, there is a need to make solar power mainstream in India by incorporating it in construction. The integration will require property developers of high-end buildings to, as a matter of policy, use solar roofing and adopt insulated designs that support energy efficiency. For low power consumption, this trend will also see the installation of energy efficient light bulbs, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances in the buildings.
India can achieve its 2030 goal by taking such practical steps by catering to the electricity demands of new projects while also supporting existing ones. It may seem like a long shot, but with consistent innovation and a will to make it work, India can indeed become a shining example of what effective energy transition looks like.
(Sanjay Gupta is the Chairman & Managing Director of APL Apollo Tubes Limited.)
(Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)
From: financialexpress
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