The urban population in India—the world’s most populous country—is expected to reach 675 million by 2035 as per the World Cities Report 2022 by UN-Habitat. As most commercial and industrial activities occur in urban areas and electricity is a major factor for development, this population increase will fuel a surge in electricity demand, leading to acute pressure on traditional energy grids and frequent blackouts. At the same time, Indian cities, similar to their global counterparts, are facing increasing climate disasters, highlighting the need for more resilient and decentralised energy solutions.
The widespread adoption of distributed solar technologies such as rooftop solar (RTS) systems, building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs), and urban PVs could be a promising solution. With a decentralised and clean approach for electricity generation, these systems offer some key advantages. Distributed solar represents the future of India’s urban energy landscape, empowering consumers with greater energy independence and resilience against climate disasters.
