'Salute to the sun' for solar power
Amid rising temperatures and increasing reports of health issues such as sunburn and heatstroke, there is also some positive news related to solar energy. Recently, under the headline 'Solar becomes Kerala’s leading power source, overtakes hydropower,' Kerala Kaumudi had reported that the state’s solar power capacity has exceeded its hydropower capacity. At first, this may seem hard to believe, but it is true. The total installed capacity of hydropower projects in the state, including those in Idukki, is 2196.36 MW. However, as of March 31, the state’s solar power capacity has crossed 2215.59 MW!
What makes this achievement more interesting is that this success in solar energy comes entirely from the people. In other words, this electricity is generated from solar units installed on the rooftops of homes! However, this achievement is seen as an embarrassment for the Kerala State Electricity Board. The reason is that the board continues to place restrictions on solar energy with weak justifications, while depending mainly on imported electricity as its preferred approach. The board largely promotes hydropower, even though it can meet only about 20% of the state’s total electricity demand through it. The remaining required power is purchased from outside at a high rate of around Rs 10 per unit. The magnitude of this reliance is evident in the numbers: a staggering Rs 12,749.65 crore was poured into external electricity purchases during the 2024–25 fiscal year.
To recover these losses, the electricity board adds a surcharge to consumers’ bills. Due to this burden, more people are turning to rooftop solar systems. Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the central government provides attractive subsidies for installing solar plants in homes. A 3 kW solar system is usually enough to meet the electricity needs of an average household. While the cost is around Rs 2 to Rs 2.25 lakh, a subsidy of Rs 78,000 is available.
Despite this, the electricity board is accused of discouraging solar adoption by citing issues such as a lack of transformer capacity to handle increased solar generation and a shortage of net meters required for households. However, the growing public interest in solar energy cannot be ignored. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which allow storing solar power for use at night, are beginning to be introduced in the state. Expanding this system and providing additional state subsidies could help address power shortages permanently. With the right support, the state can overcome the threat of electricity shortages and move toward a more sustainable energy future.