Integrating Energy Efficiency with Renewables and Energy Storage for a Smarter and Greener Residential Solution

Abstract

India’s solar rooftop policy is a big boost for distributed generation of electricity. It is also an opportunity to develop an integrated energy policy that will bring about a market transformation by closely coupling distributed energy generation and existing energy storage solutions. If executed properly, this kind of integrated energy policy can help to optimize the systemic cost of supplying power to both on-grid and off-grid Indian homes. At present, lead-acid cells in inverter systems are the most recognizable battery system and have a significant installed base as the Indian home inverter market has seen a CAGR growth of 20% in the last 7–8 years. This paper will investigate a standard, cost-effective solution for retrofit of existing inverter-battery installations and rooftop solar power for residential power needs based on simple payback calculations. This will include a feasibility analysis entailing load calculations and financial viability of the solar retrofit solution for Indian power market scenario. The paper will also estimate the total benefits to the nation from a large-scale roll-out of this solution, from the perspective of capacity generation and reliability improvement.