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The residential-building sector in India consumes >25% of the total electricity and is the third-largest consumer of electricity; consumption increased by 26% between 2014 and 2017. India has introduced a star-labelling programme for residential buildings that is applicable for all single- and multiple-dwelling units in the country for residential purposes. The Energy Performance Index (EPI) of a building (annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per square metre of the building) is taken as an indicator for awarding the star label for residential buildings. For gauging the EPI status of existing buildings, the electricity consumption of residential buildings (in kWh/m2/year) is established through a case study of the residential society. Two years of electricity bills are collected for an Indian residential society located in Palam, Delhi, analysed and benchmarked with the Indian residential star-labelling programme. A wide EPI gap is observed for existing buildings for five-star energy labels. Based on existing electricity tariffs, the energy consumption of residential consumers and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)'s proposed building ENERGY STAR labelling, a grid-integrated rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system is considered for achieving a higher star label. This research study establishes the potential of grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems for residential buildings in Indian cities through a case study of Delhi. Techno-economic analysis of a grid-integrated 3-kWp rooftop solar PV plant is analysed by using RETScreen software. The study establishes that an additional two stars can be achieved by existing buildings by using a grid-integrated rooftop solar PV plant. Payback for retrofit of a 3-kWp rooftop solar PV plant for Indian cites varies from 3 to 7 years. A case study in Delhi, India establishes the potential of grid-connected rooftop solar PV systems for residential buildings. Techno-economic analysis of grid integrated, 3 kWp rooftop solar systems estimates a payback period from 3 to 7 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deployment of renewable energy has progressed remarkably, with 1,000 GW installations (end of 2017), comprising 540 GW wind and 400 GW solar photovoltaic assets. However, the growth has been nonhomogenous, with spatial and temporal variations witnessed even within countries. Existing literature is focused on policy‐related factors, ignoring nonpolicy variables. We conducted a panel data regression to identify nonpolicy variables impacting wind and solar power sectors in four countries—Germany, India, Japan, and the United States; these rank among top five globally in terms of renewable deployment. Impact assessment of nine variables on wind (period 2004–2016) and 10 variables on solar (period 2006–2016) was undertaken for this study. Long‐term energy data trends highlighted continuous use of oil, amid a growing share of gas and renewable power, along with a diminishing role of nuclear and coal power. Regression analysis reflected significance of commercial factors such as module cost and renewable country index, impacting the growth of these two sectors. Energy imports came out as a strong driver for wind as the sector was initially promoted for enhancing energy security. Contribution of fossil fuels in energy supply also displayed a high significance. Greenhouse gases emissions did not come strongly due to continued dominance of fossil fuels, carbon emissions from 'nonelectricity' use, and reduction in use of nuclear power. Suggestions for a steady growth include facilitating business transformation of utilities, enhancing ease of doing business, and developing new markets such as electric mobility and heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable Energy (RE) has been identified as a key tool to counter climate change and enhance energy security. Countries across the globe have been promoting this sector by several policy measures. However, limited research has been undertaken on the economic and environmental efficacy of RE policy instruments, especially in context of emerging economies like India, which have witnessed substantial capacity addition and have set ambitious targets to de-carbonize their economy. This paper identifies 25 innovative practices followed in India which have enabled accelerated RE capacity addition with minimal financial obligations. These include energy entrepreneurship, energy democratization, private sector participation, hedging and apportioning RE procurement, use of auctions with stringent participatory norms, creditworthy counter-party, leverage of risk capital by developmental institutions, regular revision of tariffs, environmental cess on polluting industries, long-term RE purchase trajectory and incentivizing green power output. Results indicate high financial impact of instruments (support of US$ 3–5/MW h over applicable tariff) which gets neutralized when tax inflow is considered. Lower carbon abatement cost (US$ 3–6/tCO2eq) depicts high environmental efficacy. The paper shares best practices from India in terms of efficient use of RE policy enablers, which may be contextualized in other emerging economies as per the local requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]