Bridging the energy gap of India’s residential buildings by using rooftop solar PV systems for higher energy stars

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