Solar Photovoltaic
The Sun has been revered as a life-giver since ancient times, and with the advent of industrialization, sunlight was recognized as a significant energy source. India is blessed with abundant solar energy potential, receiving about 5,000 trillion kWh of energy annually, with most parts of the country enjoying 4-7 kWh per square meter per day. Solar photovoltaic power offers enormous scalability and is effectively harnessed in India.
Key Highlights
Solar Energy Potential in India:
- India has vast solar energy resources, with 5,000 trillion kWh per year energy incident over the land area.
- Most regions receive 4-7 kWh per square meter daily, enabling effective harnessing of solar power.
Distributed and Decentralized Power Generation:
- Solar power supports distributed generation, enabling rapid capacity addition with short lead times.
- Off-grid and low-temperature applications cater to rural electrification, heating, and cooling needs in both rural and urban areas.
Social and Economic Benefits:
- Solar energy has transformed Indian villages by meeting cooking, lighting, and other energy needs sustainably.
- Benefits include:
- Reduction in fuel wood collection efforts and smoky kitchen cooking for rural women and girls.
- Lower risks of lung and eye ailments.
- Employment generation at the village level.
- Improved living standards and economic opportunities in rural areas.
Role in Grid-Connected Power Generation:
- Solar energy has become a significant player in grid-connected power capacity.
- Supports sustainable growth and enhances energy security.
- The National Institute of Solar Energy assessed India’s solar potential at approximately 748 GW using just 3% of wasteland for Solar PV modules.
National Action Plan on Climate Change:
- Solar energy holds a central place in India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.
- The National Solar Mission (NSM), launched on 11th January 2010, aims to promote sustainable growth while addressing energy security challenges.
Objectives of the National Solar Mission:
- Establish India as a global solar energy leader by creating conducive policy conditions.
- Target 100 GW of grid-connected solar power by 2022.
- Aligns with India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) to achieve:
- 40% of cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil fuels.
- Reduction in GDP emission intensity by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Government Initiatives and Policies:
- Multiple schemes launched to promote solar power generation, including:
- Solar Park Scheme.
- VGF Schemes.
- CPSU Scheme.
- Defence Scheme.
- Canal Bank & Canal Top Scheme.
- Bundling Scheme.
- Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme.
- Policy measures include:
- Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) trajectory declaration.
- Waiver of Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges and losses for solar projects.
- Must-run status for solar and wind projects.
- Guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding.
- Mandatory rooftop solar provision in new construction or higher Floor Area Ratio.
- Tax-free solar bonds and long-tenure loans from multilateral agencies.
- Multiple schemes launched to promote solar power generation, including:
Achievements:
- India achieved the 5th global position in solar power deployment, surpassing Italy.
- Solar capacity increased over 11 times in five years, from 2.6 GW in March 2014 to 30 GW in July 2019.
Competitive Solar Tariff:
- Solar tariffs in India are highly competitive, achieving grid parity.
India’s solar energy sector continues to play a pivotal role in meeting the nation’s energy demands, supporting sustainable growth, and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.