AIREA

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.