India possesses tremendous potential for solar energy, thanks to its abundant sunlight throughout the year. The country’s geographical location near the equator ensures a high level of solar insolation, making it an ideal candidate for harnessing solar power. However, the development of solar energy is not uniform across regions due to geographical and climatic variations. Some states, particularly those with extensive deserts or large open spaces, have made significant strides in solar energy projects. The states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, for instance, have embraced solar energy on a large scale, contributing substantially to the national solar capacity. On the other hand, certain regions may face challenges in fully exploiting solar potential due to factors like cloud cover or limited space. Despite these variations, India’s commitment to renewable energy, as evident in initiatives like the National Solar Mission, underscores its determination to tap into its vast solar resources and move towards a sustainable energy future.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 1 Mains 2020
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent)
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Structure of the Question
- In Introduction,
- Try to put some facts/data with respect to Solar Energy in India and its huge potential.
- In Body,
- Elaborate about solar energy regional variation in India with one or two examples.
- Elaborate measures which can overcome these regional variations as well as other problems associated with solar energy.
- In Conclusion,
- You can quote Research and Development in Solar Installations and also mention the Government’s initiative and its impact.
Answer
Introduction
Solar power in India is a fast-developing industry. The country’s solar installed capacity reached 35.12 GW as of 30 June 2020. India has the lowest capital cost per MW globally of installing solar power plants. The Indian government had an initial target of 20 GW capacity for 2022, which was achieved four years ahead of schedule. Solar energy and its potential would be significant in India’s commitment.
India’s Potential of Solar Energy
- India lying in the tropical belt has the advantage of receiving peak solar radiation for 300 days, amounting to 2300-3,000 hours of sunshine equivalent to above 5,000 trillion KWh.
- The country’s solar installed capacity reached 35.12 GW recently.
- India has the lowest capital cost per MW globally of installing solar power plants.
- The government of India had an initial target of 20 GW capacity for 2022, which was achieved four years ahead of schedule.
- In 2015, the target was raised to 100 GW of solar capacity (including 40 GW from rooftop solar) by 2022, targeting an investment of US$100 billion.
Regional variations
- Desert areas of Rajasthan and Kutch have barren lands and receive high insolation- favoring Solar energy. Rajasthan clinched the top position in the list of states with the highest estimated solar energy potential in the country.
- The Eastern Himalayan states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Assam receive annual average insolation below 4 kWh/meter. Sq./Day, which makes these states rely more on the power grid and electricity from different states. Himalayan and northeast India receive low solar insolation or due to the terrain, generating solar energy is not feasible.
- States closer to the tropics receive large solar insolation and are considered hotspots.
- Coastal states like Kerala have moderate generation potential due to the long monsoon season compared to heartland states.
Challenges to the Solar Energy Program
- Overproduction leads to very low tariff rates.
- Production and technological barrier: lithium for PV cells is imported mainly from China.
- Poor integration of solar energy with the grid.
- Land acquisition for solar parks is a very perilous task.
Addressing the regional variations:
This can be done through Concentrated Solar Power wherein storing heat is an option. Due to better cooling of the solar panels and the sun tracking system, the output of solar panels is enhanced substantially. One alternative is to use the water-surface area on canals, lakes, reservoirs, farm ponds, and the sea for large solar power plants. These water bodies can also provide water to clean the solar panels.
Conclusion
The Government of India has propelled the solar energy market with a plethora of initiatives and policies like PM KUSUM, SARAL Index, Floating solar plants in Gujarat, ISA, etc. Solar energy with its low carbon footprint can be a potential substitute for conventional energy sources and would help fulfill India’s commitments under INDCs and Panchamrit proposals at COP 26, Glasgow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What factors contribute to India’s immense potential for solar energy?
A: India’s geographical location, with a large part of the country receiving abundant sunlight throughout the year, is a key factor contributing to its immense potential for solar energy. The country’s strategic positioning near the equator ensures prolonged and intense sunlight exposure, making it an ideal candidate for harnessing solar power.
2. How do regional variations impact the development of solar energy in India?
A: Regional variations in terms of sunlight intensity, climate, and geography influence the development of solar energy projects in India. While states in the northern and western regions may experience higher solar irradiance, those in the northeastern or hilly areas might face different challenges. Understanding and addressing these variations are crucial for optimizing solar energy projects across different regions of the country.
3. What initiatives has the Indian government undertaken to promote solar energy on a national level?
A: The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to promote solar energy adoption, such as the National Solar Mission. This mission aims to achieve a target of 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2022. Additionally, financial incentives, subsidies, and policy frameworks have been established to encourage investment in solar projects, contributing to the overall growth of the solar energy sector.
4. How does the presence of solar resource-rich states impact the overall solar energy landscape in India?
A: States with higher solar irradiance, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, play a significant role in shaping the overall solar energy landscape in India. These resource-rich states often become hubs for solar power generation, attracting investments and contributing significantly to the national solar capacity. Understanding and leveraging the potential of these states are essential for maximizing the benefits of solar energy in the country.
5. How are technological advancements helping overcome regional challenges in solar energy development in India?
A: Technological advancements, such as improved solar panel efficiency and energy storage solutions, are instrumental in overcoming regional challenges. Innovations in solar technology allow for better adaptation to diverse climatic conditions and variations in sunlight intensity. These advancements contribute to making solar energy a viable and efficient source of power across different regions of India, despite the existing variations in development.
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