India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (UPSC IAS Mains 2020 General Studies Paper – 1)
Solar energy stands as the major component of renewable energy, due to large solar energy availability of 4000 trillion KWh per year in India. It has many advantages over conventional energy sources due to its clean nature, ease of production etc. India’s Solar energy potential is tremendous as it stands as a major player in the segment. India''''s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC''''s) commitment includes 100 GW of solar power out of 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022. Currently, it stands at 43 GW.
Regional variations
- Desert areas of Rajasthan and Kutch have barren lands and receive high insolation- favouring Solar energy.
- Himalayan and north east India receives low solar insolation or due to the terrain, generating solar energy is not feasible.
- Rooftop solar panel program has tremendous potential in making the urban cities a net electricity generator.
- 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 Solar energy program
- Overproduction leading to very low tariff rates-
- Production and technological barrier: lithium for PV cells is imported mainly from china.
- Poor integration of solar energy with grid
- Land acquisition for solar parks a very perilous task.
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 fulfil India’s commitments under INDCs and Panchamrit proposals at COP 26, Glasgow.
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