India has been aggressively pushing towards a more sustainable future by investing heavily in renewable energy sources, with solar energy at the forefront of its efforts. The Government of India has set the target to expand India’s renewable energy installed capacity to 500 GW by 2030. India has promised to source nearly half its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and, in the shorter term, source at least 60% of its renewable energy from solar power.

Obstacles in Solar Energy sector in India

• High Initial Costs:
  • Despite recent reductions in the cost of solar panel technology, theupfront cost of installation remains high, which can be a barrier to adoption for many households and businesses.
• Limited Access to Finance:
  • Access to finance for renewable energy projects can be limited, particularly for smaller and rural projects, which can make it challenging for individuals and organizations to invest in solar energy.
• Infrastructure and Grid Connectivity:
  • A lack of adequate infrastructure and grid connectivity in some areas of the country can make it difficultto transmit the electricity generated from solar panels to where it is needed.
• Land Availability:
  • Finding suitable land for large-scale solar projects can be a challenge in India,particularly given competing demands for land for other purposes such as agriculture and urban development.
• Maintenance and Operation Issues:
  • Poor maintenance and operation of solar power systems can reduce their efficiency and effectiveness,which can impact the long-term viability of renewable energy projects in India.
  • Cleaning solar panels currently is estimated to use about10 billion gallons of water per year — enough to supply drinking water for up to 2 million people.
    • Attempts at waterless cleaning are labor intensive and tend to cause irreversible scratching of the surfaces, which also reduces efficiency.
    • Now,a team of researchers at MIT has devised a way of automatically cleaning solar panels, or the mirrors of solar thermal plants, in a waterless, no-contact system that could significantly reduce the dust problem.

Looking ahead

• Utilising Large Hydro:
  • With large hydro, India can produce more renewable energyat the least cost and with the least carbon footprint.
    • India has utilised only about 15% of its hydro potentialwhereas the U.S. and Europe have utilised 90% and 98% of their potential, respectively.
    • The extent of utilisation of hydro potential seems to be an index of civilisational developmentand evolution.
  • Expanding Infrastructure and Investment:
    • India needs to increase investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including transmission and distribution networks, as well as in research and development of new solar technologies.
  • Encouraging Private Sector Participation:
    • Theprivate sector can play a crucial role in developing and deploying solar energy in India, and the government should create favorable policies and incentives to encourage private sector involvement.
  • Improving Energy Storage Solutions:
    • Energy storage systems are essential for ensuring that solar energycan be effectively used, even when the sun is not shining. The Indian government should support the development of advanced energy storage solutions to make solar energy more accessible and reliable.
  • Promoting Rooftop Solar:
    • Rooftop solar systemscan be a cost-effective and convenient way for households and businesses to generate their own energy. The Indian government should encourage the growth of rooftop solar by providing incentives, subsidies and tax credits.
  • Building a Skilled Workforce:
    • The growth of thesolar energy sector in India will require a skilled workforce. The government should invest in training and education programs to build a pipeline of skilled workers who can help deploy and maintain solar energy systems.