India's geographical area receives about 5000 trillion kWh of solar energy each year, with most sections receiving 4-7 kWh per m2 per day. The National Institute of Energy estimated the country's solar potential to be at 748 GW, assuming solar photovoltaic modules cover 3% of the geographical surface. India is a perfect location for solar energy because of its geographical location. We have 300 days of sunshine each year, our peak electricity use is in the evenings rather than during the day, and we have a seasonal peak in the summer. Solar power is a rapidly growing industry in India as part of the country's renewable energy sector. The national aim of 20 GW for 2022 was met four years ahead of plan, with the goal being met in 2015. This article will explain to you about the Potential of Solar Energy in India which will be helpful in preparing the Environment syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

State-wise Potential of Solar Energy in India

Solar Power in India

• Solar power is a rapidly growing industry in India, as part of the country's renewable energy sector.
• As of March 31, 2022, the country's solar installed capacity was 53.997 GW.
• Nearly 42 solar parks have been built in India to provide land to solar plant developers.
• According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, another 36.03 GW of solar projects are in various phases of implementation (as of January 31, 2021), with another 23.87 GW in the tendering process.
• Rooftop solar power generates 2.1 GW, with 70% of it being used for industrial or commercial purposes.
• India is developing off-grid solar power for local energy requirements in addition to its large-scale grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) effort.
• Solar products are increasingly being used to address rural requirements; by the end of 2015, the country had sold just under one million solar lamps, eliminating the need for kerosene.

Increasing trend of Solar Energy Generation in India

National Solar Potential

• The calculated solar energy incidence on India's geographical area is roughly 5 quadrillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year (or 5 EWh/yr) with about 300 clear and sunny days per year.
• Solar energy available in a single year is greater than the combined energy production of India's fossil fuel reserves.
• In India, the daily average solar-power-plant generating capacity is 0.30 kWh per m2 of usable land area, which translates to 1,400–1,800 peak (rated) capacity operating hours per year using commercially proven technology.
• India initiated a $40 million experiment in June 2015 to detect solar radiation with a spatial resolution of 3 by 3 kilometres.
• The Indian solar-radiation atlas is built on the foundation of this solar-radiation measurement network.
• The National Institute of Wind Energy, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has deployed solar radiation resource assessment (SRRA) stations around India to develop a database of solar-energy potential.
• The Centre for Wind Energy Technology collects and reports data (C-WET).
• Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI), and Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance are some of the metrics measured (DHI).

Region-wise Capacity

Solar Photovoltaic Growth Forecasts

• The expectation for solar photovoltaic installations for the calendar year was around 4.8 GW in August 2016.
• In the first eight months of 2016, almost 2.8 GW of solar was installed, which is more than all of 2015.
• India's solar projects totaled approximately 21 GW, with approximately 14 GW under construction and approximately 7 GW slated for auction.
• By the end of 2017, the country's solar capacity had grown to 19.7 GW, making it the world's third-largest solar market.
• At an event in Delhi in mid-2018, Indian power minister RK Singh announced a tender for a 100GW solar plant while discussing a 10GW tender coming in July of that year.
• He also boosted the government's installed renewable energy target to 227 GW by 2022.

Solar Thermal Power

• Commercial solar thermal power facilities in India have a capacity of 227.5 MW, with 50 MW in Andhra Pradesh and 177.5 MW in Rajasthan.
• Existing solar thermal power plants in India that create expensive intermittent power on a daily basis can be converted into storage type solar thermal power plants to generate 3 to 4 times more base load power at a lower cost and without relying on government subsidies.
• It is expected to call for 5000 MW tenders in March 2020, which can be a mix of solar PV with battery storage, solar thermal with thermal energy storage, and coal-fired power to provide round-the-clock power with at least 80% yearly availability.

Government Initiatives

Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (Kusum Scheme)

• The Central Government has announced the Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme, which aims to increase solar electricity output in India while also providing farmers with the benefits of solar farming.
• The Kusum Scheme is carried out by: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is in charge of this project.
• Initially, 1.75 million off-grid agricultural solar pumps will be distributed by the government.
• 10, 000 megawatts Solar panels will be installed on barren ground.
• The state electricity distribution firms, or DISCOMS, will purchase the extra solar energy generated by farmers on barren fields. DISCOMS will be given incentives to purchase this electricity.
• The government's tube wells and existing pumps will be adapted to run on solar power.

International Solar Alliance

• The international solar alliance has been granted observer status by the United Nations General Assembly, six years after it was jointly founded by France and India.
• It's a historic move that will pave the way for clear cooperation between the ISA and the UN, as well as promote global energy development.
• The ISA was developed in 2015 as a joint effort by India and France during the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties' 21st session.
• The alliance was founded with the goal of promoting solar energy in member nations and mobilising over $1 trillion in funding for solar energy installations at a low cost.
• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a group of countries with abundant solar resources that are located entirely or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

*To know more about the topic, click this link International Solar Alliance

One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)

• The One Sun One World One System (OSOWOG) is a global electricity grid that distributes power around the world.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi first proposed the initiative at the International Solar Alliance's (ISA) inaugural assembly in 2018.
• According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Electricity's (MNRE) proposal, the OSOWOG will have a large size, intending to offer energy to around 140 countries via a single system that will transport solar power.
• The OSOWOG's philosophy is that 'The Sun Never Sets,' and that it is always present in some geographical spot, globally, at any given time.
• The programme will aid in the realization of energy development's "three transitions."
  • The shift from fossil fuel to clean energy dominance in energy production.
  • The shift in energy allocation from local equilibrium to cross-border and worldwide distribution, as well as
  • The shift in energy consumption from coal, oil, and gas to electric-centric usage.

National Solar Mission

• The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, often known as the National Solar Mission, is one of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change's eight main National Missions (NAPCC).
• NAPCC was established on June 30, 2008, with the goal of making solar energy technology development a national mission.
• The mission was approved by the government on January 11, 2010.
• In June 2015, the Mission lowered its lofty objective of deploying 20,000 MW of grid-connected solar power by 2022 to 1,00,000 MW by 2022.
• The National Solar Mission's goal is to make India a global leader in solar energy by establishing the policy circumstances that will allow it to spread as swiftly as possible across the country.

Rooftop Solar Scheme

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy launched a rooftop solar program.
• The Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Scheme (Phase II) is now being implemented: Rooftop Solar Projects are expected to generate a total capacity of 40,000 MW by 2022.
• Distribution companies (DISCOMs) in the state are implementing this scheme.
• The Ministry will provide a 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW of solar panel capacity and a 20% subsidy for the next 3 kW and up to 10 kW of solar panel capacity under this programme.
• The cost of a rooftop solar plant must be paid by the residential customer by reducing the subsidy amount supplied by the Ministry to the vendor at the stipulated rate.

National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2018

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy adopted the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy on May 14, 2018. (MNRE).
• It's a campaign to promote a huge grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid system that makes efficient use of transmission lines and land.
• The National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy also intends to reduce renewable power generation unpredictability and improve grid stability.
• The following are the major objectives of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy:
  • Provide a comprehensive framework for promoting big grid-connected wind-solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid systems that make efficient use of transmission infrastructure and land.
  • Reduce renewable energy generation fluctuation and improve grid stability.
  • Encourage the development of novel technologies, methods, and workarounds that combine the functioning of wind and solar PV systems.

Conclusion

During the last few years, solar energy has had a noticeable impact on the Indian energy landscape. Millions of people in Indian communities have profited from solar energy-based decentralized and distributed applications that meet their cooking, lighting, and other energy demands in an environmentally benign manner. The social and economic benefits include a reduction in drudgery among rural women and girls who collect fuel wood over long distances and cook in smoky kitchens, a reduction in the risk of contracting lung and eye diseases, the creation of employment at the village level, and, ultimately, an improvement in the standard of living and the creation of economic opportunities at the village level. In addition, India's solar energy sector has grown to become a prominent player in grid-connected power generation capacity throughout the years. It promotes the government's agenda of long-term growth while also establishing itself as an important contributor to meeting the country's energy demands and a key role in ensuring energy security.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Assess the role of solar energy in India’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.

Answer: Solar energy plays a crucial role in India’s journey towards sustainable development. It is a clean, renewable energy source that helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curbs greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives like the National Solar Mission have facilitated the rapid expansion of solar infrastructure. Solar energy supports rural electrification, reduces air pollution, and promotes employment in renewable sectors. However, challenges such as high installation costs, intermittency, and land acquisition must be addressed. Integrating solar energy with advanced storage solutions and grid management will be essential to harness its full potential and achieve sustainable growth.

Q2: Explain the challenges faced by India in scaling up solar energy infrastructure.

Answer: India faces several challenges in scaling up solar energy infrastructure. High initial capital investment for setting up solar plants remains a significant hurdle. Land acquisition, particularly in densely populated regions, complicates project execution. The intermittency of solar power, as it is only available during the day, necessitates investment in energy storage systems. Additionally, maintaining grid stability with increasing renewable energy input is challenging. Addressing these issues requires policy support, financial incentives, research in storage technologies, and capacity building in the renewable energy sector.

Q2: Analyze the potential impact of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) on India’s solar energy goals.

Answer: The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India, plays a crucial role in fostering international cooperation in the solar energy sector. It aims to mobilize resources, promote research, and facilitate knowledge-sharing among member countries. India benefits from this alliance by accessing technology, investments, and expertise from global partners. The ISA strengthens India’s position as a leader in the global renewable energy transition, helping achieve its solar energy targets. Furthermore, collaborations under the ISA reduce costs and enhance the scalability of solar projects, contributing to sustainable development and energy security.

Previous Year Questions on  Potential of Solar Energy in India

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018

Question: Which of the following initiatives promotes the development of solar energy in India?

a) Smart Cities Mission

b) National Solar Mission

c) Make in India

d) Atal Innovation Mission

Answer: b) National Solar Mission

Explanation: The National Solar Mission is a key component of India’s energy policy, aiming to promote solar power generation and achieve 100 GW of installed capacity by 2022.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020

Question: Evaluate the importance of renewable energy, with a special focus on solar power, in India’s energy transition.

Answer: Renewable energy is crucial for India’s energy transition towards sustainability and energy security. Solar power, being abundant and eco-friendly, is central to this strategy. It reduces dependency on fossil fuels, curbs greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigates air pollution. India’s ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of solar power capacity under the National Solar Mission reflects the importance of solar energy in meeting the growing energy demand sustainably. Solar energy also promotes employment generation and supports rural electrification. However, challenges like intermittency, storage limitations, and high installation costs need to be addressed. Integrating solar power with the grid and developing efficient storage systems will ensure reliable energy supply and accelerate India’s transition to a clean energy future.