India is among the Tropical countries which receive ample solar insolation throughout the year. India receives around 5,000 trillion kWh of energy per year, with most sections receiving 4-7 kWh per sq. m every day. Solar energy has made a considerable impact on the Indian energy environment in recent years. India recently overtook Italy as the world's fifth-largest solar power deployment country. India's Solar power capacity has expanded by more than 11 times in the last five years. This article will explain to you about Solar Energy in India which will be helpful in preparing for Geography for the UPSC Civil service exam.

How is the Power generated from Solar Energy?

• In an hour and a half, the amount of sunlight that strikes the earth's surface is enough to power the entire world's energy consumption for a year.
• Photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation are used in solar technologies to convert sunlight into electrical energy.
• This energy can be converted into electricity or stored in batteries or thermal storage.
• While every location on Earth receives some sunlight over the course of a year, the amount of solar radiation reaching any given spot on the planet's surface varies.
• Solar technologies capture this radiation and convert it to the energy that can be used.
• When the sun shines on a solar panel, the PV cells in the panel absorb the energy from the sun.
• This energy causes electricity to flow by causing electrical charges to move in response to an internal electric field in the cell.

Technology Adopted in Solar Energy

Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Cells

• Solar photovoltaic (SPV) cells convert sunlight into electricity.
• A solar cell is a semi-conducting device made of silicon and/or other materials that generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.

Solar thermal

Solar thermal power plants, also known as concentrated solar power systems, use concentrated solar radiation as a high-temperature energy source to generate electricity via the thermal route.

Need of Solar Energy in India

Energy Security

• India's energy needs are largely met by nonrenewable energy sources.
• Due to the scarcity of these fossil resources, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important.
• Solar energy's abundance can meet India's clean energy needs.
• India relies on imports to meet its energy needs, resulting in significant costs and uncertainty in terms of energy security.

Environment Concern

• Thermal energy, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, meets a large portion of India's energy demand.
• It also pollutes the environment.
• Solar energy is a clean source of energy that can be used as a substitute.

Economic Development

• As a developing economy, India requires adequate electricity for industrial and agricultural growth.
• India also requires self-sufficiency and low-cost power generation, as well as reliable supply, to boost its industries and economy.

Social development

• Power outages and the lack of electricity, particularly in rural areas, lead to poor human development.
• The majority of energy demands are met by subsidized kerosene, resulting in a loss to the exchequer.

Potential of Solar Power in India

• Solar power is a rapidly growing industry in India, as part of the country's renewable energy sector.
• As India is located in the tropical belt, it benefits from 300 days of peak solar radiation, which equates to 2300-3,000 hours of sunshine, or over 5,000 trillion kWh.
• As of January 31, 2022, the country's solar installed capacity was 50.303 GW.
• The Indian government set a goal of 20 gigawatts of capacity for 2022, which was met four years ahead of schedule.
• The goal was raised in 2015 to 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022 (including 40 GW from rooftop solar), with a target investment of $100 billion.
• India proposed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a founding member, and it is headquartered in India.
• To harness abundant solar power on a global scale, India has proposed the concepts of "One Sun, One World, One Grid" and "World Solar Bank."

Government Initiatives

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is India's nodal agency for dealing with the country's renewable energy issues.
• The National Solar Mission is a major initiative of the Indian government and state governments to promote environmentally sustainable growth while also addressing India's energy security issue.
• The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) is a non-banking financial institution that provides term loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects under the administrative control of this Ministry.
• The National Institute of Solar Energy was established as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MoNRE), which is the apex body for research and development.
• Creation of solar parks and ultra-large solar power projects, as well as improving grid connectivity infrastructure.
• To promote rooftop solar power projects in India, the Sustainable Rooftop Implementation of Solar Transfiguration of India (SRISTI) scheme was created.
• Suryamitra is a program that trains qualified workers.
• Large energy consumers are required to purchase renewable energy.
• A green energy corridor and national green energy program were also initiated.

International Initiatives

• India's commitment to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels as part of the INDC at the Paris climate agreement.
• With the help of technology transfer and low-cost international finance, including from the Green Climate Fund, to achieve about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
• India spearheaded the formation of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which now includes over 122 countries, the majority of which are sun-drenched countries that lie entirely or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
• To raise more than US$ 1000 billion in investments by 2030 for a massive solar energy deployment, and to pave the way for future technologies that are better suited to the needs.

Major Solar Power Parks in India

Bhadla Solar Park

• Bhadla Solar Park, the world's largest solar park, is located in Bhadla, Phalodi tehsil, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India and spans a total area of 14,000 acres.
• The climate in the area has been described as "almost unlivable." Bhadla's average temperature is between 46 and 48 degrees Celsius.
• Hot winds and sand storms are common.

Pavagada Solar Park

• Pavagada Solar Park is a solar park in Pavagada taluk, Tumkur district, Karnataka, that spans 53 square kilometers (13,000 acres).
• After the 2245 MW Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, the Solar Power Park has a capacity of 2,050 MW, making it the world's second-largest photovoltaic solar park.
• It was finished in the year 2019.

Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park

• Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, with a capacity of 1,000 MW, is a solar park with a total area of 5,932.32 acres in Panyam Mandal of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Solar power developers and the Central and State governments put in around? 7,000 crores (US$980 million) to build the park.
• Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited commissioned it on March 29, 2017. (APSPCL).

NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park

• The NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park, also known as the Ananthapuram Ultra Mega Solar Park, is a solar park in Nambulapulakunta Mandal, Ananthapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, India, that covers a total area of 7,924.76 acres.
• Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited owns the plant, which was completed in May 2016. (APSPCL).

Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park

• The Rewa Ultra Mega Solar project is the country's first solar project to achieve grid parity.
• It is India's largest solar power plant and Asia's largest single-site solar power plant.
• Rewa is India's first project to provide power to a cross-state open access customer, the Delhi Metro.
• This is also India's first project involving the use of solar power for railway traction.
• For its transaction structure, the project received the President's Award from the World Bank Group.

Charanka Solar Park

• Gujarat Solar Park-1 is also known as Charanka Solar Park.
• It is under construction on a 2,000-hectare (4,900-acre) plot of land near Charanka village in Patan district, Gujarat.

Kamuthi Solar Power Project

• The Kamuthi Solar Power Project is a 2,500-acre photovoltaic power plant.
• This power plant is located in Kamuthi, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, 90 kilometers from Madurai.

Kadapa Ultra Mega Solar Park

• The Kadapa Ultra Mega Solar Park is a solar park in the Mylavaram Mandal of Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, that covers a total area of 5,927.76 acres.
• Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited (PSPCL), a joint venture of Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation, and New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd, is implementing the project.

Advantages of Solar Energy

• Solar energy is available at all times of the day, even during peak load demand.
• Solar energy conversion equipment has a longer life expectancy and requires less maintenance, resulting in increased energy infrastructure security.
• Low operating costs and capital returns from grid tie-up (Net Metering).
• They do not pollute the environment and produce clean energy, unlike traditional coal-fired thermal power plants.
• Free solar energy is abundant in almost every part of the country.
• There are no overhead wires, so there is no transmission loss.

Limitations of Solar Energy

• Material and installation costs are higher at first (however, with the reduction in the cost of solar over the last 10 years, solar is becoming more cost feasible every day)
• Since efficiency is not yet at 100%, it necessitates a large amount of space.
• There is a requirement for a large battery bank because there is no solar power at night.
• The size of solar panels varies depending on geographical location for the same amount of power generation.
• Solar panels are not mass-produced due to a lack of material and technology.
• Cloudy days don't produce nearly as much energy as sunny days.
• During the winter, solar output is reduced.

Challenges in Installation

• India's solar industry is largely based on imported components.
• The WTO is challenging India's domestic content requirement clause.
• India is confronted with the difficult task of balancing its budget. Prioritizing domestic objectives as well as WTO commitments.
• Local manufacturers' profits are being eroded as a result of product dumping.
• Domestic Indian manufacturers are not technologically or economically capable of competing with Chinese firms.
• China's strong manufacturing base is posing a serious threat to domestic producers.
• Due to India's high population density, land availability for solar plants is limited.
• India's solar waste, which is expected to reach 1.8 million by 2050, must also be addressed

Conclusion

The social and economic benefits include a reduction in manual labor among rural women and girls who collect fuelwood 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 significant player in grid-connected power generation capacity over 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 needs and a key player in ensuring energy security.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the main advantage of solar energy?

A) It is non-renewable
B) It is abundant and renewable
C) It is highly polluting
D) It requires fossil fuels for generation

2. Which initiative is aimed at promoting solar energy in India?

A) National Solar Mission
B) Clean India Mission
C) Digital India Initiative
D) Smart Cities Mission

3. What is a major challenge to solar energy expansion in India?

A) Unlimited sunshine
B) High initial costs
C) Abundance of land
D) Excessive government support

4. How does solar energy contribute to environmental sustainability?

A) By increasing greenhouse gas emissions
B) By promoting fossil fuel use
C) By reducing air pollution
D) By causing deforestation

5. Which of the following is a common application of solar energy?

A) Cooling systems
B) Solar cooking
C) Manufacturing coal
D) Fossil fuel extraction

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the role of solar energy in achieving India’s renewable energy targets.

Answer: Solar energy plays a pivotal role in achieving India’s renewable energy targets, particularly in the context of the commitment to generate 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022. As one of the most abundant resources in India, solar energy provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, enabling the country to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance energy security. The government’s initiatives, including the National Solar Mission, have led to significant investments in solar technologies, including solar parks and rooftop solar installations. By harnessing solar energy, India can diversify its energy mix, promote local manufacturing in the solar sector, and create jobs while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Q2: Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the growth of solar energy in India.

Answer: The growth of solar energy in India presents both challenges and opportunities. Key challenges include the high initial costs of solar installations, the need for robust grid infrastructure, and land acquisition issues for large solar farms. Additionally, the intermittency of solar energy requires advancements in energy storage solutions to ensure reliability. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and development. The increasing demand for clean energy solutions opens avenues for investment in solar technology and infrastructure. Furthermore, initiatives to promote solar energy in rural areas can enhance energy access, stimulate local economies, and empower communities, aligning with sustainable development goals.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of government policies on the solar energy sector in India.

Answer: Government policies significantly impact the solar energy sector in India, shaping its growth trajectory and market dynamics. Policies such as the National Solar Mission and various state-level solar policies aim to incentivize investments, promote technology transfer, and facilitate the adoption of solar energy. Financial incentives, including subsidies, tax exemptions, and feed-in tariffs, encourage both consumers and businesses to invest in solar installations. Additionally, regulatory frameworks that streamline the process for grid connectivity and ensure the quality of solar products enhance investor confidence. However, inconsistencies in policy implementation and regulatory challenges can hinder progress. Therefore, a stable and transparent policy environment is crucial for fostering long-term growth in the solar energy sector.

Previous Year Questions on Solar Energy

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: What is the primary source of solar energy?

A) Wind
B) Biomass
C) The sun
D) Geothermal

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The primary source of solar energy is the sun, which provides an abundant and renewable energy resource.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Discuss the significance of solar energy in India's energy landscape." Analyze its implications for sustainable development.

Answer: Solar energy holds significant importance in India’s energy landscape as it offers a viable solution to the country's energy needs while promoting sustainability. With abundant sunlight throughout the year, solar energy can be harnessed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. The expansion of solar energy contributes to energy security by diversifying the energy mix and decreasing dependence on imported energy resources. Furthermore, solar energy plays a crucial role in rural electrification, enhancing access to electricity in remote areas and improving living standards. The implications for sustainable development are profound, as solar energy fosters economic growth, creates job opportunities, and supports initiatives aimed at combating climate change.