Solar energy is the most economical and eco-friendly option to challenge the terrible pollution levels and beat inflation in the energy sector. It produces electricity from sunlight, which is free to use. In addition, it doesn’t release toxic gases without polluting the air.
With rising pollution levels and uncertain price fluctuations of conventional energy, solar energy growth in India is an apt solution. Moreover, solar installations are cheaper than traditional energy plants and can be installed at any property, irrespective of a small house or big factory.
Solar energy development in India will allow people to have a cheaper and more reliable electricity source. In addition, it will convince more people to switch to electric cars, which will help combat India’s alarming population levels and reduce crude oil imports.
Why Solar Energy
Let’s understand why solar power generation in India has a bright future.
India’s Solar Journey (Brief History)
India’s solar story began during rural electrification activities small in location, but which endeavored for energy access for millions through projects in the 1990s. After 2010, energy access equity gained traction with the National Solar Mission that opened the door to the future of solar power in India.
Why Solar Energy Is Critical for India’s Future
As energy demands escalate, climate difficulties increase, and the world pivots to self-sufficiency, solar energy plays a key role – enabling sustainable growth in the emerging renewable energy economy and energy security in markets. Incumbent aspects of solar energy also highlight the future of solar energy in India as sustainable and strategic.
Technological Progress in Solar Energy
Technological progress paved the way for increased efficiency and performance of solar panels, which benefit the users. These advancements facilitate solar panels to produce energy in cloudy weather or on days with less sunshine.
TopCon solar cells, bifacial panels and perovskite solar cells are some of the modern developments that improve solar system efficiency.
TopCon solar cells:
TOPCon solar cells have a special layer that helps capture more sunlight. This special layer promotes more energy conversion.
Bifacial panels:
Bifacial panels can absorb sunlight from both sides. These panels boost energy output by up to 30%. These new panels are more efficient, cost-effective and flexible. You can use them on rooftops, ground systems, and floating solar farms.
Perovskite Solar Cells:
These cells can significantly impact India’s solar energy potential. Combination with silicon cells boosts perovskite cell’s efficiency by 25% to 30%.
Perovskite cells are affordable, lightweight and flexible. They absorb more sunlight. They can work in low light, which helps solar panels boost their energy conversion.
Integration of Smart Technologies:
AI and IoT are changing the future of renewable energy in India. IoT sensors help track crucial factors such as voltage, power output, tilt angle, temperature, and humidity and provide real-time data. AI uses this data to predict issues before they happen. It reduces maintenance costs and downtime. In addition, it improves the performance of solar panels by adjusting their tilt and sun exposure, even considering the weather conditions.
AI detects problems early and alerts maintenance teams for quick fixes. These smart systems can work with smart grids to better manage energy distribution to improve grid stability and efficiency. Overall, AI and IoT boost solar energy production leading to higher energy output and better returns on investment.
These innovations are helping the world move towards using more renewable energy. They play a pivotal role in boosting the Indian solar energy market.
Government Initiatives and Solar Energy Policy
India has made massive leaps in solar energy. India has developed its solar capacity from 1.60 GW in 2013 to 70 GW by 2023. The government has given consent to 51 solar power projects in India. These solar systems have a total capacity of 37.74 GW.
The National Solar Mission has achieved significant solar power growth in India. By 2030, India aims to reach 500 GW of power from non-fossil fuel sources, with solar energy playing a major role. The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana (PMSGY) has set a target of installing 30GW of rooftop solar across 10 million homes by 2027.
The Indian government offers financial incentives and subsidies to promote solar energy usage for homes and businesses. Residents can get a 40% subsidy for rooftop solar installations. Commercial units can look forward to tax benefits and reduced GST rates.
Along with central subsidies, states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, also offer extra subsidies to lower installation costs. There are also attractive loan options from banks and financial institutions to support solar projects.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
By 2023, the Indian solar energy market created more than 1.02 million jobs. By 2027, the solar industry is estimated to create an additional 1.7 million jobs. It results in sustainable economic growth.
Solar energy, one of the popular renewable energy sources in India, reduces dependence on foreign fuels. It helps to save foreign exchange improve trade balance, and attract FDIs.
Moreover, India can export surplus solar energy to other nations that cannot fulfil their own energy requirements or looking to use renewable energy over conventional.
Environmental Concerns
No fossil fuels are used in solar energy production. Solar energy uses direct sunlight and does not release any poisonous gases, without harming nature.
In addition, fossil fuels are scarce which makes non-renewable energy costly. It has already raised pollution levels to threatening levels, posing hazards to living beings. Solar energy supports a sustainable environment and commits to a greener planet for the generations to come.
Solar Power Growth Forecast (Residential, Commercial)
India’s solar industry is booming across many sectors. In the residential solar market, falling panel prices (and rooftop subsidies) is stimulating growth at the household level. The commercial solar sector is motivated by the need to lower operational costs and discharge green mandates. In rural areas, decentralized solar mini-grids are providing energy access, while solar pumps for small-hold farmers are helping reduce diesel use and improve sustainability.
Solar Emerging Trends
Emerging trends include AI-powered solar power forecasting, energy storage integration, and hybrid systems combining solar with wind or bioenergy. These innovations are critical to maximizing efficiency and meeting the ambitious solar growth projections for the coming decade.
Government Targets
India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, with solar playing a dominant role. Policy frameworks like PM-KUSUM and rooftop solar subsidies reflect strong governmental support, reaffirming that the solar future in India is both bright and attainable.
Challenges and Resolutions
The following challenges still exist to reach the ambitious goals of solar energy – the best renewable energy in India.
- Land Acquisition
- Suitable land selection
- Ample sunlight proximity
- Navigating regulatory frameworks
- Fair landowner compensation
- Addressing ecosystem impact
- Grid Integration
- Grid infrastructure upgrades
- Real-time stability monitoring
- Energy storage solutions
- Backup systems for reliability
- Curtailment and financial losses
Here are a few solutions to overcome the above problems:
- Floating Solar Projects.
- Benefits as follows:
- Water-based solar installations
- Conserves land, increases efficiency
- Reduces reservoir evaporation
- Benefits as follows:
- Improved Grid Infrastructure.
- It can help with:
- Smart grid technology integration
- Advanced battery storage solutions
- Modernised transmission expansion
- It can help with:
- Policy and Incentives
- Financial incentives for solar energy adoption and streamlined regulatory processes can help to make solar energy a more viable and sustainable energy source.
Conclusion
The demand for electricity in India is surging. Not only for residential or commercial use, electricity is now required for automobiles too. Generating conventional energy is expensive and pollutes the air. On this backdrop, solar energy seems to be a silver lining amidst the dark clouds.
The abundant sunlight in India favours solar installation systems on a vast scale. Today, solar energy is considered one of the best renewable energy in India. Solar energy offers several financial and environmental benefits, that can lead to a sustainable future for India.
Freyr Energy has been instrumental in the solar energy growth in India. It aligns with the Indian government’s sustainability cause and offers cheaper energy alternatives to the masses. Freyr Energy plays a crucial role in offering a sustainable future for Indians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar energy development in India is important as the energy demand for India is on the rise. Not only for households or industrial use, nowadays, we require electricity to run automobiles too.
Yes, investing in the Indian solar energy market is a smart investment. It may give a decent return on investment in the future.
Here are India’s solar energy targets:
- Install 280 GW of solar power capacity by 2030.
- Create 50 solar parks with a total capacity of around 38 GW by 2025-26.
- Encourage domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency PV modules.
The land acquisition that includes appropriate land selection with ample sunlight is one challenge. Other challenges are navigating complex regulatory processes, negotiating landowner compensation, and mitigating environmental impacts.
Energy storage solutions, grid infrastructure upgrades, and real-time monitoring are some of the additional challenges today.
Solar energy offers several benefits to India’s economy. They are:
- Cheap and consistent electricity.
- Less pollution.
- Boost foreign exchange.
- Attract FDIs.
- Employment generation.
- Sustainable economy.
