In late 2005 China was the largest solar energy producer globally. It was a massive manufacturer in the solar energy sector. With low cost, government support policies, and large-scale projects China emerged as the world’s largest solar energy producer. The first solar park was built by Arco Lugo near Hesperia, California at the end of 1982. Its capacity was 1 MW. It followed a 5.2 MW installation in Carrizo Plain. Several structures of solar parks were carried out in Germany. In 2008 Spain became the largest market in solar installation.
Since then, the USA, China, India, France, Canada, Australia, and Italy have also developed major photovoltaic stations. Now, the world records an increase in solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation up to 179TWh in 2021 and exceeds the mark of 1000TWh generation of power. It is the second-largest growth of renewable technologies in 2021, after wind. Solar PV has contributed to 3.6% of global electricity generation and remains the third largest renewable electricity technology behind hydropower and wind.
Solar Energy Scenario in India
India entered late in these projects but according to US-based IEEFA out of 10 largest solar parks 5 are being constructed in India with some successful completions. As of 28.02.2022 Ministry of New and Renewables (MNRE), the Indian government sanctioned 56 solar parks with a cumulative 38,266 MW capacity that have been approved in 15 states under the scheme for the development of solar parks and ultra-mega solar power projects. By 2032 renewable energy will have a share of 40% and a major portion will be covered by solar energy. The country’s major solar stations are located in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
(Source: http://solargis.info)
World’s largest solar park as of 2021 is situated in India. It is the Bhadla solar park spread over 14,000 acres of land. Its nameplate capacity is 2,245 MW. This project has been completed through 4 phases. Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company Limited (RSPDCL) made 745 MW projects in 2 phases. Saurya Urja Company of Rajasthan Limited made 1,000MW in the third phase and in the fourth phase. Adani Renewable Energy Park made 500MW. This park contains 10 million solar panels.
Pavagada Solar Park being the next largest solar park in Karnataka, India contributes 2,000 MW power generation covering a huge land area of 13,000 acres. This solar park was developed by Karnataka Solar park Development Corporation Limited (KSPDCL) with a joint venture between the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and the Karnataka Renewable Energy (KREDL), with the help from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). Other major solar photovoltaic attractions are Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, Andhra Pradesh with a power generation capacity of 1,000MW with a land area of 5,932 acres, NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park is situated in Andhra Pradesh with 1,500MW capacity and a land area of 7,924 acres and Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park is located in Madhya Pradesh with 750 MW generation capacity covering 1,590 acres of land. Other north-eastern states also contribute to solar power generation with a total of 193MW capacity.
(Source:https://in.pinterest.com/)
Recently in the US, India Business Council (USIBC) meeting (virtual), the Hon’ble Cabinet Minister (Power, New and Renewable Energy) said that India is on track to achieve the 450 GW renewable energy target by 2030. The agenda of the meeting was: “Advancing cleaner, more sustainable and affordable energy to mitigate climate change and power India’s economic growth”
In January 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an initiative to increase the solar capacity to 100 GW and total renewable power capacity to175 GW by 2022 in August 12, 2021 MNRE announced India has achieved a milestone of 100 GW in renewable energy excluding hydroelectricity. This achievement is a push towards India’s green energy portfolio’s landmark.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), proposed by India as a founding member, is headquartered in India. ISA promotes developing solar energy and reducing production and development costs through wider deployment of solar technologies. India has also put forward the concept of “one sun one world one grid and world solar bank” to harness abundant solar power on a global scale.
As of July 2019, solar PV installed in India was ground mounted at 27,930MW installed capacities. The next largest was rooftop solar at 2,141 MW – which is divided into residential, commercial, and industrial solar roofs. 70% of rooftop solar in 2018 was industrial rooftop solar. Figure 4 shows the nation’s year wise solar PV installed capacity where Andhra Pradesh’s photovoltaic capacity was 4,257 MW as of 30 September 2022, Gujarat was 4,431MW as of 31 March 2021, Karnataka being the top solar state in India with 5,000 MW installed capacity. Other states being Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh with installed capacities of 2,289 MW by the end of June 2018, and 1,117 MW by the end of July 2017 respectively.
Conclusion
With this huge population, energy requirement has increased – and given the impact of climate change, the greener future seems to be sustainable. Switching to renewable power source is a stepping stone to clean energy visions.
If we use 3% of the unused land efficiently, then also India is capable of producing 7,800,00 MW solar energy. Most of the solar panels are imported, so it is better to manufacture them in our country. For that proper design and raw material should be available.
If this decision would have been taken before 10 yrs., then the cost of solar panel would have been much lesser and would be beneficial for the technological development of the country. With more efficient use of solar panels, India can meet its target of 30% share of solar energy in total electricity production.
Anannya Panda is a Student of Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Parala Maharaja Engineering College, Berhampur,Odisha, India.
Dr. Sarat Kumar Sahoo is a Professor/HOD of Dept. of Electrical Engineering, Parala Maharaja Engineering College, Berhampur, Odisha, India.
