India evaluates solar power generation units

What is India's solar potential?

National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has assessed the country’s solar potential of about 748 GW assuming 3% of the waste land area to be covered by Solar PV modules. Solar energy has taken a central place in India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change with National Solar Mission (NSM) as one of the key Missions.

Will India's solar energy capacity reach unprecedented levels?

During his address at the India Today Conclave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined ambitious plans for the next five years, particularly in solar energy. He expressed confidence that India's solar energy capacity would reach unprecedented levels in the coming years. But is that assertion grounded in reality?

Will India be able to install 500 gigawatts of solar energy by 2030?

As a result, India has set ambitious goals to install 500 gigawatts of solar energy capacity by 2030. Given the large footprint projected to meet renewables energy targets, the potential for land use conflicts over environmental values is high.

How much solar power does India need?

Since 2010, India has installed ~25 GW of wind power and 35 GW of solar PV. The 80% renewables scenario studied here would require addition of approximately 1000 GW of wind power and 500 GW of solar PV by 2040. This growth would call for a fundamental shift in India’s energy system.

How to promote solar energy in India?

Government has taken several steps for promotion of solar energy in the country. These include: Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV and Wind Projects.

Will solar energy grow in India in the next 5 years?

Solar energy companies in India project the same trend to continue over the next five years with utility-scale solar energy expected to add 39 GW of the 60 GW of installed RE capacity 5.