Q.16 India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.

Model Answer:

Introduction

India has immense potential for solar energy, receiving about 300 sunny days annually, which translates to an energy potential of around 5,000 trillion kWh per year. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming for 100 GW of solar energy by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030.

Body

Several factors contribute to India's solar energy potential:

• Location: India’s geographical position near the equator ensures high solar insolation.
• Affordability: The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly, making solar energy more accessible.
• Sustainability: Solar energy is a clean, renewable source, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Scalability: Solar projects can range from small rooftop installations to large solar farms.
• Government Initiatives: Policies like the National Solar Mission and schemes such as KUSUM and PM-KUSUM promote solar energy adoption.

‍

However, there are regional variations in solar energy development:

• High Solar Insolation: States like Rajasthan and Gujarat receive high solar radiation, making them ideal for solar projects.
• Land Availability: States with vast tracts of unused land, such as Rajasthan, are more suitable for large solar farms.
• State Policies and Programs: Progressive policies in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have accelerated solar energy adoption.
• Transmission Infrastructure: Efficient transmission networks in states like Gujarat facilitate better integration of solar power into the grid.

‍

States leading in solar energy development include:

• Karnataka: With over 7GW of installed solar capacity, Karnataka is a leader in solar energy.
• Tamil Nadu: Known for its robust solar policies, Tamil Nadu has significant solar installations.
• Rajasthan: With its vast desert land and high solar insolation, Rajasthan is a major player in solar energy.

Conclusion

The government has taken several steps to promote solar energy, such as implementing the Solar Park Scheme, providing subsidies, and encouraging private sector participation. The future growth of solar energy in India looks promising, with continuous advancements in technology and supportive government policies paving the way for a sustainable energy future.

‍

Instant Mains Evaluation with SuperKalam

✅ Now that you have gone through the model answer, try practicing and writing it in your own words and evaluate it instantly with SuperKalam here - Evaluate Mains Answer instantly