Solar power in India

Since the early 2000s, India has increased its solar power significantly with the help of various government initiatives and rapid awareness about the importance of renewable energy and sustainability in the society.

[23][22][24] Currently, 90% of India's solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity is concentrated in just nine states, raising concerns about the resilience of a future PV-dominated grid.

Notably, it fosters synergy with existing hydropower infrastructure in the Northeast and leverages the exceptional solar potential of Ladakh, unlocking diverse renewable energy avenues.

[46] In 2015, NTPC agreed with APTransCo to install the 250-MW NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Power Project near Kadiri in Anantapur district.

Gujarat is one of India's most solar-developed states, with its total installed solar power generation capacity reaching 7,806 MW as of 30 June 2022.

The Welspun Solar MP project, the largest solar-power plant in the state, was built at a cost of ₹11 billion (US$130 million) on 305 ha (3.05 km2) of land and will supply power at ₹8.05 (9.3¢ US) per kWh.

A 130 MW solar power plant project at Bhagwanpura, a village in Neemuch district, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

[63] On 1 July 2017, the solar power tariff in Tamil Nadu has hit an all-time low of ₹3.47 per unit when bidding for 1500 MW capacity was held.

In 2019, NTPC Ramagundam had placed work order on Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to install 100 MW floating solar PV plant on its water supply reservoir.

The smallest segment was off-grid solar at 1467 MW which could help play a role in reaching villages and dwellings without access to the national grid.

[105] When solar thermal storage plant is forced to idle due to lack of sunlight locally during cloudy days in monsoon season, it is also possible to consume (similar to a lesser efficient, huge capacity and low cost battery storage system) the cheap excess grid power when the grid frequency is above 50 hz for heating the hot molten salt to higher temperature for converting stored thermal energy in to electricity during the peak demand hours when the electricity sale price is profitable.

[citation needed] Bengaluru has the largest deployment of roof-top solar water heaters in India, generating an energy equivalent of 200 MW.

[122] Most pumps are fitted with a 200–3,000 W (0.27–4.02 hp) motor powered with a 1,800 Wp PV array which can deliver about 140,000 litres (37,000 US gal) of water per day from a total hydraulic head of 10 m (33 ft).

[132] By 2026, over 3 million farmers in India are projected to adopt solar-powered irrigation pumps, which serve as a cost-effective alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based systems.

However, the extensive use of these pumps has led to a severe depletion of groundwater, particularly in arid regions like Rajasthan, where water tables have drastically fallen to depths of 400 feet.

Drinking or breweries water quality, free from bacteria and suspended matter, can be generated by simple filtration and disinfection processes, as rainwater is very low in salinity.

The maximum power generation of solar panels during the sunny daytime is complementary with the enhanced residential electricity consumption during the hot/summer days due to the higher use of cooling appliances such as fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, desert coolers, water heaters, etc.

[150][151] A power-purchase agreement (PPA) is not needed for solar plants with a battery storage systems to serve ancillary-service operations and transmit generated electricity for captive consumption using an open-access facility.

[127] Combination of solar panels in different orientations on both sides of North-South line generates power for longer hours daily and undesirable peak output is dampened at the midday.

[187] These transmission towers have nearly 50 GW solar PV potential (without any extra land footprint) @ 25 kW/tower if panels are installed on the south-facing facade at a safe distance from the conductors.

[189] Without the need to level the uneven land or maintaining the natural grading of a site, single axis trackers facilitate solar panels installation economically at optimum power generation.

[193] The cost of high efficiency and compact mono PERC modules and battery storage systems have reduced to make rooftop solar PV more economical and feasible in a microgrid.

Pontoon can have a tilting arrangement (another 35 degrees) to have inclined floating by varying water content in the ballast tanks to track the sun's direction for optimum solar power generation.

Greenpeace[16][202][203] recommends that India adopt a policy of developing solar power as a dominant component of its renewable-energy mix since, being a densely-populated country[204] in the tropical belt,[205][206] the subcontinent has an ideal combination of high insolation[205] and a large potential consumer base.

In addition, rooftop solar panels help to reduce carbon emissions, making them a key component in India's efforts to combat climate change.

With the availability of government subsidies, more households and businesses can now afford to install rooftop solar panels, contributing to a more sustainable future for the country.

[231][232][233][234][235] The intermittent / non-dispatchable solar PV at the prevailing low tariffs clubbed with Pumped-heat electricity storage can offer cheapest dispatchable power round the clock on demand.

[266][267] In March 2021, the discovered levelised tariff was ₹2.20 (2.5¢ US) per kWh after the imposition of basic customs duty (BCD) on imported solar PV panels and cells.

[278] At the end of July 2015, the chief incentives were: In January 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande laid the foundation stone for the headquarters of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in Gwal Pahari, Gurugram.

To increase installation of photovoltaic solar-power plants, the production of flat glass and its raw materials must expand commensurately to eliminate supply constraints or future imports.