Decreasing trend in solar radiation for electricity: India Meteorological Department (IMD) study | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Decreasing trend in solar radiation for electricity: India Meteorological Department (IMD) study

Posted 27 Apr 2024

Updated 28 Apr 2024

2 min read

  • Global solar radiation (GR) is the total amount of solar radiation that is being received per unit area on the earth surface.

 

  • Key findings 
    •  Solar photovoltaic Potential (SPV) showed a general decline in stations of IMD.
      • SPV is the amount of radiation that may be practically available to be converted to electricity by panels measured as kilowatt hours per installed kilowatt of capacity (KWh/kWp).
    • Gujarat and Rajasthan,where India’s largest solar parks are located are also showing a decrease in SPV potential.
    • Cause: increase in aerosol load due to fine particles from carbon emissions, fossil fuel burning and dust.
      • Aerosols absorb sunlight and deflect it away from the earth, and they can also form dense clouds that block sunlight.

 

  • Status of solar energy in India
    • Installed solar energy capacity stands at 81.81 GW as of Mar 2024.
    • India’s solar energy potential is estimated to be 748 Giga Watt peak as estimated by National Institute of Solar Energy.
    • India ranks 5th in Solar Power Capacity globally.
    • 50 solar parks with an aggregate capacity of 37.49 GW have been approved.

Initiatives to promote solar power

  • The Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for the National Programme on High-Efficiency Solar Photovoltaic Modules.
  • Solar Park Scheme to establish 50 Solar Parks of 500 MW and above.
  • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to provide subsidies to install solar panels on roofs.
  • Tags :
  • IMD
  • Solar radiation
  • Solar photovoltaic Potential
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