Bringing solar energy to the forefront

With government initiatives and private sector ventures in the solar sector gaining momentum, the sector is set to develop further as a major source of electricity in the country. Here we take a look at its significance for the country and the business outlook for this year.

Power supply and access are the focal points of conversation this year in the power industry, and as the industry works on improving generation, transmission and distribution, solar energy is proving to be a boon for India with its multifold benefits and opportunities.

India enjoys access to solar energy almost all the days of the year, and with facilities being developed to take advantage of this, the day may not be too far when solar energy becomes the main source of power generation.

Solar energy as a clean source of energy is getting impetus worldwide, and India too is working to adopt it on a larger scale. Industry leaders talk about the investments and challenges in the sector, and what they are doing to contribute towards it.

Solution for growing power needs
Electricity demands are rising, and despite more than enough power generation currently, the growing needs will soon surpass the generation. Efforts are also on to move from traditional sources of energy to renewable sources that are non-polluting and eco-friendly. Also, the power transmission and distribution network has to be improved greatly in order to ensure that power supply is made a reality for even the remote corners of India.

Mahendra Gupta, Managing Director, Gupta Power Infrastructure Limited, says, “The solar sector can be pivotal in aiding the government’s vision of ‘Power for All’. With cost reduction and competitive prices in the solar sector and hiked prices in non-solar energy sectors, more people are opting to use solar energy, even for domestic consumption. That adds greater value to the sector.”

Besides commercial and factory spaces, even the domestic segment is increasing power consumption based on solar energy, although at a slow and steady pace compared to the former segments. To boost power generation and distribution, measures must be taken to increase use of solar energy and distribute it more equitably, so that a wider audience can enjoy the benefits of this wonderful, clean and green energy source and the sector can reach its full potential.

Ankit Bagaria, Ruby Mica Co. Ltd opines, “The government can promote solar energy by providing subsidies on solar panels, encourage people to install more panels and ensure that solar rooftops are installed all over the country, so that the solar panels can generate electricity and pass on the surplus electricity to the power grid. This will ensure that any demand-supply gaps are effectively addressed and fulfilled by solar panels.”

He adds, “The government can also buy the surplus electricity from them. In this way, solar panels can become a major source of electricity generation so that wherever there is a supply deficit, we can make up for that deficit through the electricity generated from these solar panels.”

Money matters
The government is heavily focused on increasing consumption of electricity through renewable and clean sources and has set an ambitious target of achieving a solar energy capacity of 100 GW by 2022. Companies are working towards this target by building more solar facilities and plants and installing solar rooftops in their factories and other working areas.

Gupta says, “The government has set a huge target for the solar sector. Countries all over the world are focusing on solar energy. Prices in the solar sector have gone down drastically, which is giving everybody an opportunity to invest more in this sector. Even in residential spaces, people are going for solar water heaters.”

He further elaborates, “Solar energy is now going to come in a big way. We too are into solar lighting. We are now purchasing solar panels and have installed a solar plant for our power consumption.” He adds, “Investments are being made in the sector on a huge scale. But in some states like Odisha, the progress in the sector is slow, while certain others are investing heavily in it.”

Eliminating bottlenecks in the sector
Solar energy does not come without its own set of hurdles. Despite almost constant access to the Sun’s rays, India still faces challenges in terms of weather and land restrictions.

Bagaria says, “The challenge in the solar energy sector is the clouds, as you cannot produce electricity at night. So, it limits power generation. Also, you need a vast area for a solar plant. For example, if you need to generate one kilowatt of electricity, you need an area of about 120 square feet. So, the area required is very high. And that kind of area is nowadays premium as we do not have that kind of area available easily. So the best solution would be to opt for solar rooftops to generate electricity.”

Solar rooftops are easier to install and do not require too much land, as one has to get them installed on the rooftops of building or houses. It can be installed in commercial, industrial as well as residential spaces, ensuring greater access to solar energy. Moreover, batteries too are being developed so that surplus solar energy can be stored and the country can enjoy access to power even during the night.

With the world moving towards products and services that are more dependent on electricity, it is imperative to ensure that power supply is increased but in a clean and sustainable way. Solar energy is one of the most sustainable and cost-efficient ways to do this, and the government and companies must take up more initiatives to develop technologies and solutions and use it to its full potential.

The government can promote solar energy by providing subsidies on solar panels, encourage people to install more panels and ensure that solar rooftops are installed all over the country, so that the solar panels can generate electricity and pass on the surplus electricity to the power grid.
Ankit Bagaria, Director, Ruby Mica Co. Ltd

The solar sector can be pivotal in aiding the government’s vision of ‘Power for All’. With cost reduction and competitive prices in the solar sector and hiked prices in non-solar energy sectors, more people are opting to use solar energy, even for domestic consumption.
Mahendra Gupta, Managing Director, Gupta Power Infrastructure Limited