๐ Topic 01 of 6 ยท Chapter 09 ยท Renewable Energy Technology
Solar Energy Technology in India
PV cells, solar thermal, CSP, Bhadla Solar Park, India’s solar capacity โ complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
โ๏ธ Types of Solar Energy Technology
| Type | How it Works | Efficiency | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photovoltaic (PV) | Solar cells convert sunlight directly to electricity using semiconductor (silicon) | ~20-25% | Rooftop solar, solar parks, solar pumps |
| Solar Thermal | Sunlight heats water or fluid for heating or electricity generation | ~60-70% | Solar water heaters, industrial process heat |
| Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) | Mirrors concentrate sunlight to heat fluid โ steam โ turbine โ electricity | ~15-20% | Large-scale power plants; can store heat |
โ๏ธ India’s Solar Achievements
- India = 5th largest solar power producer in world
- India’s solar capacity = ~80 GW (2024); target = 300 GW by 2030
- Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan) = world’s largest solar park (~2,245 MW)
- Rajasthan = highest solar potential state (300+ sunny days/year)
- Other major solar parks: Pavagada (Karnataka, ~2,050 MW), Rewa (MP, 750 MW)
- PM-KUSUM = solar pumps for farmers + solar power on agricultural land
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024) = rooftop solar for households
โ๏ธ How Solar Cells Work
- Solar cells use the photovoltaic effect โ discovered by Edmond Becquerel (1839)
- Silicon semiconductor absorbs photons โ electrons released โ electric current
- p-n junction in solar cell separates electrons and holes โ creates voltage
- Multiple cells โ solar panel; multiple panels โ solar array
- Efficiency improving: conventional silicon ~20%; perovskite solar cells ~30%+
โญ Key Facts:
โข India = 5th largest solar power producer; target = 300 GW by 2030
โข Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan) = world’s largest solar park (~2,245 MW)
โข Rajasthan = highest solar potential state
โข PM-KUSUM = solar pumps for farmers
โข ISA (International Solar Alliance) = India’s initiative = HQ Gurugram
โข India = 5th largest solar power producer; target = 300 GW by 2030
โข Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan) = world’s largest solar park (~2,245 MW)
โข Rajasthan = highest solar potential state
โข PM-KUSUM = solar pumps for farmers
โข ISA (International Solar Alliance) = India’s initiative = HQ Gurugram