Scenario of solar energy and policies in India

Abstract

Solar power is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy. China, the USA, and India have the world's richest solar energy sources. India receives solar radiation with an average intensity of 200 MW/km2 and 250-300 sunny days a year. The solar radiation in India varies from 4 to 7 kWh/m2/day, with 2300 to 3200 sunshine hours yearly, depending on the region. Badhla Solar Park, Jodhpur, India, is the world's largest solar plant, with a 2.25 GW installed capacity. Solar energy is the best alternative electricity source used explicitly in the agricultural sector. In the farming sector, the consumption of solar energy has been increasing. The major issues were the installation costs, low availability of technicians, and poor quality of panels. The focus on skill development equips the workforce to drive innovation, efficiency and sustained growth in the renewable energy field. With the support of international collaboration and a skilled workforce, India's progress in solar energy development is a boon for the industry.