Major Issues on Beneficial Utilization of Solar Energy in India

Abstract

Solar energy is most commonly exploited in three ways: (a) photovoltaic (PV) systems for electricity generation, (b) solar thermal power plants for obtaining electricity and heat, and (c) solar thermal appliances for beneficial use of thermal energy. In January 2015, the Indian Government expanded its solar plans, targeting 100 GW of solar power by 2022 which will comprise 40 GW rooftop and 57 GW through large- and medium-scale grid-connected solar power plants. But various issues or challenges are to be addressed for achieving real success in the solar energy sector in India. There will be great demand of land for installing solar power instruments as well as power grid infrastructure. The pressure for utilizing more cultivable lands is to be reduced by giving more preference to rooftops, desert areas, wastelands, and inland water bodies. The substances used for the production of solar panels include some of the harmful heavy metals, some carcinogens, and hazardous materials. The disposal of broken panels or life-expired panels as well as batteries used in a solar panel system needs special attention to nullify the harmful effect of these wastes to the living population and the environment. More focus should be given on research for using recyclable, less hazardous, and more efficient materials in preparing solar panels. The size and weight of solar PV module are to be reduced for making it sustainable in cyclonic and coastal areas. The actual life span of solar panels found in India is only around 7 years against the claim of 30 years since the durability of a solar panel depends on its location and placement, extreme weather, environmental conditions, and also on type and frequency of maintenance. The life span of solar panels has to be enhanced for creating interest among the investors/users. Dust deposition, bird droppings, or tree leaves accumulation on solar panels reduce the efficiency up to 50%, if not cleaned properly at least thrice a week and washed once a month. A quite good maintenance of solar panel is essential in most of Indian locations. Washing with unfiltered or well water may create unwanted water spots on panels and corrosion in aluminum frames of the panels, thus reducing the efficiency. Covering the panels with a transparent screen impregnated with transparent indium tin oxide electrodes (self-dusting Martian technology) allows the removal of dust from solar panel. The unreliability in solar power production due to short- or long-time power fluctuation and frequency or voltage fluctuation caused by bad weather or less availability of solar radiation creates a challenging task to integrate into power grid. The smart power balance facility is essential for integrating solar energy sources with energy storage unit. The momentum of large-scale utilization of solar energy can only be sustained if it is backed by indigenous R&D, innovation, and manufacturing capability. A close collaboration between the research community and the industry is vital. Government encouragement, various subsidies, and assured power purchase agreement will play a decisive role for making India the largest solar power market in the world. More usage of solar energy is the best solution to drastically reduce emission of both greenhouse and toxic gases in the environment.