Daily Current Affairs : 29-April-2024

India has made big strides in harnessing solar power; however, the latest studies indicate a concerning trend: the solar radiation available for converting into electricity is reducing. This decline is primarily due to increased aerosol load and cloud cover in the atmosphere. Understanding these changes and finding effective solutions is critical for maintaining and enhancing India’s solar power capacity.

The Problem of Decreasing Solar Radiation

Recent analysis carried out by scientists from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals that solar photovoltaic (SPV) potential has declined in various regions across India. This analysis utilized data collected from 13 different weather stations over a span of 34 years, from 1985 to 2019. The findings suggest that:

  • Increased Aerosols: Higher levels of aerosols in the atmosphere are reducing the amount of solar radiation that reaches the earth’s surface.
  • Cloud Cover: More frequent and denser cloud formations are also contributing to the decrease in available sunlight.

Current Solar Energy Capacity

Despite these challenges, India has achieved significant progress in solar energy. Currently, the country has an installed solar energy capacity of approximately 81 gigawatts (GW). However, the potential for solar energy generation is much higher, estimated at around 748 GW peak. This places India fifth in the world in terms of solar power capacity.

Government Initiatives

To address the challenges posed by declining solar radiation, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives aimed at promoting solar power:

  • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: This scheme encourages domestic manufacturing of solar panels, ensuring that more efficient technology is utilized.
  • Solar Park Scheme: This initiative helps in the development of solar parks, which provide the necessary infrastructure for large-scale solar energy projects.

Important Points:

Declining Solar Radiation:

  • Recent studies show a decrease in solar radiation available for electricity generation in India.
  • Main causes include increased aerosol load and cloud cover.

Research Findings:

  • Analysis by IMD used data from 13 weather stations over 34 years (1985-2019).
  • Key findings:
    • Increased Aerosols: Higher aerosol levels reduce solar radiation reaching the surface.
    • Cloud Cover: More frequent and denser clouds decrease available sunlight.

Current Solar Energy Capacity:

  • India has an installed solar energy capacity of approximately 81 gigawatts (GW).
  • Potential for solar energy generation is estimated at around 748 GW peak.
  • India ranks fifth globally in solar power capacity.

Government Initiatives:

  • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Encourages domestic manufacturing of solar panels for better efficiency.
  • Solar Park Scheme: Supports the development of solar parks to provide infrastructure for large-scale projects.

Why In News

Solar radiation available for electricity conversion in India is decreasing, attributed to increased aerosol load and cloud cover, which hinder the efficiency of solar energy systems and pose challenges for the country’s renewable energy goals.

MCQs about Declining Solar Radiation in India

  1. What is the primary reason for the decrease in solar radiation available for electricity conversion in India?
    A. Increased solar panel efficiency
    B. Increased aerosol load and cloud cover
    C. Decreased temperature levels
    D. Urbanization and deforestation
    Correct Answer: B. Increased aerosol load and cloud cover
    Explanation: The decline in solar radiation is mainly due to increased aerosol load and cloud cover, which obstruct sunlight.
  2. What is India’s current installed solar energy capacity ?
    A. 50 GW
    B. 81 GW
    C. 600 GW
    D. 748 GW
    Correct Answer: B. 81 GW
    Explanation: India currently has an installed solar energy capacity of approximately 81 gigawatts (GW).
  3. Which of the following government initiatives is aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing of solar panels?
    A. Solar Park Scheme
    B. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
    C. National Solar Mission
    D. Clean Energy Fund
    Correct Answer: B. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
    Explanation: The PLI Scheme encourages domestic manufacturing of solar panels to improve efficiency.
  4. How does cloud cover affect solar energy production in India?
    A. It increases solar panel efficiency
    B. It has no impact on solar energy production
    C. It decreases the amount of available sunlight
    D. It enhances solar radiation levels
    Correct Answer: C. It decreases the amount of available sunlight
    Explanation: Cloud cover contributes to the reduction in available sunlight for solar energy production.

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