SOLAR ENERGY
1. Context
On November 5, the World Solar Report 2024 by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was released. From 1.22 GW in 2000, the world’s solar capacity has surged to 1,419 GW in 2023, charting a CAGR of about 36%. Today, solar capacity represents three-quarters of all renewable capacity additions worldwide.
2. New Solar Technologies
- Quantum dot solar cells have reached a new efficiency milestone of 18.1%, presenting an innovative solution to improve solar energy capture and support atmospheric water harvesting technologies.
- Scientists are also developing self-repairing solar panels to enhance durability and minimize maintenance requirements in current solar technologies.
- Another advancement, solar-powered phyto-mining, utilizes solar energy to extract valuable metals from soil through plants, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional mining methods.
- Additionally, solar paver blocks and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), such as transparent solar panels, are being incorporated into infrastructure to facilitate light transmission and visibility.
- These emerging technologies aim to reduce dependence on critical materials like lithium and rare earth elements. The solar industry is also focusing on recycling solar panels and adopting circular economy principles to mitigate environmental impacts
3. How has Solar impacted other industries?
- Global employment in the solar PV sector surged to 7.1 million jobs in 2023, up from 4.9 million in 2022, highlighting its growing impact on job creation and economic growth. Solar-powered irrigation systems are revolutionizing agriculture, with the global solar pump market projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.8% between 2021 and 2027.
- This growth is fueled by decreasing solar PV costs, the affordability of solar pumps compared to diesel alternatives, and increased awareness among farmers. Beyond traditional farming, agrivoltaic systems are being utilized in livestock management, where solar panels installed in grazing areas provide shade for animals while generating electricity.
- The adoption of solar systems has also been boosted by innovative pay-as-you-go business models, enabling users to make small, manageable payments over time. Advances in technology have made solar energy more accessible and affordable, while new applications continue to drive its uptake.
- To ensure inclusive progress, it is crucial to prioritize the transfer of technology and financial resources to least-developed countries and small island developing states, leaving no one behind in the transition to renewable energy
4. Global Scenario
| Category | China | U.S.A | Japan / Germany / India | Brazil / Australia / Italy / Spain | Global Overview |
| Share of Global Solar PV Installed Capacity (2023) | 43% (609 GW) | 10% (137.73 GW) | 5-6% | ~2% | Total global solar PV capacity distributed. |
| Solar PV Manufacturing (2023) | - | - | - | - | Manufacturing capacity nearly doubled. |
| Share in Component Manufacturing (2023) | 97% (wafers) | - | - | - | China leads: 97% (wafers), 89% (cells), 83% (modules). |
5. International Solar Alliance(ISA)
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation launched during the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) to promote the global adoption of solar energy. It aims to facilitate cooperation among its member countries to accelerate the deployment of solar energy technologies and reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Key Objectives of ISA:
- Promoting Solar Energy: The ISA aims to increase the use of solar energy in its member countries, especially in developing nations.
- Reducing Dependency on Fossil Fuels: By promoting solar energy, the ISA seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
- Attracting Investments: The alliance works to attract investments in solar energy projects, particularly in developing countries.
- Technological Innovation: The ISA fosters research and development in solar technologies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Capacity Building: The organization provides technical and financial support to member countries to build capacity in solar energy
6. Government initiatives
| Initiative/Program | Description |
|---|---|
| National Solar Mission (NSM) |
- Launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
- Aims to achieve 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and reduce the cost of solar power generation
|
| KUSUM Scheme (PM-KUSUM) |
- Focuses on solar-powered irrigation by providing financial support for solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants
- Targets the installation of 30.8 GW of solar capacity in the agricultural sector by 2025-26
|
| Solar Park Scheme |
- Aims to establish large-scale solar parks to facilitate investments in solar energy projects
- Targets the development of 40 GW capacity in solar parks across various states
|
| Rooftop Solar Scheme |
- Provides financial incentives for installing rooftop solar panels in residential and commercial buildings
- Offers 40% subsidy for systems up to 3 kW and 20% subsidy for systems between 3 kW and 10 kW
|
| Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) |
- A public sector enterprise responsible for implementing solar energy projects, auctions, and tenders
- Plays a critical role in achieving national renewable energy targets
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| International Solar Alliance (ISA) |
- Promotes international collaboration to scale up solar energy deployment globally
- Supports member nations with technology transfer and financial assistance
|
| Development of Solar Cities Program | - Assists urban areas in reducing conventional energy consumption by up to 10% through solar energy solutions |
| Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) | - Encourages states and entities to meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) via trading of solar energy certificates |
| Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme |
- Provides incentives to domestic manufacturers of solar PV modules to boost indigenous production
- Aims to reduce dependence on imports, particularly from China
|
| Green Energy Corridor | - Supports the development of transmission infrastructure for evacuating renewable energy, including solar power |
| Tax Benefits and Subsidies | - Offers customs duty exemptions, accelerated depreciation benefits, and financial subsidies for solar projects |
| State-Level Solar Policies | - States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have their own solar energy policies offering incentives for solar adoption |
7. Way forward
The Government of India has taken substantial steps to promote solar energy as a cornerstone of its renewable energy strategy. Through a range of initiatives such as the National Solar Mission, the KUSUM Scheme, rooftop solar incentives, and the establishment of solar parks, India is steadily progressing towards its ambitious renewable energy targets. These efforts are further supported by international collaborations like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and innovative programs such as solar-powered irrigation and floating solar projects.
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For Prelims: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity & climate change For Mains: GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. |
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Previous Year Questions
1.Consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Answer (a)
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Source: The Hindu
