Tapping the shine, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• In 2024-25, India generated 1,08,494 Gwh of solar energy, surpassing Japan and becoming the third largest producer globally [behind China and the United States].
• India's solar module panel manufacturing capacity rose from 2 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025, according to the Ministry of Renewable Energy.
• India aims to source half of its power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, requiring an annual addition of 30 GW of solar power.
• Modules made in India are 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than those from China, hindering export competitiveness.

Detailed Insights:

• India's solar power cost fell below coal power around 2017, boosting investments in ground-mounted solar projects.
• The effective solar module production capacity in India is currently about 85 GW, despite an optimistic projected capacity of 100 GW.
• India exported about 4 GW of solar modules to the U.S. in 2024 due to temporary restrictions, compared to China's 236 GW annual export.
• PM Kusum and PM Surya Ghar schemes, aimed at promoting solar power in rural and urban India, respectively, can be models for Africa.
• India's initiative to become a 'solar supplier' to Africa, leveraging the International Solar Alliance, is crucial for sustaining its solar industry.
• Only 4% of Africa's arable land is irrigated due to insufficient rural power, presenting an opportunity for India's solar-powered pumpsets.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gigawatt (GW): A unit of power equal to one billion watts, often used to measure the capacity of power plants.
• Gigawatt-hour (GWh): A unit of energy representing one billion watt-hours, measuring the amount of energy produced or consumed over time.
• International Solar Alliance: An initiative by India to promote solar energy adoption and collaboration among member countries.