SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴

Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving
technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten
salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.[1][2]
It is an important source of renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as
either passive solar or active solar depending on how they capture and distribute solar energy or
convert it into solar power. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic
systems, concentrated solar power and solar water heating to harness the energy. Passive solar
techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass or
light-dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.
The large magnitude of solar energy available makes it a highly appealing source of electricity.
The United Nations Development Programme in its 2000 World Energy Assessment found that the
annual potential of solar energy was 1,575–49,837 exajoules(EJ). This is several times larger than
the total world energy consumption, which was 559.8 EJ in 2012.[3][4]
In 2011, the International Energy Agency said that "the development of affordable, inexhaustible and
clean solar energy technologies will have huge longer-term benefits. It will increase countries’
energy security through reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent
resource, enhance sustainability, reduce pollution, lower the costs of mitigating global warming, and
keep fossil fuel prices lower than otherwise. These advantages are global. Hence the additional
costs of the incentives for early deployment should be considered learning investments; they must
be wisely spent and need to be widely shared".[1]
The Earth receives 174 petawatts (PW) of incoming solar radiation (insolation) at the
upper atmosphere.[5] Approximately 30% is reflected back to space while the rest is absorbed by
clouds, oceans and land masses. The spectrum of solar light at the Earth's surface is mostly spread
across the visible and near-infrared ranges with a small part in the near-ultraviolet.[6] Most of the
world's population live in areas with insolation levels of 150–300 watts/m², or 3.5–7.0 kWh/m² per
day.[citation needed]
Solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth's land surface, oceans – which cover about 71% of the
globe – and atmosphere. Warm air containing evaporated water from the oceans rises,
causing atmospheric circulation or convection. When the air reaches a high altitude, where the
temperature is low, water vapor condenses into clouds, which rain onto the Earth's surface,
completing the water cycle. The latent heat of water condensation amplifies convection, producing
atmospheric phenomena such as wind, cyclones and anti-cyclones.[7] Sunlight absorbed by the
oceans and land masses keeps the surface at an average temperature of
14 °C.[8] By photosynthesis, green plants convert solar energy into chemically stored energy, which
produces food, wood and the biomass from which fossil fuels are derived.[9]
The total solar energy absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, oceans and land masses is approximately
3,850,000 exajoules (EJ) per year.[10] In 2002, this was more energy in one hour than the world used
in one year.[11][12] Photosynthesis captures approximately 3,000 EJ per year in biomass.[13] The
amount of solar energy reaching the surface of the planet is so vast that in one year it is about twice
as much as will ever be obtained from all of the Earth's non-renewable resources of coal, oil, natural
gas, and mined uranium combined,[14]

Yearly solar fluxes & human consumption1

Solar 3,850,000 [10]

Wind 2,250 [15]

Biomass potential ~200 [16]

 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
Primary energy use2 539 [17]

Electricity2 ~67 [18]

1
Energy given in Exajoule (EJ) = 1018 J = 278 TWh
2
Consumption as of year 2010

The potential solar energy that could be used by humans differs from the amount of solar energy
present near the surface of the planet because factors such as geography, time variation, cloud
cover, and the land available to humans limit the amount of solar energy that we can acquire.
Geography affects solar energy potential because areas that are closer to the equatorhave a greater
amount of solar radiation. However, the use of photovoltaics that can follow the position of the sun
can significantly increase the solar energy potential in areas that are farther from the equator.[4] Time
variation effects the potential of solar energy because during the nighttime there is little solar
radiation on the surface of the Earth for solar panels to absorb. This limits the amount of energy that
solar panels can absorb in one day. Cloud cover can affect the potential of solar panels because
clouds block incoming light from the sun and reduce the light available for solar cells.
In addition, land availability has a large effect on the available solar energy because solar panels
can only be set up on land that is otherwise unused and suitable for solar panels. Roofs have been
found to be a suitable place for solar cells, as many people have discovered that they can collect
energy directly from their homes this way. Other areas that are suitable for solar cells are lands that
are not being used for businesses where solar plants can be established.[4]
Solar technologies are characterized as either passive or active depending on the way they capture,
convert and distribute sunlight and enable solar energy to be harnessed at different levels around
the world, mostly depending on distance from the equator. Although solar energy refers primarily to
the use of solar radiation for practical ends, all renewable energies, other than Geothermal
power and Tidal power, derive their energy either directly or indirectly from the Sun.
Active solar techniques use photovoltaics, concentrated solar power, solar thermal collectors,
pumps, and fans to convert sunlight into useful outputs. Passive solar techniques include selecting
materials with favorable thermal properties, designing spaces that naturally circulate air, and
referencing the position of a building to the Sun. Active solar technologies increase the supply of
energy and are considered supply side technologies, while passive solar technologies reduce the
need for alternate resources and are generally considered demand side technologies.[19]
In 2000, the United Nations Development Programme, UN Department of Economic and Social
Affairs, and World Energy Council published an estimate of the potential solar energy that could be
used by humans each year that took into account factors such as insolation, cloud cover, and the
land that is usable by humans. The estimate found that solar energy has a global potential of 1,575–
49,837 EJ per year (see table below).[4]

Annual solar energy potential by region (Exajoules) [4]

Latin Centr Mid Centr

West Form Sub- Sou Paci
North Americ al dle Paci ally
Regio ern er Sahar th fic
Ameri a and and East fic plann
n Europ Sovi an Asi OEC
ca Caribb Easte and Asia ed
e et Africa a D
ean rn Nort Asia
Unio
Euro h
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
pe n Afric
a

Minim 412.
181.1 112.6 25.1 4.5 199.3 371.9 41.0 38.8 115.5 72.6
um 4

Maxim 11,0 1,33 2,26

7,410 3,385 914 154 8,655 9,528 994 4,135
um 60 9 3

Water heating
Main articles: Solar hot water and Solar combisystem

Solar water heaters facing the Sun to maximize gain

Solar hot water systems use sunlight to heat water. In low geographical latitudes (below 40 degrees)
from 60 to 70% of the domestic hot water use with temperatures up to 60 °C can be provided by
solar heating systems.[23] The most common types of solar water heaters are evacuated tube
collectors (44%) and glazed flat plate collectors (34%) generally used for domestic hot water; and
unglazed plastic collectors (21%) used mainly to heat swimming pools.[24]

Heating, cooling and ventilation

Main articles: Solar heating, Thermal mass, Solar chimney, and Solar air conditioning
In the United States, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for 30%
(4.65 EJ/yr) of the energy used in commercial buildings and nearly 50% (10.1 EJ/yr) of the energy
used in residential buildings.[28][29] Solar heating, cooling and ventilation technologies can be used to
offset a portion of this energy.
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
MIT's Solar House #1, built in 1939 in the U.S., used seasonal thermal energy storage for year-round heating.

Thermal mass is any material that can be used to store heat—heat from the Sun in the case of solar
energy. Common thermal mass materials include stone, cement and water. Historically they have
been used in arid climates or warm temperate regions to keep buildings cool by absorbing solar
energy during the day and radiating stored heat to the cooler atmosphere at night. However, they
can be used in cold temperate areas to maintain warmth as well. The size and placement of thermal
mass depend on several factors such as climate, daylighting and shading conditions. When properly
incorporated, thermal mass maintains space temperatures in a comfortable range and reduces the
need for auxiliary heating and cooling equipment.[30]
A solar chimney (or thermal chimney, in this context) is a passive solar ventilation system composed
of a vertical shaft connecting the interior and exterior of a building. As the chimney warms, the air
inside is heated causing an updraft that pulls air through the building. Performance can be improved
by using glazing and thermal mass materials[31] in a way that mimics greenhouses.
Deciduous trees and plants have been promoted as a means of controlling solar heating and
cooling. When planted on the southern side of a building in the northern hemisphere or the northern
side in the southern hemisphere, their leaves provide shade during the summer, while the bare limbs
allow light to pass during the winter.[32] Since bare, leafless trees shade 1/3 to 1/2 of incident solar
radiation, there is a balance between the benefits of summer shading and the corresponding loss of
winter heating.[33] In climates with significant heating loads, deciduous trees should not be planted on
the Equator-facing side of a building because they will interfere with winter solar availability. They
can, however, be used on the east and west sides to provide a degree of summer shading without
appreciably affecting winter solar gain.[34]

Cooking
Main article: Solar cooker

Parabolic dish produces steam for cooking, in Auroville, India

Solar cookers use sunlight for cooking, drying and pasteurization. They can be grouped into three
broad categories: box cookers, panel cookers and reflector cookers.[35] The simplest solar cooker is
the box cooker first built by Horace de Saussure in 1767.[36] A basic box cooker consists of an
insulated container with a transparent lid. It can be used effectively with partially overcast skies and
will typically reach temperatures of 90–150 °C (194–302 °F).[37] Panel cookers use a reflective panel
to direct sunlight onto an insulated container and reach temperatures comparable to box cookers.
Reflector cookers use various concentrating geometries (dish, trough, Fresnel mirrors) to focus light
on a cooking container. These cookers reach temperatures of 315 °C (599 °F) and above but require
direct light to function properly and must be repositioned to track the Sun.[38]

Process heat
Main articles: Solar pond, Salt evaporation pond, and Solar furnace
Solar concentrating technologies such as parabolic dish, trough and Scheffler reflectors can provide
process heat for commercial and industrial applications. The first commercial system was the Solar
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
Total Energy Project (STEP) in Shenandoah, Georgia, US where a field of 114 parabolic dishes
provided 50% of the process heating, air conditioning and electrical requirements for a clothing
factory. This grid-connected cogeneration system provided 400 kW of electricity plus thermal energy
in the form of 401 kW steam and 468 kW chilled water, and had a one-hour peak load thermal
storage.[39] Evaporation ponds are shallow pools that concentrate dissolved solids
through evaporation. The use of evaporation ponds to obtain salt from seawater is one of the oldest
applications of solar energy. Modern uses include concentrating brine solutions used in leach mining
and removing dissolved solids from waste streams.[40] Clothes lines, clotheshorses, and clothes racks
dry clothes through evaporation by wind and sunlight without consuming electricity or gas. In some
states of the United States legislation protects the "right to dry" clothes.[41] Unglazed transpired
collectors (UTC) are perforated sun-facing walls used for preheating ventilation air. UTCs can raise
the incoming air temperature up to 22 °C (40 °F) and deliver outlet temperatures of 45–60 °C (113–
140 °F).[42] The short payback period of transpired collectors (3 to 12 years) makes them a more
cost-effective alternative than glazed collection systems.[42] As of 2003, over 80 systems with a
combined collector area of 35,000 square metres (380,000 sq ft) had been installed worldwide,
including an 860 m2 (9,300 sq ft) collector in Costa Rica used for drying coffee beans and a
1,300 m2 (14,000 sq ft) collector in Coimbatore, India, used for drying marigolds.[43]

Water treatment
Main articles: Solar still, Solar water disinfection, Solar desalination, and Solar Powered Desalination
Unit

Solar water disinfection in Indonesia

Solar distillation can be used to make saline or brackish water potable. The first recorded instance of
this was by 16th-century Arab alchemists.[44] A large-scale solar distillation project was first
constructed in 1872 in the Chilean mining town of Las Salinas.[45] The plant, which had solar
collection area of 4,700 m2 (51,000 sq ft), could produce up to 22,700 L (5,000 imp gal;
6,000 US gal) per day and operate for 40 years.[45] Individual still designs include single-slope,
double-slope (or greenhouse type), vertical, conical, inverted absorber, multi-wick, and multiple
effect. These stills can operate in passive, active, or hybrid modes. Double-slope stills are the most
economical for decentralized domestic purposes, while active multiple effect units are more suitable
for large-scale applications.[44]
Solar water disinfection (SODIS) involves exposing water-filled plastic polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) bottles to sunlight for several hours.[46] Exposure times vary depending on
weather and climate from a minimum of six hours to two days during fully overcast conditions.[47] It is
recommended by the World Health Organization as a viable method for household water treatment
and safe storage.[48]Over two million people in developing countries use this method for their daily
drinking water.[47]
Solar energy may be used in a water stabilization pond to treat waste water without chemicals or
electricity. A further environmental advantage is that algae grow in such ponds and consume carbon
dioxide in photosynthesis, although algae may produce toxic chemicals that make the water unusabl
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
Electricity production
Main article: Solar power

Some of the world's largest solar power stations: Ivanpah (CSP) and Topaz (PV)

Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or
indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). CSP systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking
systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. PV converts light into electric current
using the photoelectric effect.
Solar power is anticipated to become the world's largest source of electricity by 2050, with solar
photovoltaics and concentrated solar power contributing 16 and 11 percent to the global overall
consumption, respectively.[57] In 2016, after another year of rapid growth, solar generated 1.3% of
global power.[58]
Commercial concentrated solar power plants were first developed in the 1980s. The 392
MW Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, in the Mojave Desert of California, is the largest solar power plant
in the world. Other large concentrated solar power plants include the 150 MW Solnova Solar Power
Station and the 100 MW Andasol solar power station, both in Spain. The 250 MW Agua Caliente
Solar Project, in the United States, and the 221 MW Charanka Solar Park in India, are the world's
largest photovoltaic plants

Transport
Main articles: Solar vehicle, Solar-charged vehicle, Electric boat, and Solar balloon
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴

Winner of the 2013 World Solar Challenge in Australia

Solar electric aircraft circumnavigating the globe in 2015

Development of a solar-powered car has been an engineering goal since the 1980s. The World
Solar Challenge is a biannual solar-powered car race, where teams from universities and enterprises
compete over 3,021 kilometres (1,877 mi) across central Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. In 1987,
when it was founded, the winner's average speed was 67 kilometres per hour (42 mph) and by 2007
the winner's average speed had improved to 90.87 kilometres per hour (56.46 mph).[79] The North
American Solar Challenge and the planned South African Solar Challenge are comparable
competitions that reflect an international interest in the engineering and development of solar
powered vehicles.
Some vehicles use solar panels for auxiliary power, such as for air conditioning, to keep the interior
cool, thus reducing fuel consumption.[82][83]
In 1975, the first practical solar boat was constructed in England.[84] By 1995, passenger boats
incorporating PV panels began appearing and are now used extensively.[85] In 1996, Kenichi
Horie made the first solar-powered crossing of the Pacific Ocean, and the Sun21catamaran made
the first solar-powered crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in the winter of 2006–2007.[86] There were
plans to circumnavigate the globe in 2010.[87]
In 1974, the unmanned AstroFlight Sunrise airplane made the first solar flight. On 29 April 1979,
the Solar Riser made the first flight in a solar-powered, fully controlled, man-carrying flying machine,
reaching an altitude of 40 ft (12 m). In 1980, the Gossamer Penguin made the first piloted flights
powered solely by photovoltaics. This was quickly followed by the Solar Challenger which crossed
the English Channel in July 1981. In 1990 Eric Scott Raymond in 21 hops flew from California to
North Carolina using solar power.[88] Developments then turned back to unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV) with the Pathfinder (1997) and subsequent designs, culminating in the Helios which set the
altitude record for a non-rocket-propelled aircraft at 29,524 metres (96,864 ft) in 2001.[89] The Zephyr,
developed by BAE Systems, is the latest in a line of record-breaking solar aircraft, making a 54-hour
flight in 2007, and month-long flights were envisioned by 2010.[90] As of 2016, Solar Impulse,
an electric aircraft, is currently circumnavigating the globe. It is a single-seat plane powered by solar
cells and capable of taking off under its own power. The design allows the aircraft to remain airborne
for several days.[91]
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
A solar balloon is a black balloon that is filled with ordinary air. As sunlight shines on the balloon, the
air inside is heated and expands causing an upward buoyancy force, much like an artificially
heated hot air balloon. Some solar balloons are large enough for human flight, but usage is generally
limited to the toy market as the surface-area to payload-weight ratio is relatively high.[92]

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of

Solar Energy?
Solar energy is derived from the sun’s radiation. The sun is a powerful energy source, and this
energy source can be harnessed by installing solar panels. Did you know that the energy it
provides to the Earth for one hour could meet the global energy needs for one year? However,
we are able to harness only 0.001 percent of that energy.
There is a reason why solar energy has become a trending topic when talking about renewables.
While it has been widely criticised for being expensive or not very efficient, solar energy has
now proved to be extremely beneficial - not only for the environment but also financially
speaking. Additionally, due to the higher demand, the technology has been improved
considerably, turning into a significantly efficient source of clean energy.
If you are in the solar energy mood and ready to make your investment, we are here to help. We
will provide you with up to four quotes free of charge and with no obligation, allowing you to
compare different systems so that you can find the most suitable for you. Simply fill in the form
to request offers.
GreenMatch has outlined the key advantages and disadvantages of solar power in the following
table:

Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

Advantages of Solar Energy Solar Energy Disadvantages

Renewable Energy Source Cost

Reduces Electricity Bills Weather Dependent

Diverse Applications Solar Energy Storage is Expensive

 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
Low Maintenance Costs Uses a Lot of Space

Technology Development Associated with Pollution

Advantages of Solar Energy

1. Renewable Energy Source

Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly
renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day.
We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy. Solar energy will
be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be available to us for at least 5
billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to die.

2. Reduces Electricity Bills

Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has
generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be dependent on the
size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage. Moreover, not only will you be saving
on the electricity bill, there is also a possibility to receive payments for the surplus energy that
you export back to the grid. if you generate more electricity than you use (considering that your
solar panel system is connected to the grid).

3. Diverse Applications
Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity (photovoltaics) or
heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to
the energy grid, to distill water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power
satellites in space. Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings. Not
long ago Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴

4. Low Maintenance Costs

Solar energy systems generally don’t require a lot of maintenance. You only need to keep them
relatively clean, so cleaning them a couple of times per year will do the job. If in doubt, you can
always rely on specialised cleaning companies, which offer this service from around £25-£35.
Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years warranty. Also, as there are no moving
parts, there is no wear and tear. The inverter is usually the only part that needs to changed
after 5-10 years because it is continuously working to convert solar energy into electricity (solar
PV) and heat (solar thermal). Apart from the inverter, the cables also need maintenance to ensure
your solar power system runs at maximum efficiency. So, after covering the initial cost of the
solar system, you can expect very little spending on maintenance and repair work.

5. Technology Development
Technology in the solar power industry is constantly advancing and improvements will intensify
in the future. Innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology can potentially increase the
effectiveness of solar panels and double, or even triple, the electrical input of the solar power
systems.

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

1. Cost
The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is fairly high. This includes paying for solar panels,
inverter, batteries, wiring, and for the installation. Nevertheless, solar technologies are constantly
developing, so it is safe to assume that prices will go down in the future.
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
2. Weather Dependent
Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of the
solar system drops. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight to effectively gather solar energy.
Therefore, a few cloudy, rainy days can have a noticeable effect on the energy system. You
should also take into account that solar energy cannot be collected during the night. On the other
hand, if you also require your water heating solution to work at night or during
wintertime, thermodynamic panels are an alternative to consider.

3. Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive

Solar energy has to be used right away, or it can be stored in large batteries. These batteries, used
in off-the-grid solar systems, can be charged during the day so that the energy is used at night.
This is a good solution for using solar energy all day long but it is also quite expensive. In most
cases, it is smarter to just use solar energy during the day and take energy from the grid during
the night (you can only do this if your system is connected to the grid). Luckily your energy
demand is usually higher during the day so you can meet most of it with solar energy.

4. Uses a Lot of Space

The more electricity you want to produce, the more solar panels you will need, as you want to
collect as much sunlight as possible. Solar panels require a lot of space and some roofs are not
big enough to fit the number of solar panels that you would like to have. An alternative is to
install some of the panels in your yard but they need to have access to sunlight. If you don’t have
the space for all the panels that you wanted, you can opt for installing fewer to still satisfy some
of your energy needs.

5. Associated with Pollution

Although pollution related to solar energy systems is far less compared to other sources of
energy, solar energy can be associated with pollution. Transportation and installation of solar
systems have been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases. There are also some toxic
materials and hazardous products used during the manufacturing process of solar photovoltaics,
which can indirectly affect the environment. Nevertheless, solar energy pollutes far less than
other alternative energy sources.

Are You Ready to go Solar?

Has this sparked your interest towards solar energy? We can help you find your best deal!
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 Solar Energy
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
What Type of Energy is Solar?
Solar panels converts the sun's light in to usable solar energy using N-type and P-type
semiconductor material. When sunlight is absorbed by these materials, the solar energy knocks
electrons loose from their atoms, allowing the electrons to flow through the material to produce
electricity. This process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage) is called the
photovoltaic (PV) effect. Currently solar panels convert most of the visible light spectrum and
about half of the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrum to usable solar energy.
Solar energy technologies use the sun's energy and light to provide heat, light, hot water,
electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses, and industry.
There are a variety of technologies that have been developed to take advantage of solar energy.
Solar Energy Technologies:

 Photovoltaic Systems
Producing electricity directly from sunlight.
 Solar Hot Water
Heating water with solar energy.
 Solar Electricity
Using the sun's heat to produce electricity.
 Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting
Using solar energy to heat and light buildings.

Solar Process Space Heating and Cooling

Industrial and commercial uses of the sun's heat. Solar Energy in India
India has tremendous scope of generating solar energy. The geographical location of the
country stands to its benefit for generating solar energy. The reason being India is a
tropical country and it receives solar radiation almost throughout the year, which amounts
to 3,000 hours of sunshine. This is equal to more than 5,000 trillion kWh. Almost all
parts of India receive 4-7 kWh of solar radiation per sq metres. This is equivalent to
2,300–3,200 sunshine hours per year. States like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat,
Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal
have great potential for tapping solar energy due to their location. Since majority of the
population lives in rural areas, there is much scope for solar energy being promoted in
these areas. Use of solar energy can reduce the use of firewood and dung cakes by rural
household.
Advantages of Solar Energy in India
Some of the advantages of solar energy which makes it all the more suitable for India are
as follows:
 This is an inexhaustible source of energy and the best replacement to other non-
renewable energies in India.
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
 Solar energy is environment friendly. When in use, it does not release CO2 and other
gases which pollute the air. Hence it is very suitable for India, India being one of the
most polluted countries of the world.
 Solar energy can be used for variety of purposes like as heating, drying, cooking or
electricity, which is suitable for the rural areas in India. It can also be used in cars,
planes, large power boats, satellites, calculators and many more such items, just apt for
the urban population.
 Solar power is inexhaustible. In an energy deficient country like India, where power
generation is costly, solar energy is the best alternate means of power generation.
 You don’t need a power or gas grid to get solar energy. A solar energy system can be
installed anywhere. Solar panels can be easily placed in houses. Hence, it is quite
inexpensive compared to other sources of energy.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy in India
 We cannot generate energy during the night time with solar energy.
 And, also during day time, the weather may be cloudy or rainy, with little or no sun
radiation. Hence, this makes solar energy panels less reliable as a solution.
 Only those areas that receive good amount of sunlight are suitable for producing solar
energy.
 Solar panels also require inverters and storage batteries to convert direct electricity to
alternating electricity so as to generate electricity. While installing a solar panel is
quite cheap, installing other equipments becomes expensive.
 The land space required to install a solar plant with solar panel is quite large and that
land space remains occupied for many years altogether and cannot be used for other
purposes.
 Energy production is quite low compared to other forms of energy.
 Solar panels require considerable maintenance as they are fragile and can be easily
damaged. So extra expenses are incurred as additional insurance costs.
Solar Energy Power in India : Future
In solar energy sector, many large projects have been proposed in India.
 Thar Desert has some of India’s best solar power projects, estimated to generate 700 to
2,100 GW.
 On March 1st, 2014, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, inaugurated
at Diken in Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh, India’s biggest solar power plant.
 The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) launched by the Centre is
targeting 20,000 MW of solar energy power by 2022
 Gujarat’s pioneering solar power policy aims at 1,000 MW of solar energy generation.
 In July 2009, a $19 billion solar power plan was unveiled which projected to produce
20 GW of solar power by 2020.
 About 66 MW is installed for various applications in the rural area, amounting to be
used in solar lanterns, street lighting systems and solar water pumps, etc.
 SOLAR ENERGY NOTES FOR PPT ✴
India is slowly gaining its prominence in the generation of solar power due to the
comprehensive and ambitious state and the Centre’s solar policies and projects and
National Solar Mission. In the latest 2014 budget, Finance Minister Jaitley declared that
the Government has proposed an amount of 500 crore rupees to develop some mega solar
power plants in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Ladakh. He also said that solar
power-driven agricultural water pumping stations and 1 MW solar parks on canal banks
will be developed in the country at an estimated cost of $74 million and $18.5 million,
respectively. Considering all these facts, we do have a bright picture in front of us as
India’s potential to be a solar power driven country of the world.

What are the factors that affect if we use solar panels to collect solar energy for other materials to work