Lessons from the top 5 sunny states of consciousness [Representative image]| Photo credit: iStock Images
Key highlights
- Karnataka is the most powerful solar state in India, followed by Telangana, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
- The experiences of these five leading solar states provide valuable lessons for other states.
New Delhi: With a firm commitment to using solar energy to promote sustainable development, India has emerged as a frontrunner in global efforts to combat climate change. India achieved its original target of building 20 GW of solar capacity in 2018 well before the target year 2022. This gives the world reason to believe that the climate goals can be met.
However, the potential for renewable energies is not used equally in all of India – many countries lag behind and solar energy is still an underutilized natural resource in the country despite almost 300 clear days of sunshine a year. Karnataka is the most solar-powered state in India. By the end of March 2019, the total installed capacity of solar energy reached 6,095.56 MW. Telangana ranks second with an installed solar capacity of 3,592.09 MW, followed by Rajasthan (3,226.79 MW), Andhra Pradesh (3,085.68 MW) and Tamil Nadu (2,575.22 MW). The experiences of these five leading solar states provide valuable lessons for those who waste their hours of sunshine. Some of these lessons are discussed below.
Solar systems on the roof: Bangalore in Karnataka ranks first in the country when it comes to installing solar water heaters on the roof. Rooftop solar power devices are best for Indian architecture. Solar systems on the roof are compact, highly efficient, economical and can be easily installed in cities with little space and high population density.
Floating solar systems: Telangana has reached number two among the Indian states when it comes to solar systems. NTPC Ramagundam, a 2,600 MW power plant in Peddapalli state, has asked BHEL to install a floating solar photovoltaic system on its water reservoir. Acquiring land in India is not only costly but also a challenging task. States like Goa, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir (UT) can use bodies of water as a new frontier for the installation of solar panels.
Solar energy for agriculture: The agricultural sector is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, which store heat and cause climate change. Conversely, climate change has an impact on crop yield. Andhra Pradesh has now set itself the goal of adding 10,050 MW of capacity to power the agricultural sector.
Progressive state support: Tamil Nadu has proven that the right government support can accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. According to the latest official figures, the state ranks fifth when it comes to solar systems. The state government's progressive solar policy, coupled with strategic incentives for the people, has paid off.
The state government has launched various guidelines / programs to encourage people to switch to solar energy, such as: B. Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy (2012), the Chief Minister’s Photovoltaic Capital Incentive Program, the Chief Minister’s solar-powered Green House program, energizing street lights by solar energy and solar water heater scheme.