Importance of Solar Power in the Energy Deficient India
Q. Explain the importance of solar power in the energy deficient 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 3000 hours of sunshine. This is equal to more than 5000 trillion kWh. Almost all parts of India receive 4-7 kWh of solar radiation per sq. meters. This is equivalent to 2300-3200 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. In an energy deficient India, where power generation is costly, solar energy is the best alternative means of power generation.
Following are the advantages of solar energy which makes it all the more suitable for India :
- This is an inexhaustible source of energy and the best replacement to other non-renewable energies in India.
- Solar energy is environmental friendly. When in use, it does not release CO2and 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 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 etc, just apart from the urban population.
- 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 as compared to other sources of energy.