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The need to decrease reliance on thermal power plants and fill the energy gap with renewable sources is becoming increasingly evident. Indian states are taking various measures to transition to renewables, implementing initiatives and providing incentives for households and businesses to adopt solar energy.
According to data from MNRE, India currently has a total installed capacity of 125GW in renewable energy. Among these sources, solar power accounts for 53 percent of the overall capacity, followed by wind power at 34 percent, bio power at 9 percent, and small hydro at 4 percent.
In this blog post, we will explore the states in India that have played a significant role in the growth of solar power.
Position 1: Rajasthan
As of April 2023, Rajasthan leads the nation in solar power generation with a cumulative capacity of 17GW. Located in the northwest, it is home to the expansive Thar Desert. Rajasthan's natural climate has always been favorable for renewable energy production, and supportive regulations have played a crucial role in facilitating its growth. The state benefits from abundant irradiance and vast non-agricultural land, making it ideal for the establishment of large-scale solar projects. With 14GW of ground-mounted solar power plants, Rajasthan boasts the highest capacity in the country.
In 2022, Rajasthan faced significant challenges in thermal power production due to a severe shortage of coal rakes. This circumstance prompted the state to shift its focus towards renewable energy sources.
Position 2: Gujarat
Constituting 14% of India's total solar capacity, Gujarat stands as a significant contributor to the country's solar energy landscape. The Charanka Solar Park, located in the Patan district, serves as Gujarat's largest solar power plant, currently capable of generating 600 MW of electricity. Notably, Gujarat leads in residential solar rooftop installations, accounting for 28% of the total rooftop solar installations in the country. Other states have found this sector particularly challenging to penetrate. The success in Gujarat can be attributed to various factors, including consumer awareness campaigns, digital education initiatives, the implementation of net metering, and the proactive role of the DISCOM (Distribution Company) in creating favorable policies.
As of April 2023, Gujarat has achieved an impressive solar production capacity of 9.3 GW, positioning it as India's second-largest state in solar energy production.
Position 3: Karnataka
Renewable energy sources maintain their stronghold in Karnataka's energy portfolio, with the state achieving a noteworthy solar production capacity of 8.24 Gigawatts as of April 2023. During the period from 2021 to 2022, Karnataka's remarkable performance was facilitated by a regulatory environment that was favorable to the industry, as well as prompt approvals from distribution companies (DISCOMs). Alongside supportive policies, other factors that played a significant role in this achievement included the availability of ample land, favorable radiation levels, and a robust transmission system.
Position 4: Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu holds the fourth position in terms of solar power capacity, with a solar production capacity of 6.8 gigawatts as of April 2023. In 2019, Tamil Nadu formulated its solar policy, which established a target of achieving a solar energy generation capacity of 9,000 MW by 2023. Out of this target, 40% has been allocated for the consumer category, which allows for self-consumption and surplus export to the grid.
To encourage the adoption of solar power, the government of Tamil Nadu introduced the Chief Minister's Solar Rooftop Capital Incentive Scheme in 2013. Under this scheme, consumers have the opportunity to install subsidized Solar PV plants on their premises. Domestic Solar Rooftops, when connected to the grid and with a capacity of 1KWp, are eligible for a government subsidy of Rs. 20,000/- per kWp for individual or group applications.
Position 5: Maharashtra
Maharashtra is witnessing significant growth in solar energy production, positioning itself as another state at the forefront of this expansion. With ample land availability and convenient access to transmission infrastructure, Maharashtra has the potential to establish solar open access projects. As of April 2023, the state achieved a solar production capacity of 4.7 gigawatts.
Notably, Maharashtra experienced a remarkable 40% growth in rooftop solar installations within a short span of less than a year. Rooftop solar has emerged as a highly advantageous choice for properties in Maharashtra, particularly due to the state's comparatively higher electricity tariff rates, especially in the industrial segment.
The other states that closely follow lead are Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
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