Answer: Advantages of Solar Energy
Solar Energy is radiant energy from the Sun that can be converted into electricity (photovoltaic) or heat (solar thermal). It is the most abundant renewable energy source on Earth.
1. Renewable and Inexhaustible
- Sun will continue to shine for ~5 billion years
- Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy cannot be depleted
- Available globally - every location receives some sunlight
2. Environmentally Clean
- Zero emissions during operation - no CO2, NOx, SOx, or particulates
- No air, water, or noise pollution during generation
- Helps combat climate change and global warming
- No hazardous waste production (unlike nuclear)
3. Low Operating Costs
- No fuel cost - sunlight is free
- Minimal maintenance required (no moving parts in PV)
- Long lifespan - panels last 25-30+ years
- After initial investment, electricity is essentially free
4. Declining Installation Costs
- Solar panel costs dropped by 90% in last decade
- Now cheaper than coal in many regions
- India achieved world's lowest solar tariff: ₹1.99/kWh
5. Scalability and Modularity
- Can be installed at any scale - from calculators to GW-scale plants
- Easy to expand by adding more panels
- Suitable for rooftops, ground-mount, floating, BIPV
6. Distributed Generation
- Can be installed at point of use (rooftop)
- Reduces transmission losses
- Provides energy independence to consumers
- Ideal for remote/off-grid areas
7. Energy Security
- Indigenous resource - reduces import dependence
- Diversifies energy mix
- Reduces vulnerability to fuel price fluctuations
8. Job Creation
- Creates employment in manufacturing, installation, maintenance
- India's solar sector employs 100,000+ workers
India's Solar Potential: 5,000 trillion kWh/year solar radiation | 300+ sunny days | Target: 280 GW by 2030 | Current: ~75 GW installed
Conclusion
Solar energy offers numerous advantages including being renewable, clean, cost-effective, and scalable. With rapidly declining costs and increasing efficiency, solar power is becoming the cheapest source of electricity in many parts of the world. India's National Solar Mission and abundant sunshine make solar energy central to the country's clean energy transition.
Sources: Module 2 Notes | MNRE | IRENA