Solar energy is the energy that comes from the Sun. It is a type of renewable energy. That means the Sun shines every day and gives us a free, never-ending source of power. We can use this energy to:

• Heat water and buildings (solar thermal).
• Generate electricity (solar photovoltaic or PV).

Unlike coal or oil, solar energy does not release harmful gases. It is clean and environment-friendly.

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How Does Solar Energy Work?

1. Solar Radiation Reaches Earth

Large amounts of solar radiation reach Earth daily—enough to meet all our energy needs.

2. Photovoltaic (PV) Cells in Solar Panels

Solar panels are made of many small units called PV cells.
When sunlight hits these cells:

• It excites tiny particles called electrons.
• These electrons start to move and create electric current.

This process is called the photovoltaic effect. It directly converts sunlight into electricity.

3. From DC to AC

The electricity produced is direct current (DC).
But home appliances use alternating current (AC).
So, an inverter is used to change DC to AC.

4. Using the Power

The AC power from the inverter is used to run fans, lights, TVs, and other appliances.
If you generate more electricity than you need, the extra power goes back to the electric grid.
With net metering, you earn credits. These can be used at night or on cloudy days.

5. Solar Thermal Systems

Some systems do not generate electricity. They directly use sunlight to produce heat.
This heat can:

• Warm water for bathing.
• Cook food.
• Heat buildings.

These are called solar thermal systems.

Also Read MPPT vs. PWM

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Solar Energy in India: A Bright Future

Large-Scale Solar Parks

India has some of the biggest solar parks in the world:

• Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan has a capacity of 2,245 MW.
• Pavagada Solar Park in Karnataka has 2,050 MW.

As of May 2025, India has around 110.8 GW of installed solar power. The national goal is to reach 500 GW of clean energy by 2030, half of which will come from solar.

Government Policies & Support

• The National Solar Mission started in 2010. Its target was 20 GW, later increased to 100 GW by 2022.
• In February 2024, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. It aims to give free rooftop solar to 1 crore homes. These homes will get 300 free electricity units every month. The government has allocated ₹75,000 crore for this scheme.
• The PM-KUSUM Scheme helps farmers install solar pumps and small power plants. It offers up to 60% subsidy. Farmers can also sell extra electricity to the grid and earn income.
• Net metering is now standard in most states. It helps households save money by giving credits for extra power sent to the grid.

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Recent Solar Developments in India

• Between January and April 2025, solar energy generation in India grew by over 32%. Solar power now makes up about 10% of India’s total electricity.
• States like Maharashtra and Telangana are setting ambitious solar targets for 2025 and beyond.
• Maharashtra has installed over 5 lakh solar pumps for farmers. This is more than the rest of the country combined.
• The state is also working on a 16,000 MW solar park and a ₹20,000 crore battery storage project to store solar power for use at night.

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Benefits of Solar Energy

1. Clean Power – It does not release harmful gases.
2. Lower Bills – Rooftop solar can reduce electricity bills by 50% or more.
3. Income Option – Extra electricity can be sold to the grid.
4. Help for Farmers – Solar pumps save diesel costs and increase farm profits.
5. Better Access – Solar power reaches remote areas without electricity.
6. Job Creation – Solar projects create local jobs in rural and urban areas.

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Challenges and Solutions

• Storage Problems – Solar power works only when the sun is shining. To use it at night, batteries or storage systems are needed. Some states are already working on big storage projects.
• Grid Upgrades – Solar needs a stronger electric grid to handle changes in power flow.
• Land Issues – Big solar parks need a lot of land. This is managed by using desert land or building floating solar plants on water bodies.
• Dust and Heat – In places like Rajasthan, dust on panels reduces efficiency. Regular cleaning and better designs are helping.
• High Costs – Solar panel prices have dropped, but storage and installation still need government support. Loans and subsidies are helping make it affordable.

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The Future of Solar in India

India plans to install 250 GW of solar power by 2030. Many new projects are under development:

• Gujarat is building a 30 GW hybrid solar-wind park in the Rann of Kutch.
• Telangana and Maharashtra are adding new solar parks and battery storage.
• Rural electrification is expanding with solar mini-grids, lanterns, and water systems.

The government is also planning subsidies for battery systems, interest-free loans, and green credits in late 2025.

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FAQs

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Conclusion

Solar energy is clean, powerful, and affordable. India is leading the way with rooftop solar, giant solar parks, and strong policies. With government support, falling costs, and rising awareness, solar energy is lighting up homes, helping farmers, and creating jobs. India’s future looks bright—with solar power at its heart.

Solar is not just energy from the sun. It is the energy of progress.

Author- Ayush