Air pollution will lower India’s solar generation capacity: study

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation

Context

A study found that air pollution and climate change will reduce solar panel efficiency in India, impacting the country’s renewable energy goals.

India’s Solar Energy Goals

• India is the fifth-largest producer of solar energy in the world.

• The country aims to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.

• Plans include installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity, with one-fifth from solar power.

• India is promoting the development of solar parks and rooftop solar installations.

Challenges to Solar Energy Production

• Solar photovoltaic energy depends on weather and climate conditions.

• Air pollution and climate change reduce the efficiency of solar panels.

• Rising temperatures negatively impact solar panel performance.

Study on Solar Panel Efficiency

• A study examined the effect of climate change on solar panel efficiency in India.

• It found that solar energy production is decreasing due to air pollution and higher temperatures.

• India has around 300 sunny days per year, but their quality is declining due to pollution.

• Global dimming and brightening trends affect solar radiation levels on the earth’s surface.

• Factors like clouds, aerosols, and particulate matter influence solar energy absorption.

Data and Research Findings

• The study used data from 1985 to 2014 to predict changes from 2041 to 2050.

• It relied on global climate models and NASA’s CERES project.

• Solar panel efficiency is expected to drop by 2.3% in the second scenario.

• A minimum of 840 gigawatt-hours of electricity could be lost annually.

• Rising temperatures were the biggest factor reducing efficiency.

Regional Variations in Solar Potential

• Some regions, including parts of Northeast India and Kerala, may have increased solar potential due to reduced cloud cover.

Recommendations for Improving Solar Efficiency

• Government Action: Policies should focus on reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change.

• Technological Innovations: Improvements in solar panel design can help maintain efficiency.

• Public Participation: Individuals can contribute by adopting electric vehicles and using public transport.

• Environmental Efforts: Planting trees and raising climate awareness will enhance sustainability.

Conclusion

• Effective policies and their proper implementation are crucial for maintaining solar energy production.

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will improve both air quality and solar power generation.

• Better site selection and resource allocation can help optimize solar energy use in India.

PYQ: India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2020)

Practice Question: How will air pollution and climate change affect India’s solar power generation goals? Suggest strategies to mitigate these challenges and improve solar energy efficiency. (250 Words /15 marks)