Solar energy is a vital form of renewable energy that can provide practical solutions in mitigating many of the energy related risks to our economy, says K. Subramanya, CEO, Tata BP Solar India Ltd.

India is presently experiencing a surge in its economy. This growth is unprecedented and looks sustainable for a long period. The GDP is growing at a rate of 7 per cent to 8 per cent, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world and competing very closely with China's growth. The manufacturing and services sectors are leading this growth, making India the biggest consumption economy only behind USA.
The population of India continues to grow thereby increasing the gap between energy supply and demand. In order to meet the growing energy demand, India will have to double its capacity of energy generation that calls for an investment of more than Rs 13,000 billion.
Fossil fuels can be an answer to meet a majority of these investments. However, oil resources in the country are limited. As a result, 70 per cent of the oil requirements are being met through imports at a staggering cost that has exceeded in recent days $120 per barrel. While we are on the verge of being dubbed as imported fuel economy, we are also exposing our economy to greater risks in energy security. We also can't shy away from the dangers of environment pollution due to enhanced fossil fuel usage.
Solar energy is a vital form of renewable energy that can provide practical solutions in mitigating many of the energy related risks to our economy. Countries such as Germany, Japan, USA, Spain, Italy, Korea, China and Thailand have all articulated policies and investment strategies that would lead to consistent increase in solar energy generation over the next decade. Many of the developed countries already have favourable laws and policies in place that has helped PV technology grow at an annual rate of over 30 per cent.
India has abundant solar resource with more than 300 days of sunshine every year. This is equal to over 5,000 trillion kWh/year. Though theoretical, India's entire energy requirements can be met just out of solar energy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology can be an answer to address many an energy related risk that India is currently subjected to.
The other notable advantages of PV technology are:
u Using PV technology, electricity can be generated at the point of consumption thereby doing away with infrastructure for transmission and distribution.
u PV technology can be used to design applications that could not only power a lantern for home use but also higher-end energy solutions that could electrify entire communities.
u The urban customer is increasingly seeking the power of convenience in all walks of life. Electronic and communication gadgets have defined a new lifestyle. However, when it comes to energy requirements, the urban customer feels severely hampered and constrained due to lack of quality energy. PV technology through urban applications such as power packs can certainly change this scenario and hence become a lifestyle product in not so distant future.
u PV technology provides clean, green energy that can effectively address the concerns of our environment. Solar energy is a silver lining that helps reduce the greenhouse effect thereby helping restore ecological balance in our ecosystem.
u The cost of PV technology is coming down gradually thereby making it cost-effective and viable.
u Policies are being framed for increased use of solar energy in our country. Building laws, tax rebates, subsidised financing options are operational in some parts of the country and have positively impacted the growth of PV. (However, much more needs to be done.)

Semiconductor policy
The Indian PV industry received a boost with the announcement of the semiconductor policy of the Government of India. A special incentive package to attract investment for setting up semiconductor fabrication is expected to change the face of PV industry. The government has provided both pre-operative and post-operative benefits to the industry, which is important for the development of ecosystem. The Central government or any of its agencies shall provide incentive of 20 per cent of the capital expenditure during the first 10 years for SEZ units and 25 per cent for non-SEZ units (subject to investments exceeding threshold NPV). The subsidy may be claimed in the form of capital subsidy or equity participation.
The incentives should encourage more action in the PV industry that could result in increased use of solar technology to meet our energy demand. It is also equally important to understand the applications with PV technology and Tata BP Solar has been at the forefront of driving PV applications in India for almost two decades and helping customers realise the power of the sun.
Grid-connect solar systems are at the centre of many a discussion today ever since the government recently announced a support policy for generating power through such systems and feeding them back into the grid. A grid-connect system is a solar power plant that is connected to the grid that would help the user to use electricity both from the grid and solar power plant.
Tata BP Solar has been at the forefront of installing and commissioning grid-connect systems and developed expertise with close to two decades of experience. The 100 KWp grid-connect system which the company has executed for Vikas Soudha, Bangalore (replica of Vidhana Soudha) is one such prestigious project which helps in supplementing grid electricity and meeting peak load requirements. The company has also executed a 200 KWp grid-connect system for PEDA (Punjab Energy Development Authority) in Khat Kar Kalan village that meets the power requirement of rural communities. The company has also commissioned grid-connect systems for L&T, Tata Power, Tata Housing, CII and other corporates.

Green building
As the concept of green buildings is gaining awareness and as corporates are being subjected to environmental audits, the opportunities in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) can change the face of architecture. The solar PV modules are aesthetically integrated into a building/structure thereby not consuming any additional roof space. Such a system not only generates solar power, but also allows natural light into the building thereby further reducing electricity demand. It also provides excellent heat insulation that helps in reducing the air conditioning loads as well.
Tata BP Solar has executed some of the largest BIPV projects in the country such as 3*30KW KWp project at Samudra Institute of Maritime Studies, Lonavala, that helps it meet the internal power requirements. The CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre building in Hyderabad which is rated as one of the greenest buildings in the world sports a BIPV system of 20KWp that helps in meeting 5 per cent of building electricity demand.
The photovoltaic systems have also been powering many a specialised applications successfully. Tata BP Solar has installed and commissioned 34.7 KWp solar power plants for the Indian Institute of Astrophysics at Hanle. These power plants power the telescope located at an altitude of 4500m in a region having no infrastructure for grid power.
The company also has a large number of dedicated solar power systems providing reliable energy at remote locations for banks, telecom, railways and defence.
Tata BP Solar has been in revolutionising the energy scenario in rural India. Remote villages in Ladakh, dispersed clusters in forests of Chhattisgarh and villages in Orissa, West Bengal, Rajasthan have benefited from the clean, green, easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain solar power plants that are providing vital access to energy.
Solar water pumps are helping thousands of farmers reduce dependence on rain and also helping in increasing the number of crops. This has directly increased the wealth of farmers who were once suffering from the erratic power supply. PV systems have helped farmers do away diesel pumps that need recurring costs and maintenance.
Solar lanterns, home lighting systems and street lights are extending the opportunities for education in rural India.
All these applications have created more opportunities and jobs, thereby strengthening the economy and ushering in a better quality of life for millions. The future is bright and shining for solar photovoltaic technology.
(The author can be contacted at tatabp@tatabp.com)