Perspectives of Distributed and Grid Connected Large PV Power Generation in India

Abstract

Solar energy which comes from the sun in the form of solar irradiance can be directly converted to electricity using Photovoltaic (PV) technology. PV technology uses solar cells made up of semiconductors to absorb the irradiance from the sun and convert it into electrical energy. Currently, solar energy has drawn worldwide attention and is playing an essential role in providing clean and sustainable energy. However, the nature of semiconductors which are used in solar cells has limited the efficiency of PV systems to 15–20%. Thus, in order to increase the efficiency of the PV system, some improvements such as using sun trackers and maximum power point tracking controllers have been added to the PV system installation. Large research efforts are in progress to improve the basic conversion efficiencies, reducing losses in captured solar energy and use of new semiconductor materials. India is endowed with a very vast solar energy potential. Most parts of the country have about 300 sunny days. Average solar radiation incident over the land in India is in the range of 4.7 kWh per day per square meter. Solar energy can be harnessed through solar photovoltaic technology which enables direct conversion of sunlight into Electrical Energy. Research and development efforts have also helped in better efficiency, affordability and quality of the products. As a result many solar energy systems and devices are commercially available with affordable cost in the market. Currently the International community is racing hard to reduce Global Warming by reducing use of fossil fuels for energy generation. Semiconductor based PV Solar Systems are covering the planet’s surface at an unprecedented rate, and India is leading in this race. The article is focused to highlight the complex technical issues in harnessing this omnipresent energy source in India.