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In the last decade the demand of power in India has increased manifold, therefore Government has announced the National Solar Mission of generating 100 GW of solar power up to 2022. Around 60% of the total National Solar Mission target is allotted to the national/international large-scale solar power developers/investors. Hence, it becomes important to know the ground reality of large-scale solar PV developers/investors. This paper deeply analyzes the key barriers and bottlenecks faced by solar power developers in achieving the target and their growth. This article also suggests some motivational factors of solar energy which play an important role in attracting large solar players around the world to invest in Indian subcontinent. It concludes by highlighting some key policies of the Government that can help in addressing some identified barriers in order to ensure a secured sustainable energy future of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equality between economic progress and environmental sustainability is essential for a developing country like India. In the present time, the economy of India is growing rapidly in a vibrant mode and an efficient way, which in turn demands huge uninterrupted energy supplies. The country's energy needs are met mostly by the usage of fossil fuels and nearly 70% of electricity is generated from coal based power plants. In India, nearly 840 million people depend on traditional biomass to satisfy their energy necessities. Approximately 74 million rural people do not have access to modern lighting systems and around 81 million households do not have access to electricity, which is a major challenge to India's energy security. In order to achieve stable sustainable energy in the long-run, significant progress in renewable energy sectors is needed. Favorably, due to India's geographic location, the country is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources, which has not yet been exploited completely. So the central and state governments of the country have framed various policies and are providing subsidies to encourage the utilization of solar photovoltaic systems. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the potential, current developmental status and prospects of solar energy of India is briefed. The various applications of solar energy such as water heaters, desalination units, pasteurizers, food drying units, water purifier, space heating systems, air-conditioning units, cookers, water pumps, aerators, solar-wind hybrid systems and grid connected photovoltaic systems are explained. The study also mentions the current renewable energy policies, the barriers blocking the progress of the solar manufacturing units and some possible future recommendations that might speed up renewable energy developments in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional power plants suffer from issues like fuel scarcity, availability of site and other environmental concerns. Alternate technologies based on renewable energy sources especially solar, wind and bio-mass are utilised to overcome these problems. Among many options available in solar technology, power generation through CSP (Concentrating Solar Power) could be the most promising one for India in the coming future. In this paper, a brief overview on various CSP technologies and site selection criteria has been outlined. Subsequently, the design considerations for the four major CSP technologies i.e. solar tower, parabolic trough, linear fresnel reflector, and parabolic dish are discussed. Finally, the present status and key issues related to the deployment of CSP based technologies in India are summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Renewable energy represents an area of tremendous opportunity for India. Energy is considered a prime agent in the generation of wealth and a significant factor in economic development. Energy is also essential for improving the quality of life. Development of conventional forms of energy for meeting the growing energy needs of society at a reasonable cost is the responsibility of the Government. Limited fossil resources and associated environmental problems have emphasized the need for new sustainable energy supply options. India depends heavily on coal and oil for meeting its energy demand which contributes to smog, acid rain and greenhouse gases’ emission. Last 25 years has been a period of intense activities related to research, development, production and distribution of energy in India. Though major energy sources for electrical power are coal and natural gas, development and promotion of non-conventional sources of energy such as solar, wind and bio-energy, are also getting sustained attention. The use of electricity has grown since it can be used in variety of applications as well as it can be easily transmitted, the uses of renewable energy like wind and solar is rising. Wind energy is a clean, eco-friendly, renewable resource and is nonpolluting. The gross wind power potential is estimated at around 48,561MW in the country; a capacity of 14,989.89MW up to 31st August 2011 has so far been added through wind, which places India in the fifth position globally. This paper discusses the ways in which India has already supported the growth of renewable energy technologies i.e. wind energy and its potential to expand their contribution to world growth in a way that is consistent with world''s developmental and environmental goals. The paper presents current status, major achievements and future aspects of wind energy in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy sources and technologies have potential to provide solutions to the long-standing energy problems being faced by the developing countries. The renewable energy sources like wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy, biomass energy and fuel cell technology can be used to overcome energy shortage in India. To meet the energy requirement for such a fast growing economy, India will require an assured supply of 3–4 times more energy than the total energy consumed today. The renewable energy is one of the options to meet this requirement. Today, renewable account for about 33% of India''s primary energy consumptions. India is increasingly adopting responsible renewable energy techniques and taking positive steps towards carbon emissions, cleaning the air and ensuring a more sustainable future. In India, from the last two and half decades there has been a vigorous pursuit of activities relating to research, development, demonstration, production and application of a variety of renewable energy technologies for use in different sectors. In this paper, efforts have been made to summarize the availability, current status, major achievements and future potentials of renewable energy options in India. This paper also assesses specific policy interventions for overcoming the barriers and enhancing deployment of renewables for the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mitigation of global energy demands and climate change are the most important factors in the modern days. Development and application of solar energy have been regarded by the government of India and common people, and they thought that solar photo voltaic energy can provide more energy in future compare to other renewable energies. In the last decade, solar photovoltaic energy research and development has supported by the central government and state governments. This paper discusses the progress of current solar photovoltaic energy in India. It highlights the renewable energy trend in India with major achievements, state wise analysis of solar parks and industrial applications. Finally, it discusses the Indian government policies and initiatives to promote solar energy in India. This review on solar photovoltaic energy will help decision makers and various stakeholders to understand the current status, barriers and challenges for better planning and management in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decade before conversion of solar energy into electricity was quite expensive compare with other renewable energy or conventional fossil fired generated power. For making solar energy as a main stream source of power generation Indian government has taken several initiatives in last 5–6 years. Presently, the deployment of the solar power project in India is governed by both central and state government under the various schemes. These schemes are mainly includes, Feed-in-Tariff (FiT), Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Renewable Energy Certificates (REC), Accelerated Depreciation (AD) benefit and reverse bidding/auctions etc. As an effect of this competitive market environment, the tariff of solar power has come down from INR 17 or US $ 0.27 1 1 In year 2010, US $ 1=INR 45. (year 2010) to less than INR 6 or US $ 0.092 2 2 In year 2015, US $ 1=INR 65. (year 2015). This decremented solar tariff may achieve grid parity soon but also has raised the question of sustainability of the solar power project as well. Additionally, this multi-policy environment of both central and state government has created lots of confusion among the solar power project developers to select scheme and make their investment viable as per other power generation business. This paper summarizes various schemes under the current policy framework in terms of viability of the solar power projects in India. It also includes issues related with the sustainability of the solar power project taken under the competitive bidding process with remarkable lowered tariff than benchmarked tariff (ceiling price)in India (i.e. INR 7 or US $ 0.107). This study will help project developers and other stakeholders to understand the issues related with viability of the project in current multi-policy environment for better planning before investing in the field of solar Power business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has tremendous potential for generating clean electricity through Renewable Energy Sources (RES) namely Hydro, Wind and Solar. This potential has been duly recognized and shows India׳s consciousness for reducing carbon footprint as a developing nation. Government of India with an aim to promote clean energy launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) on 11th January 2010, which is one of the eight missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC–2008). This mission visions to install 22,000 MW through grid connected and off grid power plants. Achieving an installed capacity of this quantum is a task full of challenges. To list the possible challenges and suggest a way forward, there is a need to study solar energy sector in India in the past, which has motivated the authors to discuss the evolution of solar energy in India since independence. Through this paper authors have tried to outline the journey of solar energy in India since 1950 till date and highlight the potential issues as barriers and challenges which could impact the ambitious mission taken up by Government of India. This study will help decision makers and various stakeholders to understand the current status, barriers and challenges for better planning and management in the field of solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are some specific constraints that hinder the development of solar and wind energy system in India. However, India has adequate sunshine and balanced wind speed. Hence there is greater opportunity for extension of solar and wind energy system in the Indian scenario along with enough future scope for these renewable sources through “Grid Parity”. The aim of this paper is to present in a coherent and integrated way the major constraints hampering the development of renewable energy in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An extensive canal irrigation network in South Asia has developed over the past 170 years that consists of thousands of kilometers of constructed channels and distributaries. These canals cut across many energy-poor regions along their paths. In India, this canal network provides a unique opportunity for renewable energy generation that is yet to be realized. Existing technologies for energy generation on canals include small hydropower on canal falls and, recently, canal-top solar panels. In addition, opportunities for hydrokinetic generation in irrigation canals have received limited attention. This paper develops a novel canal-network level framework for energy planning that integrates generation with local energy needs in a canal-corridor. This framework for integrated spatial assessment analyzes the supply of renewable energy generation potential and the demand of unmet energy needs in a canal-corridor, using the Upper Ganga Canal in Uttar Pradesh, India as a case study. We consider the theoretical and technological potential of hydropower and solar power generation and develop three indices to assess the agricultural, domestic, and composite unmet power demand of the canal-corridor. Our results show an overall theoretical potential of 149.1 MW and 13,213 MW for small hydropower and solar power, respectively, which could more than help meet the current 18 hours per day electricity service standard in Uttar Pradesh. The framework uses standardized irrigation and census datasets and therefore is generalizable for canal networks across India and South Asia more broadly. • Irrigation canal energy technologies include small hydro and canal-top solar power. • Novel canal-network level framework for energy planning. • Integration of generation potential with local energy needs in a canal corridor. • Theoretical and technological potential of energy generation on canals. • Three indices for agricultural, domestic, and composite unmet power demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy crisis and environmental problems require a new sustainable energy supply option that uses renewable energies and is economic at the same time. Solar Thermal Power (STP) generating systems are proven renewable energy technologies and often a very cost effective way to produce electricity from solar radiation. In this paper, the potential and the cost-effectiveness of a parabolic trough collector (PTC) type solar thermal power plant for meeting the energy demand of garment zone at Sitapura industrial area, Jaipur is analyzed. In this, the present energy demand of garment zone, design of proposed solar power plant and economic evaluation of the power plant has been carried out. The estimated energy requirement of the selected garment zone was 2.21MW for year 2011. To meet the present energy demand and expected increase in the demand a PTC type solar power plant of 2.5MW capacity is proposed, which require about 15.76 acres of land area and has 256 solar collector elements. Looking to the scarcity and cost of the land near the city, off-site proposal of the power plant has also been considered and compared with on-site option. Four economic scenarios were analyzed for the proposed system and their financial performance is evaluated. For the onsite solar power plant internal rate of return is 19.21%, NPV at 10% discount rate is 372.77 million INR, simple payback period is 5 years and discounted payback period @10% is 7 years and 4 months, while for the off-site power plant IRR is 27.85%, NPV is 550.55 million INR, simple payback period is 3 years and 6 months and discounted payback period is 4 years and 7 months. Levelised cost of energy (LCOE) for onsite power plant is Rs 9.41/kWh and for offsite power plant is Rs 6.89/kWh. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Jammu and Kashmir State of India is one of the energy starved states despite of having tremendous potential for utilization of renewable energy. The natural energy sources like sunshine, wind, vegetation, water flow, biomass and other biological wastes are abundantly available in the state yet are not being potentially harnessed resulting in very low per capita energy availability forcing peoples to use wood resulting into deforestation. The fossils fuels, which pollute the environment, are extensively utilized even though they are not sustainable. Developing and properly implementing renewable energy technologies in this state can provide secure energy supply for rapid domestic and industrial development which will attract new investments, thereby creates additional employment. It shall also generate additional state income by allowing the state to sell renewable energy trading certificates to other states. Therefore, it is important that the region moves to clear and sustainable energy. This paper presents an overview of the present status of renewable energy development and summarizes key issues in each of the major industrial segments. It also examines crucial gaps in the renewable energy market, describes the goals set out by various government programs, and estimates the resources and effort required to meet these goals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy sources and technologies have potential to provide solutions to the longstanding energy problems being faced by the developing countries like India. Solar energy can be an important part of India''s plan not only to add new capacity but also to increase energy security, address environmental concerns, and lead the massive market for renewable energy. Solar thermal electricity (STE) also known as concentrating solar power (CSP) are emerging renewable energy technologies and can be developed as future potential option for electricity generation in India. In this paper, efforts have been made to summarize the availability, current status, strategies, perspectives, promotion policies, major achievements and future potential of solar energy options in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A solar water heating system (SWHS) is a device that makes available the thermal energy of the incident solar radiation for use in various water heating applications. SWHS largely depends on the performance of the collector''s efficiency at capturing the incident solar radiation and transferring it to the water. With today''s SWHS, water can be heated up to temperatures of 60–80°C. Heated water is collected in a tank insulated to prevent heat loss. Circulation of water from the tank through the collectors and back to the tank continues automatically due to the thermosiphon principle. The hot water generated finds many end-use applications in domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors. India has the highest energy intensities in Asia. Very little investment and priority are being given to increase of the efficiency. On the other hand, the India has a high potential for developing energy production from renewable energy sources (RES): solar, water, wind and biomass. However, these potentials are not studied and exploited enough and the present situation for their utilization is not so good. Although energy is a critical foundation for economic growth and social progress of any country, there are many constraints for RES development in all of them (political, technological, financial, legislative, educational, etc.). Obviously, defining development strategies and new support measures is necessary since renewable energy sources can make an important contribution to the regional energy supply and security. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the solar water heating system (opportunities) in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]