Utility-scale solar PV refers to large-scale ground-mounted solar power plants that export power to the grid, integrating it with power from other sources. In India, utility solar PV has seen explosive growth, driven by ambitious government policies and rapidly declining costs.
Improved Battery Storage: Efforts are underway to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of battery storage systems, which are crucial for stabilizing solar power supply. By 2030, battery storage costs are expected to decline significantly, enhancing the viability of solar-plus-storage solutions. India's largest solar-plus-storage project, set to be completed by 2025 in Ladakh, aims to have a capacity of 10 GW.
Agrovoltaics: Combining agriculture with solar PV (Agrovoltaics) is gaining traction, allowing dual land use for food production and energy generation. By 2030, agrovoltaic systems could become a common feature in rural India, boosting farm incomes and energy supply simultaneously. Studies have shown that agrovoltaics can increase crop yields by providing shade and reducing water evaporation.
Floating Solar Plants: With land availability posing challenges, floating solar power plants on reservoirs and lakes are being explored, with projects already underway in states like Kerala and Maharashtra. By 2030, floating solar could contribute substantially to India's solar capacity, particularly in densely populated regions. India aims to install 10 GW of floating solar capacity by 2030.
Digital Solutions: The adoption of digital technologies for enhanced maintenance and asset management is expected to optimize the performance and longevity of solar PV installations. By 2030, AI and IoT-based solutions could become standard in managing solar assets. Predictive maintenance powered by AI could reduce operational costs by up to 20%.
Effective Grid Integration: Strengthening grid infrastructure to handle the influx of solar power and ensuring seamless integration is a critical focus area. By 2030, India's grid is expected to be more resilient and capable of accommodating high levels of solar penetration. The Green Energy Corridor project aims to facilitate the integration of 175 GW of renewable energy, including solar, into the national grid.
Utility-scale solar PV has tremendous decarbonization potential in India, driven by ambitious government targets, technological advancements, and supportive policies. The country's efforts to expand its solar capacity are pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a cleaner energy future. Strengthening grid infrastructure and implementing smart grid solutions will facilitate the efficient integration of large-scale solar power.
India's utility-scale solar capacity is set to grow exponentially, from 40 GW in 2020 to an anticipated 300 GW by 2030. This expansion is a critical component of India's broader target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
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