Off-grid solar

A new report states solar-powered pumps (higher capacity and micro-pumps) offer a $28 billion market potential in India, the maximum among all mature decentralized renewable energy (DRE) livelihood applications. Solar dryers have the second-largest deployment potential at $2.3 billion.

India’s power minister said the government will create a large program for distributed renewable energy livelihoods, like rooftop solar and solar irrigation schemes. 

India attracted around $10 billion of annual investment in the renewable energy sector over the last five years. High economic growth and a stable commitment to decarbonization have drawn the attention of major organizations and investors from around the world. 

Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka account for over 50% of the cumulative installed solar capacity.

International Solar Alliance (ISA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will implement the programme over the next two years, with the $2 million fund jointly secured by them.

NTPC REL will design, develop, and install renewable energy projects (solar, wind, etc) and hydrogen energy storage systems for supplying electricity to Indian Army establishments in off-grid locations.

A new report by IEA PVPS Task 18 provides a blueprint guide on how to conduct feasibility studies for off-grid and edge-of-grid power systems. The optimal system size and specifications vary depending on the client’s priorities. The desired project outcomes can be identified using pure financial analysis (NPV, IRR) or additionally taking environmental performance into account.

India installed 13 GW of solar during the Jan.-Dec period in 2022, with large-scale projects accounting for 87% of the addition.

TrendForce says solar demand could grow by more than 53.4% this year due to lower module prices and delayed projects from 2021 and 2022 that are now going online. China will be the largest market this year with 148.9 GW, followed by the United States with 40.5 GW, India with 17.2 GW, Brazil with 14.2 GW, Germany with 11.8 GW, Spain with 11.4 GW, and Japan with 8 GW.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched India Energy Week 2023, a three-day event connecting India’s energy stakeholders with international counterparts to collaborate for a responsible and smart energy transition on India’s road to net zero. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said India is today the world’s most suitable place for investment. He called upon the stakeholders to explore every possibility in India’s energy sector and get involved with it.