Recent research from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi marks the adverse effects of air pollution and climate change on solar panel performance in India. As the country aims to produce 50% of its electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030, understanding these impacts is crucial. The study, published in November 2024, is the first to explore how climate change will affect solar cell efficiency specifically in India.
India’s Solar Energy Goals
India ranks as the fifth-largest solar power producer globally. The government has ambitious plans to install 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with one-fifth expected from solar energy. This includes the development of solar parks and the promotion of rooftop solar installations, aiming to enhance energy sustainability.
Climate Change and Solar Energy
Solar energy is highly susceptible to weather and climate variations. The study indicates that solar panel efficiency is influenced by atmospheric conditions such as clouds and particulate matter. These factors contribute to global dimming, which reduces the amount of solar radiation reaching the panels.
Study Methodology
The research utilised data from 1985 to 2014 to project changes in solar panel efficiency from 2041 to 2050. The analysis considered two scenarios – a moderate effort to control air quality and a weaker climate action scenario. The study leveraged global climate models and validated them with data from NASA’s Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES).
Key Findings
By mid-century, the efficiency of solar panels in India is expected to decline by 2.3% under moderate climate efforts. This translates to an annual loss of at least 840 gigawatt-hours of electricity. Additionally, rising temperatures are predicted to further diminish solar cell performance, as higher ambient temperatures increase cell temperatures beyond the surrounding air temperature.
Regional Variations in Solar Potential
The study identified that certain regions, particularly in Northeast India and Kerala, may experience increased solar power potential. This is attributed to a decrease in cloud cover over these areas, enhancing solar radiation availability.
Recommendations for Future Action
The findings tell the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Effective implementation of policies is vital to achieving solar energy targets. Public participation is essential, including the adoption of electric vehicles and increased use of public transport. Additionally, efforts such as tree planting and climate awareness initiatives are necessary for enhancing environmental sustainability.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the relationship between climate change and renewable energy production in India.
- What is the significance of air quality in solar energy generation? Point out its impact on efficiency.
- Estimate the potential benefits of solar energy in mitigating climate change effects in urban areas.
- With suitable examples, discuss the importance of public participation in achieving national energy goals.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the relationship between climate change and renewable energy production in India.
- Climate change affects weather patterns, impacting solar radiation availability.
- Increased temperatures can reduce solar panel efficiency and lifespan.
- India’s renewable energy goals aim to mitigate climate change effects.
- Air pollution exacerbates climate change, further complicating energy production.
- Adaptation strategies are essential to sustain renewable energy growth amidst climate challenges.
2. What is the significance of air quality in solar energy generation? Point out its impact on efficiency.
- Air quality directly affects solar radiation reaching solar panels.
- Pollutants like aerosols scatter and absorb solar radiation, reducing efficiency.
- Declining air quality leads to global dimming, further decreasing solar output.
- Improved air quality can enhance solar energy generation potential.
- Regulatory measures to control pollution are critical for solar energy viability.
3. Estimate the potential benefits of solar energy in mitigating climate change effects in urban areas.
- Solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- Increased solar deployment can enhance energy security in urban settings.
- Solar installations can mitigate urban heat island effects through green technology.
- Rooftop solar can decentralize energy production, reducing transmission losses.
- Solar energy contributes to sustainable urban development and resilience against climate impacts.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of public participation in achieving national energy goals.
- Public involvement in adopting electric vehicles can reduce fossil fuel dependence.
- Community solar projects enhance local engagement and energy ownership.
- Educational campaigns raise awareness about renewable energy benefits.
- Grassroots movements can pressure governments to implement effective energy policies.
- Public participation in tree planting initiatives supports carbon sequestration efforts.
