The Cost of Solar Energy

Is solar power more expensive compared to conventional energy? No! Solar power is not expensive and is much more cost effective in the long term.
In the last 15 to 20 years cost of solar modules has now come down sharply to $4 per watt from a high of $20 per watt in 1985. This would continue to reduce and would be one of the major factors which would facilitate the take off.
However, in terms of solar energy there is no level playing field as in the case of conventional energy. The total fiscal funding for all the renewable energy sector put together is less than Rs 600 crores. This has to be changed for making it more feasible and popular.
Today one of the main deterrents in switching on to solar energy is the initial capital cost that has to be put in by the consumer.
There should be some mechanism where instead of paying for example Rs 15,000 at one go for a solar power system for electrification of a house one can pay in installments as a monthly or quarterly bill as in the case of conventional energy.
After the cost is retrieved in a stipulated time frame, the customer owns it and would get free power for more than 30 years. Also, the banks should be mandated to give loans for solar power equipments for end user as part of priority lending sector.
These factors would definitely improve the current scenario and help us meet the target.
India has cutting edge technology, global quality and competitiveness in the global perspective. India has implemented silicon nitride coating process on multi crystalline cells which enables production of solar cells with highest efficiency in terms of mass scale production.
The clear proof of our competitiveness and acceptability in the global market is the fact that 55 per cent of our total sales is from exports (Rs 137 crores) out of which 95 per cent is from developed countries like US and Europe.
Thus the facts show that India has the biggest potential with regards to the consumption and application of solar energy.