Solar Energy In India

With government, anything that costs money is evaluated and used very carefully (in theory anyways). This means expenses are controlled and kept as low as possible.
The scenario in energy consumption in India is no different. It is not surprising that the per capita energy consumption figures are very low in spite of the high rate of development now taking place.
Benefits Of Solar Energy
India is blessed with abundance of sunlight, water and biomass. Vigorous efforts during the past two decades are now bearing fruit, as people in all walks of life are more aware of the benefits of renewable energy.
In 1982, the Government of India created the Department of Non-conventional Energy Sources (DNES), and in 1992 a full-fledged Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources was established. Today, India has the world’s largest program for renewable energy.
Why use solar energy
Solar energy is amply adequate for all the conceivable energy needs of the India; it is the power source of the near future and is certain to work. Switching to solar helps save energy and money, protect our beautiful and delicate environment, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
The solar energy can be used for various purposes, from water heating, cooking and pool heating to electric power generation for lighting, etc.
A 125 liters Solar Water Heater System costs Rs. 17,000/- with energy saving up to Rs. 10,000/- a year. The cost of a 50 liters electrical geyser is Rs. 7,000/- versus a 50 liters SWH System that costs Rs. 9,000/-. Further SWH Systems are eligible for finance from most nationalized banks at 5% interest p.a. for up to 85% of the system cost.
Solar generated power has three main advantages over all other types of remote power generation:
1) Free inexhaustible power.
2) Simplicity.
3) Low maintenance.
In India, more than 7,00,000 solar systems of capacity over 44 MW for different applications are installed all over the country. The market segment and usage is mainly for home lighting, street lighting, solar lanterns and water pumping for irrigation. As the demand for power grows exponentially and conventional fuel based power-generating capacity grows arithmetically. Especially in rural, far-flung areas, it is the best alternative.
The government is promoting the use of solar energy systems with many subsidies, grants and soft loans. It has also directed all state governments to make solar water heating systems compulsory in all municipal corporations. Rajasthan has already adopted this resolution and most of the states will soon follow suit, thus greatly expanding the market for solar water heating systems.