Since the beginning of time, people have revered the Sun as the source of our planet’s life. The idea of sunlight as a source of energy came about during the industrial eras. As we worked toward fossil fuel energy we also worked toward solar energy.
Scientists knew that fossil fuels are limited but solar energy was unlimited. It was also more efficient energy as it has less carbon footprint than fossil fuels and doesn’t damage the environment like fossil fuels.
Slowly as humans become more dependent on fossil fuels and had the industrial revolution our nature also started showing the effect of global warming which was rising because of greenhouse gas.
Many nations realized that they need to start developing more renewable energy and one of the main power sources was solar energy. And our nation India also start working on Solar energy to ensure a more Green India.
What is India’s National Solar Mission
The national solar mission was introduced in 2010 January. It was a part of the NAPCC (National Action Plan on Climate Change). The government wanted to introduce a plan before Tokyo G8 submit.
Objectives of National Solar Mission
The National Solar Mission’s goal is to position India as a leader in solar energy by establishing the policy framework for its rapid adoption throughout the nation.
To make sure India has a favourable nature for solar manufacturing technology and create a self-sufficient India for Solar energy.
Initiative Taken under the Indian solar policy
To encourage the expansion of solar capacity, the Indian government is contributing Rs 15,050 crore as a capital subsidy. Our government is doing its best to create a good opportunity for research and development in solar energy.
It is divided into three phases
Phase 1 – 2012 – 13
The first phase of the National Solar Mission mission target was a Solar collector 7 million sq meter and 200 MW off-grid solar application and 1000MW utility grid power and rooftop.
Phase 2 – 2013 – 2017
The second phase of the National Solar Mission mission target was a Solar collector of 15 million sq meters and 1000 MW off-grid solar application and 4000 – 10000 MW utility grid power and rooftop.
On July 1, 2015, the government changed the goal from 20 GW to 100 GW. The yearly objectives from 2015 to 2016 forward were also increased to attain 100 GW by 2022.
On March 31, 2010, India had 161 MW of installed solar capacity, or around 2.5 months after the mission’s inception on January 11. Three months before the objectives were reduced, on March 31, 2015, India had 3,744 MW of installed solar capacity.
The Government of India has introduced several programs to promote the production of solar power in the nation to meet the aforementioned goal, including the Solar Park Program, VGF Programs, CPSU Program, Defense Program, Canal Bank & Canal Top Program, Bundling Program, and Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Program.
Phase 3 – 2017 – 2022
The second phase of the National Solar Mission mission target was a Solar collector of 20 million sq meters and 2000 MW off-grid solar application and 100,000 MW utility grid power and rooftop. India just surpassed Italy to take over fifth place globally in the deployment of solar energy.
Between March 2014 and July 2019, solar power capacity expanded by more than 11 times, from 2.6 GW to 30 GW. India’s solar tariffs are now extremely competitive and have reached grid parity.
Why Solar energy is important?
We all know solar energy is very important for our future. Human dependency on fossil fuels is harming our planet. We keep hearing news about how the sea level is rising and how Antarctica’s ice keeps melting.
We must protect nature and stop the devasting tragedies that can happen if we keep using fossil fuels. We need to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And one of our biggest help is solar energy. It’s more natural friendly and most important it won’t run out like fossil fuels.
India is a tropical country and has a suitable environment for solar energy growth and it’s important we use our advantage to the fullest to make a greener and cleaner India. These are some benefits of using Solar power.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emission
- Help in energy security of India
- Reduce our dependency on fossil fuel energy
- Create a healthy environment
- Creating more jobs and opportunities in the solar power sector
- Increasing India’s technical proficiency in solar technology
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. Why National Solar Mission project was initiated?
The project was initiated to decrease the dependency on fossil fuels and increase solar power emissions in India to work toward a more green India. And also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To increase the use of Solar power in India.
2. When was the National Solar Mission launched?
The national solar mission was introduced in 2010 January. It was a part of the NAPCC ( National Action Plan on Climate Change).
3. What was the budget of this National Solar Mission?
The budget of The government has committed nearly Rs. 1.97 lakh crores, over 5 years starting FY 2021-22 including Rs. 4500 crore for ‘High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules’ which will be will be implemented by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
4. What are the Benefits of the “National Solar Mission”?
The implementation of the project has many benefits. It will help many people get cheaper electricity and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also will help increase our research and development in the Solar sector. And it also helps create more opportunities in the solar energy sector.
5. In how many phases the National Solar Mission is implemented?
The National Solar Mission is implemented in three phases. Phase 1 is from 2010 to 2013. Phase 2 is from 2013 to 2017 and the third phase is from 2017 to 2022.
6. Which ministry has looked over the plan of the National Solar Mission and helped in its implementation?
It comes under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. And the head of the Ministry Mr. Rajkumar Singh.
