Solar PV landscape in India

BANGALORE, INDIA: SEMI India today unveiled its first paper on Solar PV in India. Speaking on the rational behind this paper, Dr. J. Gururaja, Renewable Energy Action Forum and Executive President, SEMI India, said it was meant to project the industry's perspective: where we are and what needs to be done!

He said, "Solar in general, and PV in particular, can address the challenges that we face today." According to him, the PV industry in India has a fairly strong track record.

Sathya Prasad, president of SEMI India, touched upon the case for PV in India. These include:

* Power deficit situation in many parts of the country.

* India's brisk economic growth implies rising energy needs.

* Overdependence on coal for electricity generation.

* Overdependence on oil and natural gas imports.

According to him, India is abundantly endowed with solar radiation.

This paper attempts to provide an overview of the state of solar photovoltaics (PV) in India. It presents the case for PV in India from a structural, market-opportunity, as well as from a social-benefits perspective. It briefly presents the current play of the Indian PV industry, outlines important challenges, and makes key recommendations that could accelerate the growth, adoption and proliferation of the technology in India.

The report is the first of its kind to represent the ‘voice of the Indian PV industry’ and to highlight the industry perspective. It is supported by leaders of the Indian PV industry and the SEMI India PV Advisory Committee, and is an attempt towards building consensus and developing a strong collaborative model that could enable the growth of the Indian PV industry.