A body has been will soon be setup to promote export of solar equipment, as per the reports from the industry. India has incredible potential to tap solar energy. Creation of mini grids and captive use of solar power will ensure that by the year 2050, 100% of Indias energy demand can be met through renewable energy of which solar energy plays a major role.
Pranav Mehta, Chairman of Global solar Council (GSC), said that a proposal to create Renewable Energy Export Promotion Council-on the lines of Gems and jewellery Export Promotion Council-has been sent to the commerce ministry. Mehta, who was recently elected as the chairman of GSC, a global body for promotion of solar energy, said that captive use of solar power and creation of large numbers of mini grids will be cost-competitive as compared to the use of thermal power.
He also said that India is the fifth largest producer of solar power and has the capacity to generate 28 GW of power, whereas China lead the tally by installing165 GW of solar units. It is not possible to beat china, as they are doing tremendous work, we have lot to learn from them, said Mehta.
In India, there are restrictions like low spending on Research and Development (R&D), lack of testing infrastructure and inadequate capacity building, which is slowing down the growth of solar power. He said that the gross metering in case of roof-top solar plants was a prime reason for the failure to promote the scheme. Instead of benefitting the consumer, the company that setup the plant is benefitting from the grid companies
Sunil Parek, chief of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Advisor to Zydus Cadilla Group said that the solar power can be transformational for a country like India as it is clean and can provide power to remote areas as well as create job opportunities in remote areas too.