Solar Energy tapping is very small in India, says Piyush Goyal

Tapping of solar energy in the country is very small (2647 MW as on 31.05.2014) as compared to the available potential of 30-50 MW /sq. km of shadow –free open area, says Mr. Piyush Goyal, (Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy -Independent Charge). 

The Minister stated that this cannot be treated as under achievement because the exploitation of solar energy in a big way has started only four years ago with the launch of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. Solar energy continues to be expensive and therefore requires heavy investments. Solar energy has intermittent nature thereby making it difficult to integrate in the grid. 

The Minister further stated that lack of public awareness, high cost of generation and limitations of existing power evacuation and transmission networks have been identified as main hindering factors in tapping of optimal solar energy potential across the country, the Minister added.