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Impact of Air Pollution and Climate Change on India’s Solar Energy Potential
Context:
A study by IIT Delhi, published in Environmental Research Letters, found that air pollution and climate change will impair solar panel performance in India.
Importance of Solar Energy for India
- Key Role in Renewable Transition – Solar energy is a crucial pillar in India’s renewable energy strategy, supporting the target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- Major Contributor to Electricity Generation – As the world’s fifth-largest solar power producer, India aims to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
- Supports Net Zero Goal – Solar power is essential for India’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, as announced at COP26 in Glasgow.
- Carbon Emission Reduction – Solar energy will help India cut carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes and reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.
- Strengthening Energy Security – Expanding solar power reduces dependency on fossil fuels, enhances energy security, and drives economic growth through green jobs and investments.
Impact of Air Pollution on Solar Energy Generation
- Reduced Solar Radiation: High levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), aerosols, and black carbon reduce solar irradiance reaching the Earth’s surface.
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- Studies suggest that solar power generation efficiency in India could decline by 17-25% due to air pollution.
- Deposition of Pollutants on Solar Panels: Dust, soot, and industrial pollutants accumulate on solar panels, reducing efficiency.
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- In urban and industrial regions, solar panel efficiency drops by up to 50% if not cleaned regularly.
- Regional Variations in Solar Power Generation: The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) experiences higher pollution levels, leading to greater solar energy loss.
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- Comparatively, Rajasthan and Gujarat, with lower pollution levels, show better solar efficiency.
Impact of Climate Change on Solar Energy Potential
- Increased Cloud Cover and Extreme Weather Events: Climate change has intensified monsoon variability, increasing cloud cover in some regions, thereby reducing solar insolation.
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- Frequent cyclones, storms, and erratic rainfall disrupt solar energy infrastructure.
- Rising Temperature and Efficiency Loss: Solar panels lose efficiency as temperatures rise beyond 25°C, leading to a 0.5% decrease in output per 1°C rise.
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- States like Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu experience efficiency losses due to excessive heat.
- Change in Wind Patterns and Dust Storms: Climate change has altered wind patterns, leading to frequent dust storms in Northern and Western India.
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- These storms further degrade solar panel performance and increase maintenance costs.
Policy and Technological Interventions to Mitigate the Impact
- Air Pollution Control Measures: Implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2024.
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- Strengthening Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR.
- Encouraging electric vehicles, industrial emission controls, and clean cooking fuel adoption.
- Technological Innovations for Solar Panels: Self-cleaning solar panels with hydrophobic and electrostatic coatings to prevent dust accumulation.
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- Development of high-temperature resistant solar cells for improved efficiency.
- Adoption of floating solar farms to reduce temperature effects and land use concerns.
- Adaptive Strategies in Solar Infrastructure: Diversification of solar energy installations across multiple climatic zones to mitigate regional variations.
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- Integration of hybrid solar-wind and solar-storage systems to ensure reliability.
- Use of solar tracking systems to maximise power generation despite environmental fluctuations.
Way Forward
- Holistic Approach: Synergising climate action, pollution control, and energy transition policies.
- R&D Investment: Enhancing research in next-generation solar technologies like perovskite and bifacial solar cells.
- International Collaboration: Leveraging global initiatives like International Solar Alliance (ISA) to share best practices.
- Urban Planning Reforms: Encouraging green rooftops, urban solar parks, and dust control measures.
