why use solar energy
Solar energy is that produced by the Sun’s light – photovoltaic energy – and its warmth – solar thermal – for the generation of electricity or the production of heat. Inexhaustible and renewable, since it comes from the Sun, solar energy is harnessed using panels and mirrors.
Photovoltaic solar cells convert sunlight directly into electricity by the so-called photovoltaic effect, by which certain materials are able to absorb photons (light particles) and liberate electrons, generating an electric current. On the other hand, solar thermal collectors use panels or mirrors to absorb and concentrate the Sun’s heat, transferring it to a fluid and conducting it through pipes to use it in buildings and installations, and also for electricity production (solar thermoelectric).
BENIFIT
What is a Solar Rooftop?
Solar Panels placed on rooftops are ideal for harnessing the sun’s energy, which otherwise would’ve been wasted, into electricity. Rooftops converted in this manner to hold PV modules are called Solar Rooftops.
Solar Rooftop in India
The shift towards clean, reliable and affordable electricity in India is visible in the rapid proliferation of solar panels mounted on the roofs of homes, buildings, schools, government buildings and even businesses, i.e., solar panels for commercial use, solar panels for office buildings, and solar panels for home.
India is one of the countries that has accomplished the largest production of renewable energy. As of 2019, 35% of installed power generation capacity of India comes from renewable sources of energy, which is equal to generating 17% of the country’s total electricity.
The adoption rate of solar rooftop in India is accelerating today. From a historically low base, rooftop solar has been the fastest growing renewable energy sub-sector in India, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 116% between 2012 and 2018.
To assist the Government of India in achieving its ambitious target of achieving 227GW (earlier it was 175GW), the World Bank is providing US$625m in financial support for grid-connected rooftop solar projects.
Suitable for Indian climate
Our country is situated in such a geographical location that is ideal for receiving ample tropical sunlight. With almost 300 sunny days with clear skies, each year India has one of the best conditions in the world to harness solar energy.
Support from the government
The solar rooftop systems fall under the 5% tax bracket. It is the most attractive tax rate (if one doesn’t consider the 0% tax bracket) that the government offers. This is one of the few goods in India that fall under this low tax category.