Solar Energy: Made Simple for a Sustainable Future

This book explores solar energy achievements, innovations, and prospects in India, covering historical perspectives, devices, policies, research, and future trends. It is useful for researchers and professionals in the solar energy industry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the remarkable advancements in solar energy and explores the immense potential for solar power in India. It provides a historical backdrop, highlighting the significant contributions of solar energy throughout its evolution. The book showcases innovative technologies and diverse applications of solar energy, encompassing solar photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, and their integration into heat and electricity systems. It also delves into solar policies, research initiatives, and the widespread adoption of solar energy on a large scale. Additionally, the book anticipates future trends in the solar industry, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and stakeholders interested in technological, economic, and policy developments in the solar energy-driven power sector.

Introduction:
Solar energy has emerged as a promising renewable source, offering significant benefits in terms of environmental sustainability and energy security. India, with its vast geographical expanse and abundant solar resources, holds immense potential for harnessing solar power. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the achievements made in solar energy and the prospects for achieving solar potential in India.

Historical Perspectives:
The journey of solar energy in India dates back to the 19th century, when solar water heaters were first introduced. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in solar technology, leading to the development of efficient solar panels, solar thermal systems, and solar-powered devices. The government of India has played a pivotal role in promoting solar energy through various policies and initiatives, including the National Solar Mission, which aims to install 100 GW of solar power by 2022.

Innovations and Applications:
Solar energy finds applications in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and housing. Solar-powered irrigation systems have revolutionized the agricultural sector by providing farmers with reliable and cost-effective water supply. Solar-powered healthcare facilities, such as solar-powered lamps and solar-powered medical equipment, have improved access to healthcare in remote and underserved areas. Solar-powered transportation systems, such as solar-powered buses and electric vehicles, have reduced carbon emissions and promoted sustainable mobility. Solar-powered housing solutions, such as solar-powered water heaters and solar-powered cooling systems, have enhanced energy efficiency and reduced the reliance on conventional energy sources.

Solar Devices:
Solar energy is harnessed through a variety of solar devices, each designed to capture and convert solar radiation into usable energy. Solar photovoltaics (PV) are the most common type of solar device, used to generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal energy systems, on the other hand, use sunlight to heat water or air, which can then be used for various purposes, such as heating, cooling, and electricity generation. Solar devices are characterized by their efficiency, durability, and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Solar Policies in India:
The government of India has implemented several policies to promote solar energy adoption. These policies include tax incentives, subsidies, and net metering policies, which encourage individuals and businesses to invest in solar energy systems. The Renewable Energy Policy of 2015 also focuses on promoting renewable energy sources, including solar energy, to meet the country energy requirements of the country.

Solar Research and Technologies:
India has made significant strides in solar research and development. Several research institutions and universities are engaged in research and development activities related to solar energy, including solar photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, and energy storage technologies. The government has also established several research centers and institutes to promote innovation and collaboration in the solar industry.

Large-Scale Adoption:
Despite the significant advancements in solar energy, the adoption of solar power on a large scale remains a challenge in India. Several factors, such as high initial costs, lack of awareness and education, and inadequate infrastructure, hinder the widespread adoption of solar energy. However, there are ongoing efforts to address these challenges, including the development of affordable solar technologies, the promotion of renewable energy policies, and the establishment of renewable energy infrastructure.

Future Trends:
The future of solar energy in India is bright. With the increasing demand for clean and renewable energy sources, the government of India has set ambitious targets for solar power adoption. The National Solar Mission aims to install 100 GW of solar power by 2022, and the government has also announced plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The future trends in solar energy include the development of more efficient solar panels, the integration of solar energy with other renewable energy sources, and the increasing use of solar-powered devices and technologies.

In conclusion, this book presents a comprehensive overview of the achievements made in solar energy and the prospects for achieving solar potential in India. Solar energy has the potential to transform the energy landscape of India, providing clean, renewable, and sustainable energy for all. By leveraging its vast solar resources and implementing effective policies and initiatives, India can achieve its goal of becoming a global leader in solar energy.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811921018
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022