UPSC Mains 2015 · GS III · Q9 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed ? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry ?

हिन्दी में

सौर ऊर्जा की उपकरण लागतों और टैरिफ में हाल के नाटकीय पतन के क्या कारक बताए जा सकते हैं ? इस प्रवृत्ति के तापीय विद्युत् उत्पादकों और सम्बन्धित उद्योग के लिए क्या निहितार्थ हैं ?

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Briefly examine the rationale behind the formation of International Solar Alliance (ISA). How can ISA help bring down the cost of solar energy?”

Anudeep DurishettyAIR 1 · CSE 2017 · 112 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

International Solar alliance is a consortium of like-minded countries who pledged to promote, design and improve use of solar energy among member nations. India is a major partner of ISA.

Rationale behind ISA brings down ISA & Solar energy cost by:

Body · points and prose

cooperation in clean energy

  • By collaboration, we can accelerate shifts towards clean energy
  • Solar power is 175 W/m² annually. This is 7000 times more than global power consumption
  • Technological co-operation between members
  • Tackling global warming requires international co-operation

diagram

  • India map showing potential solar sites based on irradiance level
    • Solid blue color region: Very high potential
    • Grid pattern region: High potential
    • Horizontal line pattern region: Moderate potential
    • Dotted pattern region: Low potential INDIA - Potential Solar Sites (Based on irradiance level)

brings down ISA & Solar energy cost by:

  1. ISA promotes tech transfer between member States. This will bring economies of scale.

  2. promoting trade between nations

  3. Access to high solar potential sites thus can harness energy easily.

  4. Voltaic cells, inverter can be bought & sold.

  5. Promoting R&D & cutting edge technology

Close · a framework

Thus ISA has huge potential to promote clean energy and help India achieve its

INDC commitments of Paris deal & also Sustainable

development goals:

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper III, Q9. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.