UPSC Mains 2020 · GS I · Q16 · 15 marks · 250 words

India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.

हिन्दी में

भारत में सौर ऊर्जा की प्रचुर संभावनाएँ हैं हालाँकि इसके विकास में क्षेत्रीय भिन्नताएँ हैं । विस्तृत वर्णन कीजिए ।

Natural Resources

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “India has immense potential for solar energy despite regional variations. Analyse the factors responsible for this spatial variation and suggest measures to optimise solar-energy utilisation.”

AakritiAIR 93 · CSE 2025 · 152 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

India's solar energy capacity has risen from 2GW to 10GW between 2015 and 2025; indicating substantial potential.

Body · points

Immense potential for solar energy

(1) continental placement → India lies in the subtropics. (2) Rainfall restricted to just 3-4 months. (3) A distinct summer season. (4) Forest cover is ≈ 22% only. (5) coastal nation → floating panel potential.

Regional variations → factors responsible

Diagram
- Map of India - Marked regions: - Bhadla (marked with +) - Rewa (marked with +) - Pavagada (marked with +) - Kurnool (marked with +) - Surplus (high potential) (region with + marks) - Moderate (region with dots) - Deficit energy (region with - marks) - Text box: Regional variation in solar potential
  1. Solar irradiance high in north & west.
  2. Forest cover more in northeast - less potential.
  3. Investment levels eg. high in Tamil Nadu.
  4. Rainfall levels eg. Rajasthan - (Bhadla park).

Measures for optimal use

  1. Invest in battery storage - overcome intermittency.
  2. one nation, one grid → expand market. (↓ variation)
  3. Invite private sector participation.
  4. Land generation & ease of access to land.

Close

India walks the talk when it comes to utilization of Surya urja → India can guide the world.

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 2020, General Studies Paper I, Q16. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.