India has emerged as a global front runner in the field of solar power development, with an ambitious goal of installing 100 GW of solar. Remarkably, India’s progress is steadily marching towards surpassing any other nation for total solar power installed in 2023.
Several factors are propelling the development of solar projects in India.
- Technological upgradation and resource efficiencies
- Government policy reinstating commitment to renewable energy
- Availability of solar project worthy land
Five Largest Solar Power Plants in India
1. Bhadla Solar Park
The Bhadla solar power plant, situated in the vast Thar desert of Rajasthan, stands as not only the largest solar facility in India but also the world’s largest solar farm, boasting an impressive 2245 MW of installed capacity. Covering an expansive 56 square kilometers, it’s an exemplar of solar power on a grand scale.
The parks development has unfolded in four phases:
- Phase I: 420 MW, completed in October 2018
- Phase II: 250 MW, completed in December 2018
- Phase III: 1000 MW, completed in December 2019
- Phase IV: 775 MW, completed in December 2020
2. Pavagada Solar Park
Pavagada solar park , also known as Shakti Sthala, is a 2GW solar complex developed in Pavagada, Tumkur district, approximately 180km from Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The project has been developed by Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation, a joint venture between Solar Energy Corporation of India and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited.
The solar plant spans a total almost 53 square Km and is divided in eight sections of 250 MW each.
3. Ananthapurumu Ultra Mega Solar Park
The AUM Solar Park, located in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district, sprawls across an extensive 32.07 square kilometers, securing its place as the third-largest solar park in India. It trails closely behind the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan as well as the Pavagada Solar Park in Karnataka.
The AUM Solar park was developed in two phases, with the first phase of 250 MW, commissioned in May 2016, while the second phase of 750 MW commissioned in 2018.
In addition to its evident environmental and economic benefits, the AUM Solar Park serves as a testament to cutting-edge technology. Utilizing state-of-the-art solar innovations, the park guarantees efficient and dependable electricity production. What’s more, it integrates forward-thinking elements like a dust control system and a water harvesting system for efficiency management.
4. Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park
The Kurnool Solar Park, located in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, spans an expansive 24 square kilometers. With an impressive capacity exceeding 1000 MW, it stands as a substantial solar energy installation.
The project was developed by the Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Corporation Private Limited(APSPCL), a JV between SECI and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The solar power plant has been commissioned in two phases, with the first phase of 500MW becoming operational in 2017 and the second phase completing the total capacity in 2018.
5. REWA Ultra Mega Solar Park
Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park is an operational ground mounted, grid-connected photovoltaic solar park spread over 6.4 square km. With an operational capacity of 750 MW itIt started producing power in 2018 and reached its full capacity in 2020.
It has the distinction of breaking the grid parity barrier, making it one of the most cost-effective solar power projects in India at the time.
The power generated by the REWA Solar Power Project is sold to utilities of Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh through long-term power purchase agreements.
Key Consideration While Selecting Solar Panels for Solar Power Plants
Quality of Inputs and Efficiency
Efficiency is the key consideration before setting up any power plant. Utility scale solar power plants in particular have to adhere to PPA’s to make sure they are operationally efficient and making returns. Greater the power output greater will be the returns. In case of solar power plants, solar panels are the power generating units, hence special care must be exercised in selection of solar panels. By ensuring top-notch solar panels from well known suppliers, the solar power plant can benefit from higher power yield in the long run.
Long-term RoI
Solar projects require considerable investments and hence Returns on Investment (RoI). As the Returns on Investments are directly linked to the power yield, it is very important to run the power plant at optimum capacity to extract optimum returns. This requires ensuring that the power plant is set-up using good inputs that can ensure good efficiency and power yields.
Budgetary Constraints
As large scale utility power plants require considerable capital it is highly unlikely that the power plants are developed using private capital. Most times solar power plants are financed by solar loans or equity sale. In both cases, the investor has to be convinced that the power plant can generate sufficient cashflows so as to service the loan or make a good return. Key inputs like solar panels sourced from well known suppliers having a track record of supplying quality output can be very important to attract finance to the project.
Incentives and Subsidies
To attract more investment in solar power plants, governments offer tax incentives and subsidies. However these subsidies come with stipulation on quality of material and certifications. It is very important to then consider procurement that fulfills the certifications and quality parameters laid down by the government.
Premium Solar Panels by LUBI Electronics for Safeguarding your Solar System Yields
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About LUBI Electronics
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Our solar offerings include best-in-class solar modules, solar pumps, solar pump controllers and solar inverters.
For more information on our offerings, please reach out to us at lubi@lubielectronics.com.