Solar cookers have been brought in use for centuries and while the people in that times used to have a more conventional form of a Solar cooker, the forms and techniques have changed quite drastically over the times. Solar energy is a free energy source and amidst the recent shortage of fossil fuels around the globe, the same is getting popular amongst not only the people but the whole sections of the societies.
for the expansion and utilization of Renewable Energy Sources since last few decades, solar cooker distribution to the lower sections of the society has been a part of India’s strategy towards employing this technique. A good number of boxes type solar cookers have been circulated in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Delhi. Moreover, an additional subsidy of 33% of the total cost of the cookers has been granted to the prospective buyers by the government. Moreover, the marketing campaign has done exceptionally well in making this solar cooker campaign popular amongst the masses. The Image of solar cookers has been brightening and it can now attract a good number of people coming over to get them for cooking purpose.
Objectives
The Core objective of this solar cooker programme is to project India as a leader in the Solar energy utilization perspective amongst the other countries and also fulfill the energy demands of the country by employing a cleaner source of energy in use.
This mission will follow a 3 phase sequence which will go on with the key objective of the setting up a favorable atmosphere for solar technology expansion in the country both at central and state level.
To achieve this, the Mission has projected some targets which are:
- To create and maintain a favorable environment to achieve the target of 20,000 MW of solar energy dispersal by 2022. While the combined target got reframed to 1,00,000 MW by 2022. , it will mostly comprise of 40 GW Rooftop and 60 GW via big and intermediate Scale Grid Connected Solar Power Projects.
- In order to enhance the capability of solar power generation with grid connectivity to 1000 MW in a timeframe of 3 years by 2013, additionally 3000 MW by 2017 via mandatory usage of the renewable procurement obligation by utilities capped with a restricted tariff. This is further projected to be enhanced to 10,000MW installed power by 2017, subject to permitted global monetary and technology transmissions. A bigger target for 2022 of 20,000 MW or more, has been set for 2022 which will largely be depending on the outcomes of the first two phases. This transformation would then be further upgraded subject to the availability of Global finance and Technologies.
- To Create a conducive atmosphere for the solar energy processing unit, mainly solar thermal for overall production and global markets.
- To achieve a target of 15 million sq. meters solar thermal collector area by the year 2017 and 20 million by the year 2022.
To systematize 20 million solar lighting applications for the village areas by 2022.
Benefits
Some of the benefits of solar energy which makes it best for India are as follows:
-This is one of the best alternatives to the Non-renewable sources of energy and most importantly, it’s largely available
- While India has already been projected as one of the most polluted countries, Solar energy is the best alternative in order to provide a clean source of energy which doesn’t release any pollutants into the air.
- This energy can be used for a number of purposes like Lighting, heating, cooking and various other purposes which are best suitable for Indian Rural areas. The same can also be used in vehicles, airplanes, Motorboats, Light systems and many more other purposes which are feasible for the City areas.
- Solar power is free and in a country like India where coal and other fossil fuels are utilized with an expensive technology to generate power, Solar power is the need of the hour.
Solar energy doesn’t require a gas or a power grid. The System associated with Solar energy can be installed anywhere. Solar panels are easily placed able in housing areas which makes it almost zero cost energy resource across every section of society.
Challenges
While this Programme carries bigger benefits, it also got some challenges on its way through:
- Solar energy can’t be generated in the night time which is a big drawback.
- Even in the daytime, if it’s cloudy or the weather isn’t good, the solar energy can’t be taken as a reliable source of energy at that point in time.
- Only areas which get the good amount of solar energy can be termed feasible for installation of such projects.
- Inverters and storage batteries are needed to convert direct electricity to alternating electricity in the solar panels in order to generate electricity. Solar panel installation is cheap, while the installation of other equipment is expensive.
- A solar plant requires nig space and while that plant gets installed in the same area, it can’t be used for any other purpose for the next few years.
- The amount of energy produced in a solar panel is quite low s compared to other sources.
- As solar panels are brittle and require extra care and maintenance, Extra costs along with expenses will be there for the same.
National Solar Cooker Programme PDF
Some Important Links
https://mnre.gov.in/concentrating-solar-system-solar-cookers-steam-generating-systems
Conclusion
While India is gaining great momentum in the Solar energy sector, with its revolutionary approach towards implementing a cleaner source of energy on board, the challenges and barriers in its ways are also n large numbers. India is a country which receives solar energy in abundance for the whole years around, resulting in 3,000 hours of plain sunshine which is almost equal to 5,000 trillion kWh. Moreover, almost every area under its territory is prone to heavy sunshine, India as a country got a great potential in terms of solar power generation and with its ongoing approach and current schemes for the same, the future also shines nice and bright under the Vision of Indian Government.