Solar radiation sustains all forms of life on earth. According to estimates, sun radiates about 1.74 x 1017 W of power per hour to earth. The main features of solar radiation are its wide spread distribution, inexhaustible supply and pollution free source of energy. India receives solar energy equivalent to about 500 trillion kWh per annum which is much more than the total energy consumption in the country. The daily solar energy incidence varies from 4 – 7 kWh per m2 and there are 250 to 300 sunny days in a year. The power potential of solar energy is 20 MW per sq.km.

Two ways of harnessing solar energy

Solar energy comprises two components, namely, heat and light. Solar thermal systems capture the heat energy through solar thermal collectors using specially coated metal plates and are used for heating of water / air and for cooking. 

The light rays of solar energy are harnessed for power generation through solar cells and are called Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) systems, where light is directly converted into electricity using silicon (solar) cells. The electricity thus generated can be used for lighting or other electrical applications.

In case of Solar thermal systems, since conversion efficiency is higher, the cost is relatively less and saving is more.

In respect of Solar PV systems, since efficiency of conversion is less i.e. 16%, the cost is higher and saving is less; but in places where conventional power sources are not available, Solar PV systems are the most suitable ones.

Types of Systems

Solar Thermal Applications

  1. Solar water heater

  2. Solar air heaters / driers

  3. Solar cookers

  4. Others

Photovoltaic (Electrical Applications)

  1. Solar Portable ( lantern ) lamp 10 Wp Module, 7 W CFL

  2. Solar Home / Office lights

  3. Solar Street lights

  4. Solar fences

  5. Others: Solar Traffic signal, telecommunication etc

Electrification of Remote Habitation Phase I      

            Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency has implemented the Electrificationof remote unelectrified habitations in 12 districts by using Solar Photovoltaic lights under Phase -I through M/s. Bharat Electronics Limited with full funding assistance of MNRE and State Government.

  S.No Name of District No. of Habitation installed HLS installed SLS installed
  1 Coimbatore 24 1042 46
  2 Dharmapuri 2 47 2
  3 Dindigul 9 422 17
  4 Krishnagiri 2 47 3
  5 Namakkal 8 432 20
  6 The Nilgiris 2 95 5
  7 Thiruvannamalai 3 150 7
  8 Salem 3 335 15
  9 Kanniyakumari 19 783 34
  10 Theni 23 1385 65
  11 Villuppuram 31 340 64
  12 Erode 2 112 5
   

Total

 128 5190 283

Total Project cost Rs.825.23 lakhs

 

Bio Energy   ||  Wind Energy  ||   Other Projects

  

Home  |  About Us  |  Programs  |  Achievements  |  Systems & Uses  | FAQs  |  Forms  |  Photo Gallery |  Links  |  Tamil Version