India’s solar energy capacity is on the rise

New solar projects in India could push the country’s capacity up to 20 GW

India continues its push to embrace solar energy and is expected to reach a significant milestone within the next two years. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy estimates that some 20 gigawatts of solar energy capacity will be installed in the country by March 2017. This will depend, of course, on the completion of several projects that are currently under various stages of development throughout the country. India has become a very prominent solar market, attractive many developers from other parts of the world, who are bringing their projects with them.

Several energy projects are being supported by government subsidies

An estimated 10.8 gigawatts of solar capacity is expected to be installed in the country from April 2016 to early 2017. A significant portion of this capacity is expected to be added through the support of government policies, particularly subsidies that are offering financial support to the solar energy industry. The Solar Energy Corporation of India is expected to take advantage of these subsidies, developing some 1.6 gigawatts worth of energy projects in the country.

Solar panels are being installed along canals throughout the country

Notably, solar energy systems are finding a home long the country’s various canals. Solar arrays are being built over these canals for two reasons: To produce energy in a convenient fashion and to protect the water in these canals from the sun, preventing evaporation. Solar energy systems are also becoming more common on government buildings, which are having solar panels installed in order become more environmentally friendly and reduce their reliance on fossil-fuels.

3 GW of solar capacity to be auctioned off through NTPC Limited

India’s largest energy generation company, NTPC Limited, will be auctioning off some 3 gigawatts of solar capacity through government policies. The company will serve as a nodal agency for the implementation of the projects awarded various amounts of this capacity through the upcoming auction. These projects are expected to help further expand India’s solar energy capacity and allow the country to become more self-sustaining when it comes to electrical power.