Solar energy order issued from Punjab

Punjab looking to focus more on solar energy

The Indian state of Punjab has issued a new order for the installation of a solar energy system. Punjab has been growing increasingly interested in the prospects of renewable energy, especially in terms of economics. The state, as well as the country as a whole, has been taking note of the falling prices of solar panels and believes that the time is right to begin adopting solar energy more aggressively. Punjab is one among several states throughout India that has begun to issue calls for new solar energy installations.

State aims to increase solar capacity by 300MW

Punjab officials are looking to install more than 300 megawatts of solar energy capacity in the state. The state is located in the west north-west region of India, which is known to receive significantly more solar radiation that other parts of the country. This makes Punjab a very attractive location for solar energy projects. Other states in the same region — Gujarat and Rajasthan — account for 90% of India’s total installed solar energy capacity.

Lack of open land may mean smaller solar energy projects

Punjab is currently fielding bids from solar energy companies to participate in the state’s ambitions. Punjab officials have not yet signed agreements with any particular organization. The solar energy initiative from Punjab is relatively small when compared to others that have taken form in the region. This is partly due to the fact that the state does not have an abundance of open land that can be committed to a large solar energy project. Most of the state is focused on agriculture, which itself takes up a large amount of land.

Rooftop solar may be an adequate alternative due to lack of open land

Despite its lack of available land, Punjab officials do expect solar energy to expand throughout the state. For what the state lacks in open land, it makes up for in rooftops. Rooftop solar installations, therefore, are receiving a significant amount of interest from the state. These rooftops may serve as a boon for Punjab’s solar energy efforts in the future.