1.

INTRODUCTION-
what is energy
Energy can be defined as the capacity or ability to do work. It plays a significant role in our
day-to-day life as it is required in every field. There are plenty of energy sources to get
energy. These energy resources can be classified as Conventional and Non-conventional
sources of energy.

conventional sources
Conventional sources of energy are the natural energy resources which are present in a
limited quantity and are being used for a long time. They are called non-renewable sources
as once they are depleted, they cannot be generated at the speed which can sustain its
consumption rate. They are formed from decaying matter over hundreds of millions of years.

These resources have been depleted to a great extent due to their continuous exploitation.
EXAMPLE- It is believed that the deposits of petroleum in our country will be exhausted
within few decades and the coal reserves can last for a hundred more years. Some common
examples of conventional sources of energy include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and
electricity.

non-conventional sources
Non-conventional sources of energy are the energy sources which are continuously
replenished by natural processes. These cannot be exhausted easily, can be generated
constantly so can be used repeatedly, e.g., solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, biomass
energy and geothermal energy etc. The energy obtained from non-conventional sources is
known as non-conventional energy. These sources do not pollute the environment and do
not require heavy expenditure. They are called renewable resources as they can be replaced
through natural processes at a rate equal to or greater than the rate at which they are
consumed.

differentiation table

Conventional sources of Non-conventional

energy sources of energy

These sources of energy These sources of energy defination

are not abundant, present are abundant in nature,
in limited quantity, e.g., e.g., solar energy, wind
coal, petroleum, natural energy, tidal energy,
gas. biogas from biomass etc.
 They have been in use They are yet in
for a long time. development phase over
the past few years.

They are not replenished They are replenished

continuously. They are continuously by natural
formed over a million processes.
years.

They are called non- They are called renewable

renewable sources of sources of energy.
energy.

They can be exhausted They cannot be exhausted

completely due to over- completely.
consumption except for
hydel power.

They pollute the They are environment-

environment by emitting friendly, do not pollute the
harmful gases and environment.
contribute to global
warming.

They are commonly used They are used commonly

for industrial and used for household
commercial purposes. purposes.

Heavy expenditure is Using these sources is less

involved in using and expensive.
maintaining these sources
of energy.

They are used extensively, They are not used as

at a higher rate than the extensively as conventional
non-conventional sources.
sources.
 Usage extent

flowchart from ppt

2.SOLAR ENERGY-
what is solar energy
solar energy, radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions,
or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy incident on Earth is vastly in
excess of the world’s current and anticipated energy requirements. If suitably harnessed, this
highly diffused source has the potential to satisfy all future energy needs. In the 21st century
solar energy is expected to become increasingly attractive as a renewable energy source
because of its inexhaustible supply and its non-polluting character, in stark contrast to the
finite fossil fuels coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

how is solar energy collected?

The potential for solar energy is enormous, since about 200,000 times the world’s total daily
electric-generating capacity is received by Earth every day in the form of solar energy.
Unfortunately, though solar energy itself is free, the inflated cost of its collection, conversion,
and storage still limits its exploitation in many places. Solar radiation can be converted either
into thermal energy (heat) or into electrical energy, though the former is easier to
accomplish.

thermal energy collection method

a) The most common devices used to collect solar energy and convert it to thermal
energy are flat-plate collectors. Flat-plate collectors are commonly used for solar
water heaters and house heating. The efficiency of such collectors (i.e., the proportion
of the energy received that they convert into usable energy) ranges from 20 to 80
percent, depending on the design of the collector.
 b) Another method of thermal energy conversion is found in solar ponds, which are
bodies of salt water designed to collect and store solar energy. The heat extracted
from such ponds enables the production of chemicals, food, textiles, and other
industrial products and can also be used to warm greenhouses, swimming pools, and
livestock buildings. Solar ponds are fairly expensive to install
and maintain and are generally limited to warm rural areas.

c) On a smaller scale, the Sun’s energy can also be harnessed

to cook food in specially designed solar ovens. Solar ovens
typically concentrate sunlight from over a wide area to a
crucial point, where a black-surfaced vessel converts the sunlight into heat. The ovens

are typically portable and require no other fuel inputs.

electricity generation
Solar radiation may be converted directly into electricity by solar cells (photovoltaic cells). In
such cells, a small electric voltage is generated when light strikes the junction between a
metal and a semiconductor or the junction between two different semiconductors. The
power generated by a single photovoltaic cell is typically only about two watts. By
connecting large numbers of individual cells together, hundreds or even thousands of
kilowatts of electric power can be generated in a solar electric plant or in a large household
array. The energy efficiency of most present-day photovoltaic cells is only about 15 to 20
percent, and, since the intensity of solar radiation is low to begin with, large and costly
assemblies of such cells are required to produce even moderate amounts of power. Small
photovoltaic cells that operate on sunlight or artificial light have found major use in low-
power applications—as power sources for calculators and watches, for example. Larger units
have been used to provide power for water pumps and communications systems in remote
areas and for weather and communications satellites.
3.CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES
why is there a sudden need to switch to solar energy?
The human race widely uses these conventional sources of energy and therefore the
magnitude of usage is so high that the resources are depleting at an even faster rate.

At present, many countries are overly dependent on fossil fuels to meet their requirement for
power.

The deposits of petroleum in our country are quickly exhausting and if it continues, there will
be soon complete exhaustion of all the conventional sources of energy.

what would happen if the entire world went solar?

In 2016 a group of environmental scientists carried out an “idealized large-scale application
of renewable energy”, with solar as its focus. In lay terms, they used computerised climate
models to see what would change.

a) solar radiation would decrease by 19% in desert areas

In an area covered by solar panels, less solar radiation would be absorbed by the
earth because it would be absorbed by the panels. Then it would be turned into
 electricity. As a result, and again in lay terms, our environment would almost
immediately cool.
b) the average temperature would decrease by 2°C
On a global scale, the difference would be minute. Regionally, though, these shifts in
temperature would be far clearer to see. In desert regions across the world, the
temperature would drop by a whole 2°C.
With widespread panels absorbing the solar radiation that would otherwise have
been absorbed into the ground (which contributes to Earth’s elevated temperatures),
we would experience global cooling
c) precipitation could decrease by 20% – a little less rain and clearer
skies
Like all these hypothetical changes, the most striking developments would occur in
our deserts. Desert precipitation – the creation of water vapour in the air – would
potentially decrease by 20%. This would lead to less rain, snow, sleet, and hail in the
areas affected.
Increased solar coverage would also lead to reduced cloud cover. Solar panels would
clear the skies! While it might get a bit colder, weather would stabilise and we would
experience less ‘extreme’ weather.

4.ADAVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

advantages of solar energy
1. Renewable Energy Source –
Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a
truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is
available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources
of energy. Solar energy will be accessible if we have the sun.

2. Reduces Electricity Bills

Since people would be meeting their energy needs with the electricity the solar system has
generated, energy bills will drop. How much people would save on their bill will be
dependent on the size of the solar power system and your electricity or heat usage.

For example, if a business is using commercial solar panels this switch can have huge
benefits because the large system size can cover large chunks of your energy bills.

3. Diverse Applications
Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. It can be used to generate electricity
(photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in
areas without access to the energy grid, to distil water in regions with limited clean water
supplies and to power satellites in space.
Solar energy can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings.

4. Low Maintenance Costs

Solar energy systems do not require a lot of maintenance. Cleaning them a couple of times
per year will do the job. Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years warranty.

Also, as there are no moving parts, there is no wear and tear. The inverter is usually the only
part that needs to be changed after 5-10 years because it is continuously working to convert
solar energy into electricity and heat. Apart from the inverter, the cables also need
maintenance to ensure your solar power system runs at maximum efficiency.

5. Technology Development
Technology in the solar power industry is constantly advancing and improvements will
intensify in the future. Innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology can potentially
increase the effectiveness of solar panels and double, or even triple, the electrical input of
the solar power systems.

disadvantages of solar energy

1. Cost

The initial cost of purchasing a solar system is high. This includes paying for solar panels,
inverter, batteries, wiring, and the installation.

2. Weather-Dependent

Although solar energy can still be collected during cloudy and rainy days, the efficiency of
the solar energy system drops. Solar panels are dependent on sunlight to effectively gather
solar energy. Therefore, a few cloudy, rainy days can have a noticeable effect on the energy
system. It should also be considered that solar energy cannot be collected during the night.

3. Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive

Solar energy must be used right away, or it can be stored in large batteries. These batteries,
used in off-the-grid solar systems, can be charged during the day so that the energy is used
at night. This is a satisfactory solution for using solar energy all day long but it is also quite
expensive.

4. Uses a Lot of Space

The more electricity you want to produce, the more solar panels you will need, as you want
to collect as much sunlight as possible. Solar PV panels require a lot of space and some roofs
are not big enough to fit the number of solar panels that you would like to have.

5. Associated with Pollution

Although pollution related to solar energy systems is far less compared to other sources of
energy, solar energy can be associated with pollution. Transportation and installation of solar
systems have been associated with the emission of greenhouse gases.

There are also some toxic materials and hazardous products used during the manufacturing
process of solar photovoltaic systems, which can indirectly affect the environment.

5.SOLAR POWER COMPARISION WITH

OTHER CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES
why is solar energy better?
Solar energy is more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. It offsets electricity costs and
protects against rising utility prices. Best of all, it is infinitely renewable.

Fossil fuels — oil, coal and natural gas or methane — are a leading cause of pollution and
inflict irreversible damage on the planet. They also directly damage the land and water where
they are extracted. Fossil fuels also are not renewable, and we are likely to see them run out
before too long.

cost based comparison of renewable sources of energy

in Asia pacific
Renewable Power to be 12% to 29% Cheaper than Fossil Fuel in India,
China, Australia: Report by Mercom, India
India, China, and Australia are the top three countries where renewable energy is cheaper by
12% to 29% compared to the lowest-cost fossil fuel, Wood Mackenzie, a UK- based research
firm, said in its latest report.

The region's levelled cost of electricity (LCOE) for renewable energy broke historical trends
and increased in 2021 but still gained ground against fossil fuel power.

The report noted that fossil fuels and renewable energy prices increased drastically in Asia
due to the power crisis because of strong demand and supply chain tightness. Spot market
prices averaged over the year increased the cost of coal and gas by 19% and 46%
respectively. This made renewables like utility scale solar more competitive. However, solar
and wind power prices were also hit by cost inflation because of increased equipment and
logistics costs

The report also said that China is the only Aisa Pacific market that has defied the renewable
costs inflation trend in 2021. Several factors supported it, including increasing fossil fuel
prices, domestic manufacturing, zero tolerance covid policy, and its commitment towards
climate change
According to Wood Mackenzie forecast, power from renewables, especially utility solar is
expected to be 28% cheaper than coal across the region but 2030 the LCOE prices of
renewables would be 50%-55% lower in gas and coal power by 2030 in India, Australia, and
China.

Wood Mackenzie's research director said, "Economics is a key factor in choosing options to
reduce the fossil fuel share of the Asia pacific power system, which sits around 70% today.
Although wind and solar costs are falling, options for reliable and dispatchable power to
support decarbonization are still very expensive. "

6.SOLAR POWER ANALYSIS IN INDIA

Solar power in India is a fast-developing industry. The country's solar installed capacity was
59.302 GWAC as of 31 August 2022. Solar power generation in India, ranks fourth globally in
2021.

The Indian Government had an initial target of 20 GW capacity for 2022, which was achieved
four years ahead of schedule. In 2015 the target was raised to 100 GW of solar capacity
(including 40 GW from rooftop solar) by 2022, targeting an investment of US$100 billion.
India has established 42 solar parks to make land available to the promoters of solar plants.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had stated that a further 36.03 GW (as of January
31, 2021) of solar projects are under various stages of implementation and 23.87 GW are in
the tendering process.

Rooftop solar power accounts for 2.1 GW, of which 70% is industrial or commercial. In
addition to its large-scale grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) initiative, India is
developing off-grid solar power for local energy needs. Solar products have increasingly
helped to meet rural needs; by the end of 2015 just under one million solar lanterns were
sold in the country, reducing the need for kerosene. That year, 1,18,700 solar home lighting
systems were installed and 46,655 solar street lighting installations were provided under a
national programme; just over 14 lakh (1.4 million) solar cookers were distributed in India.

During 2010-19, the foreign capital invested in India on Solar power projects was 20.7 billion
US$.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), proposed by India as a founder member, is

headquartered in India. India has also put forward the concept of "One Sun One World One
Grid" and "World Solar Bank" to harness abundant solar power on global scale.

MAJOR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER STATIONS

 plant state notes  area 

bhadla solar park Rajasthan world's biggest solar park in terms of generation 57
and second largest in terms of area as of March km²
2020

NP kurta ultra- Andhra known as Anantha Puram-I ultra-mega solar 32

mega solar park Pradesh park or Kairi ultra-mega solar park, occupies a km²
total area of 32kms 

Pava Gada solar Karnataka  world's 3rd largest photovoltaic solar park  53
park  km² 

Kurnool ultra- Andhra built at an investment of around 70 billion Rs by 24

mega solar park Pradesh solar power developers and central and state km²
governments

Kamuthia solar Tamil Nādu world's 12th largest solar park based on 10.17
park  capacity  km²

Maharashtra I Maharashtra  uses seasonal tracking system either the 3.06

solar power plant remaining using a horizontal single axis tracking km²
system, using polycrystalline solar PV
technology 

Telangana solar Telangana  supplies about 18,000 people with energy  0.16
power plant km² 

also take graphs and charts from ppt

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT & STEPS TAKEN

BY INDIVIDUALS
The Indian government announced an allocation of ₹1,000 crore (US$130 million) for the
National Solar Mission and a clean-energy fund for the 2010-11 fiscal year, an increase of
₹380 crore (US$48 million) from the previous budget. The budget encouraged private solar
companies by reducing the import duty on solar panels by five percent. This is expected to
reduce the cost of a rooftop solar-panel installation by 15 to 20 percent.

Indian initiative of International solar alliance

In January 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande laid
the foundation stone for the headquarters of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in Gwal
Pahari, Gurugram. The ISA will focus on promoting and developing solar energy and solar
products for countries lying wholly or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic
of Capricorn. The alliance of over 120 countries was announced at the Paris COP21 climate
summit. One hope of the ISA is that wider deployment will reduce production and
development costs, facilitating the increased deployment of solar technologies to poor and
remote regions.

Steps that can be taken by individuals

Educate the community. Many people may have their own myths or concerns regarding solar
energy. From questions about the safety of the solar panel materials to affordability,
residents may not be sure where to begin in their quest for answers. Receiving the right
information by hosting a workshop or any community-wide event that will allow residents
and business owners to learn the community’s stance on solar energy and the rules around
solar permitting and installation.

CASE STUDY OF SIKKIM

INTRODUCTION
Sikkim is located in the northeast part of India with a population of 6,10,577 as of 2011
census. Sikkim is the second-smallest state of India. 

The Sikkim Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) was constituted by the State
Government in 1999. This autonomous agency was mandated with the task of promoting
and popularizing renewable energy.

Under the Jawaharlal National Solar Mission 2011-2012: SREDA has recently successfully
installed solar water heating systems to 100 households in North Sikkim.

Under Special Area Demonstration Programme (SADP): SREDA had sanctioned installation of
Solar Power Plant at State Assembly Premises, Gangtok East Sikkim, which was completed on
26th of July 2012.

PROMOTION & CREATION OF AWARENESS IN SIKKIM

Energy Parks: In order to promote awareness on the advantages of renewable sources of
energy, Energy Education parks have been set up in all the four districts of the State during
2009-2010.

CONCLUSION
The inception of SREDA in Sikkim has contributed to the development of renewable energy
to some extent, yet it has still a long way to go. Sikkim has always been known as a peaceful
and clean state with amiable people. It has created a room for more researchers to
contribute their work in Sikkim. 

LONG TERM AND SHORT-TERM EFFECTS

OF SOLAR ENERGY
long term effects

1. Solar energy is an excellent alternative to fossil fuels

As we all know, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels

contribute to global warming. Unfortunately, these harmful emissions cannot be eliminated

entirely and will stay in our atmosphere for many years. It is good news that solar energy does

not contribute to the negative impacts that fossil fuels do. When emissions from solar cell

production are included, photovoltaic generation accounts for less than 15% of the carbon

dioxide produced by a traditional coal-fired plant.

2. Solar panels are becoming cheaper and can be purchased in bulk

The price of solar panels has been dropping drastically since 2008. It has fallen 90 percent in

the last two decades. According to Wood Mackenzie, it is expected to fall another 15% to

25% over the next decade. Solar will become the cheapest new energy source in many

countries

3. Solar energy reduces noise pollution and air contamination from

gasoline-powered vehicles.

4.The solar industry is growing rapidly, which means more jobs and
opportunities for people interested in carbon-neutral energy sources.
5. Solar panels offer an excellent long-term benefit of providing savings on the
cost of utilities. Monthly electricity charges can be reduced by up to 20%.

short term effects

1. Solar means no longer having to monitor your fuel or spend 1000 of $ Each year. This
also means reducing the carbon usage. Since you are not regularly burning fossil fuel
for heat.
2. The sun rises in the morning and sets at night, energy system stores a reliable
amount of sun light for future use, so even on cloudy days the food does not go bad.

CONCLUSION OF THE PROJECT

Solar power is a highly efficient method to improve energy utilization, both environmentally
and economically. India is a nation with an exceptionally high and growing population and
thus needs more energy sources than it actually has. The already available resources like coal
mines and oil reserves will not last more than 50 years from now; thus, we are in a critical
need of an energy source that will last us for many more years to come.

In India deployment of solar projects and production of solar energy have gone up
substantially. However, there are still some grey areas, particularly in the area of solar
equipment manufacturing, as only a handful of companies at dominating this segment. To
become a global leader in the solar energy segment, the country cannot rely mainly on large
scale solar projects. India has the second-largest population in the world and reaching out to
residential customers with low-cost solar energy will expand the market substantially.

The sun will not stop giving out sunlight for about a billion years and when compared to the
poisonous gases and harmful chemicals released into the atmosphere upon the burning of
coal and oil, the pollution from solar panels is nothing at all. In fact, solar panels do not
pollute the environment in any major way that will affect the earth haphazardly.

non-conventional sources of energy like solar power, wind power, Hydropower, Biogas, Tidal
power, Nuclear Power etc., are the only sources we can rely on for energy after 50 years.
Hence, we must think in advance and lay the maximum foundations for these eco-friendly
energies now itself and pave the way safely for the generations to come.