What is the best way to know that India has a serious goal in renewable energy, namely to achieve 1,10791 MW of solar and wind power before 2022? The hint could be found in the fact Diu, an Indian Union Territory, now runs entirely on solar energy during the day.
The 9 MW Solar Park that powers Diu is spread out over 50 acres of barren, unused land. The solar park was built in two phases, starting in 2016. The solar park now makes Diu’s residents energy-independent in the daytime. They used to rely on Gujarat, a state nearby, for their entire energy needs.
The electricity tariff was also revised after the solar park went into operation, which has helped to reduce the burden on local consumers. Diu’s administration is exploring other avenues for green energy, such as home solar rooftop installations and wind.
What can we learn from this for the rest of the country?
Imagine what a UT such as Delhi can achieve if they go solar. Delhi is the national capital, and people from all over India live and work there. Making it 100% solar could be the greatest achievement of the 21st century. This can be an inspiration for other state capitals, major metro centers, and even the entire country.
Second, these solar success stories are needed to counter the negative stories about renewable energy that circulate in the United States and around the globe. Renewable energy sources face some challenges, but these are far less severe than the environmental threats posed by fossil fuels. The more we adopt green technologies, the more they will receive the R&D funding that is needed, just like how social media has changed in recent years.
The government is also doing its best to promote solar energy in the country. In Delhi, NCR, there is a subsidy for those who purchase rooftop systems. Companies like SolarByLuminous provide total home solar solutions and 25-year warranties to encourage solar installation.
It is one thing to read about the successes of green energy, but it is quite another to be a part of. Solar power is the best option for those who have been researching solar energy at home or want to be energy-independent. You can also do it for two reasons: one, because going green is best for our collective well-being, and two because solar tariffs are falling fast.