Context: 

Recently, a study by IIT Delhi researchers published in Environmental Research Letters revealed that air pollution and climate change will significantly impair solar panel efficiency in India.

More on the News

• India is the fifth-largest producer of solar power globally.
• India aims to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. It also plans to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity in the same period, with 100 GW expected from solar energy.

Effect of Air Pollution on Solar Power

• Despite India having 300 sunny days per year, air pollution is diminishing the quality of sunlight reaching solar panels.
• Solar radiation is highly influenced by atmospheric variables like clouds, aerosols, particulate matter, and gases such as ozone which can block solar radiation from reaching solar panels.
• Pollution (including particulate matter) scatters or absorbs incoming solar radiation, leading to reduced energy production on hazy or polluted days.

Methodology adopted in the study

The study used data from 1985 to 2014 to predict changes in solar power from 2041 to 2050.

The prediction focuses on the 2040s because solar power plants have a typical lifespan of 20 to 25 years, making it relevant to current and future installations.

The research used global climate models and tested them with data from NASA’s Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) project and the India Meteorological Department.

CERES measures radiation from the Earth to study the impact of cloud cover on climate change.

The study considered two scenarios:

• A scenario with moderate efforts to improve air quality and reduce climate change.
• A scenario with weak climate action but strong air pollution control.

Key Findings of the Study

• The study indicated that solar radiation was the main factor affecting solar-cell efficiency. Temperature came next, followed by ambient wind speed.
• By mid-century (2040s), solar panel efficiency in India is expected to drop by 2.3% under moderate air pollution control, resulting in a loss of at least 840 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
• Solar cell temperature could rise by 2°C by mid-century, affecting their efficiency, as they heat up significantly more than the surrounding air due to solar exposure.
• Some regions of India, particularly parts of the northeast and Kerala, are projected to develop higher solar power potential due to an anticipated decrease in cloud cover. This insight could guide future solar power project site selection.

Key Recommendations of study

• The study emphasizes the need for accurate long-term assessments of solar power resources to ensure a sustainable energy future.
• Researchers call for better planning to identify optimal sites for solar power installations
• Individuals can contribute by adopting electric vehicles, using public transport, and participating in tree-planting efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and promote climate sustainability.