Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (UPSC 2020)

Electric energy from sunlight is cleaner, cheaper and more secure than power from coal or oil. It helps India cut emissions, reduce fuel imports and expand electricity access without heavy water use or local pollution.

• Environmental gains: Solar power has no operational carbon emissions, little air pollution and almost no water requirement, unlike thermal plants.
• Energy security: It reduces dependence on imported coal and gas, and improves resilience through decentralised generation.
• Economic benefits: Rooftop and decentralised solar cut transmission losses and lower bills for households, farmers and industries.
• Agricultural use: Solar pumps replace diesel pumps, reducing operating cost and supporting irrigation in remote areas.
• Land and development: Rooftop, floating and agrivoltaic systems save land and can be integrated with existing structures.

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana provides subsidies for rooftop solar and aims to solarise 1 crore households.
• PM-KUSUM promotes solar pumps, grid-connected farm solar plants and feeder solarisation.
• Solar parks and ultra-mega projects create large-scale, plug-and-play capacity for investors.
• PLI scheme and ALMM rules support domestic manufacturing of modules, cells and related equipment.
• International Solar Alliance strengthens global cooperation, technology sharing and finance for solar deployment.

Thus, solar energy is not only a substitute for conventional power, but a strategic tool for clean growth, rural savings and energy self-reliance. The main challenge now is faster grid integration, storage and domestic manufacturing to ensure reliable and affordable expansion.