A study by researchers at IIT Delhi, published in Environmental Research Letters (November 2024), warns that air pollution and climate change are negatively affecting solar panel performance in India.
Key Findings
- India’s Solar Energy Goals
- 5th largest solar power producer in the world.
- Aims to generate 50% of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
- 500 GW of renewable energy capacity planned, with 100 GW from solar power.
- How Air Pollution Affects Solar Panels
- Pollution reduces sunlight reaching solar panels, lowering power output.
- Aerosols, particulate matter, and pollutants block or scatter solar radiation.
- Hazy or polluted conditions lead to global dimming, reducing energy production.
- Impact of Climate Change
- Rising temperatures lower the efficiency of solar cells.
- Solar panels work best in bright sunlight with cooler temperatures and good airflow.
- Global warming leads to heat buildup, reducing the effectiveness of solar power systems.
- Variability in Solar Radiation
- This variation depends on atmospheric variables such as clouds, aerosols or particulate matter, water vapour, and radiatively active gas molecules such as ozone.
- Clouds reflect solar radiation, and aerosols scatter or absorb sunlight, further reducing energy generation.
- Global dimming and brightening cycles influence long-term solar power availability.
Challenges for India’s Solar Mission
- Poor air quality in urban and industrial areas leads to significant efficiency losses.
- Climate change effects, such as higher temperatures and changing cloud patterns, reduce solar output.
- Balancing renewable energy goals with pollution control efforts is crucial for meeting India’s 2030 target.
(Source: The Hindu)
