Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7718908@N04/5916982848/sizes/l/in/photostream/

A recent report from Deutsche Bank concludes that solar power has now reached grid parity in India and Italy, meaning that it costs the same as electricity from the power grid. The goal of the Indian government is to produce 20 GW of solar by 2022. This report also estimates that by next year many more countries will also reach grid parity. The German bank has also increased its solar demand forecast for this year by 20% because of strong demands in places like India, the U.S., China (around 7 to 10 GW), the U.K. (around 1 to 2 GW), Germany and Italy (around 2 GW). While China is already the biggest producer of solar, it is expected to become the world’s biggest solar market this year. There’s also progress with big concentrating solar farms, even though the big drop in solar PV prices has made them relatively less attractive than they used to be. The current biggest CSP plant has started operations in the UAE, and an even bigger solar CSP farm is under construction in the Mojave desert in the US. Brightsource Energy is in the process of completing its massive Ivanpah concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in the Mojave desert, making it the largest in the world. The rapid growth of solar power is promising for many more countries to be successful in reading grid parity. 

Source: Solar power has reached grid parity in India and Italy by Michael Graham Richard, April 8, 2013

Name: Pramod Joshi

Occupation: Solar Engineer

Location of panels: Delhi, India

What made you go solar?

Well that’s a tricky question but I guess my  love for nature as well as the noticeable shortage of electricity were my main reasons to go solar. My village is deep in the mountains in the Northern part of India . Its a remote area with no supply of electricity so people used to use lalterns which hardly produce light. Results were low literacy rate, no contact with the outer world, poverty, etc.

In 2009, there was a boom in solar industry in India. Also, the government starting providing people with many policies & subsides making it possible to install solar panels for lighting. After I received my Bachelors in engineering, I decided to do something for my people so I contacted some local vendors and with a couple of my friends. I was able to then install some solar lighting systems in village especially with the help of subsidies provided by the government.

Photo Credit: inhabitat

How has your life changed since you went solar?

Prior to going solar, the life and development in my village was slow. The people’s lives used to revolve around farms, cattle, etc., but now there is so much more enthusiasm in them. People now have radios and 1-2 televisions in the village. The people from my village now can really understand things they used to just hear about. There is now a facility with internet in the local school where children take online lectures. This brings the students closer to the outside world while increasing their imagination and desire to succeed in life. Some kids have been able to go to college as they have become more aware and open to the outer world.

What’s the best part about being solar?

My father used to say “everyone has to do his part in war, doesn’t matter if he is the general or a normal soldier.” This is the same way we feel when we contribute to something that is reducing the pollution level of our mother earth and making it a better place to live in. Also, we trained local workers for maintenance of the systems which in turn has encouraged the young to continue their studies and go to colleges. Another great thing about being solar is that solar power is completely free of cost after installation, so it is a good option in remote areas where it is more difficult to provide electricity.

The solar lighting installation has led to further benefits. Now, companies are approaching nearby villages and offering solar solutions like solar lanterns, solar battery chargers for mobiles, etc. Many people has availed the subsidies offered by government and installed solar to power their homes.

What tips do you have for others who want to go solar?

Talking of the Indian situation, there are so many companies in the market that it is necessary to do detailed research before hiring anyone because many of them dont even know the basics of solar. Here are some tips I think will be helpful:

• Do a detailed research of companies offering solar services, panels, etc. because there are cheap modules, inverters, batteries  available in the market that don’t last long.
• Search for government policies / subsidies and AVAIL them .
• Ask the installers to provide training so that you  know what you have installed and you could take care of it when needed.
• Check the records of the company to see if their previous installations are working satisfactorily.
• Don’t worry about the payback period  and just go for it. Encourage as many people as you can because it’s not only a noble cause but also gives you a chance to contribute to save nature.

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ASES will hold its annual National Solar Tour this fall where you can show your home, host a tour or go on a tour. If you’d like to donate to support ASES in its mission to promote solar, please click here. If you’d like to learn more about putting solar on your home or to find a local solar professional, click on the Find a Solar Installer Near You on the right side of ASES.org.