Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.
It is an important source of renewable energy and its technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on how they capture and distribute solar energy or convert it into solar power. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power and solar water heating to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favourable thermal mass or light-dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air.
Solar power in India is a fast developing industry. As of September, 2017 the country's solar grid had a cumulative capacity of 16.20 GW. India quadrupled its solar-generation capacity from 2,650 MW on 26 May 2014 to 12,289 MW on 31 March 2017. The country added 3.01 GW of solar capacity in 2015-2016 and 5.525 GW in 2016-2017, the highest of any year, with the average current price of solar electricity dropping to 18% below the average price of its coal-fired counterpart.
In view of the above, TASMA has partnered with M/s. Hero Future Energies (HFE) for installation of Rooftop Solar Power Plants in its Members' Industrial roof space; By this arrangement, HFE will invest in the Rooftop Solar Power Plant and will install the same in the interested TASMA Members' Industrial Roof Space. Accordingly, TASMA members will consume the entire energy generated out of the Rooftop Solar Power Plant; This is an exclusive offer given to TASMA by HFE and the Energy Cost is INR.4.75/- per KWh (or) Unit which is fixed for the next 25 years. This price covers all the CAPEX as well as the OPEX Cost including the Operation & Maintenance Cost, Insurance Cost etc.,
| Installed solar PV on 31 March | |
|---|---|
| Year | Cumulative Capacity (in MW) |
| 2010 | 161 |
| 2011 | 461 |
| 2012 | 1,205 |
| 2013 | 2,319 |
| 2014 | 2,632 |
| 2015 | 3,744 |
| 2016 | 6,763 |
| 2017 | 12,289 |
