India has shown incredible progress towards its National Solar Mission (NSM) to become a global leader in solar energy production. The country is leaping ahead with some of the world’s most gigantic solar farms and several solar farm projects in the making. Over the years, the government of India has rolled out numerous schemes and facilitative programmes to drive the solar goals forward.
By November 2021, India’s installed solar capacity reached 48.5 GW and is chasing the target of 100 GW by 2022. The 40 GW capacity is expected to come from rooftop solar power and 60 GW from utility-scale solar parks or farms. Rajasthan is currently the top state with the highest cumulative solar installed capacity, followed by Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
Top 5 Solar Farms in India (operational as of Dec 2021) are as follows:
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Bhadla Solar Park
Capacity: 2,245 MW
Area Covered: 10,000 acres
Where: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Bhadla Solar Park is the world’s largest solar power plant based in Rajasthan. The park ranks first for its capacity of 2,250 MW power generated and second for its area of 10,000 acres. Solar energy accounts for 10% of Rajasthan’s total power consumption.
The region’s average temperature ranges between 46 to 48 degrees centigrade with frequent hot winds and sand storms.
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Pavagada Solar Park
Capacity: 2,050 MW
Area Covered: 13,000 acres
Where: Tumakuru, Karnataka
Karnataka is the second biggest solar state with over 7.1 GW in large-scale solar projects. Thanks to the state’s highly supportive climate, Pavagada Solar Park is one among the many solar farms the state hosts. Also, in terms of energy generation, Pavagada Solar Park is the second biggest globally. It is also the largest solar farm when it comes to area covered.
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Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park
Capacity: 1,000 MW
Area Covered: 5,932 acres
Where: Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Spanning 5,932.32 acres, Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park is the third largest single-location solar power plant. The 1000-MW plant is fully operational in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh and was set up using INR 7,143 crore.
The state’s Kadapa district is also expecting more solar farm projects. A 1,500-MW solar park along with two other expansive power plants will soon start operating. These plants will add an additional 2,750 MW to the state’s total solar capacity.
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NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park
Capacity: 978 MW
Area Covered: 7,924 acres
Where: Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh
NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Park – also goes by Ananthapuram Ultra Mega Solar Park – is located in the Nambulapulakunta Mandal village. As of April 2021, 978.5 MW capacity was commissioned so far. The solar photovoltaic power plant is planned in two parts: Ananthapuram 1 and Ananthapuram 2. The former would bring 1,000 MW while the latter would generate 500 MW capacity. Together, the two plants occupy an area of 7,924 acres.
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Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Plant
Capacity: 750 MW
Area Covered: 1,590 acres
Where: Rewa, Madhya Pradesh
Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Plant is one of the largest single-site solar plants occupying 1,590 acres in Gurh Tehsil of Rewa district. It is the first-ever solar project to have received funding from the Clean Technology Fund in India and a concessional loan from the World Bank.
Established using an investment of 2,800 crores, the plant powers the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation as per a power purchase agreement. The use of solar has reportedly led to INR 1,400 crores in energy cost savings over the project life of Delhi Metro.
Conclusion
In the recent 15th G20 Summit, the Prime Minister expressed a strong commitment toward achieving the nation’s 175 GW of renewable energy capacity target. The ultimate goal is to reach 450 GW renewable energy generation capacity by 2030.
The world is moving towards renewable sources of energy, away from fossil fuels. If you are ready for the solar transformation, now is the time to start looking for a solar energy distributor near you. Amplus Solar is counted among the top renewable energy companies not just in Delhi NCR, but across Asia. We are committed to helping corporations make smarter energy choices. Our team installs high-performing rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems as well as off-site solar farms.
Contact us to find out how solar panels can be installed in your premises and have your solar project started right away.
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