Solar energy in western Rajasthan

This article reviews the state-of-the-art for generating electricity from solar energy, through the photovoltaic and thermal routes. On the whole, India has made significant efforts for the successful utilization of solar energy. A large number of kilowatt scale PV power packs and systems for a variety of applications have been installed. Successful attempts have also been made to integrate a few PV systems with the grid. As regards the thermal route, the experience of generating electricity has been limited. However, ambitious plans are afoot for setting up a few large power plants in western Rajasthan where the conditions are most appropriate for the utilization of solar energy.