Scope of Solar Energy in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka State, India: Roof top PV for Domestic Electricity and Standalone Systems for Irrigation

By : T V Ramachandra , Ganesh Hegde , Gautham Krishna Das

Page No: 100-119

Abstract
Energy is essential for economic and social development of a region. Dependence on fossil fuels has posed a serious threat due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, dwindling stock of the fuel resource base. Among daily activities, about 80% of the mechanical work requires electrical energy. Dependence on the conventional energy resources for electricity generation is eroding the resources at faster rate. The process of electricity generation causes significant adverse effect on ecology by producing enormous quantity of byproducts including nuclear waste and carbon dioxide. Improving energy efficiency, switch over to renewable sources of energy and de-linking economic development from energy consumption (particularly of fossil fuels) is essential for sustainable development of a region. Green energy technologies have gained importance as they are reliable and environmental friendly. Electrical energy harvesting from solar radiations is one such promising technology which uses photoelectric effect. Solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules directly convert solar radiations to direct current (DC) electrical power which can be used for various applications (or stored in battery) or can be sent to the existing grid.

Authors :
T.V. Ramachandra : Affiliated to Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, Centre for Sustainable Technologies [CST], Indian Institute of Science, and Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transport and Urban Planning [CiSTUP], Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Ganesh Hegde : Affiliated to Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
Gautham Krishna Das : Affiliated to Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India