Give a brief account of the distribution of installed capacity of solar power in India. Highlighting the challenges in proper utilisation of solar energy, mention the steps taken by the government to promote it in India. (250 words) 15

Leading states in installed capacity of solar power (as shown in map): Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu

Challenges:

1. Import dependence for products and panels eg: mostly from China.

2. Renewable power purchase agreements are not being honoured by some states

3. Costly and inefficient grid integration and hence energy cannot be stored.

4. Requires huge land and hence issues with clearances etc

5. Non-dependable source as sun sets.

Due to the above issues, government has taken several steps such as:-

1. PM KUSUM Yojana to promote solar powered water pumps.

2. Promotion of 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' at COP26.

3. PLI for manufacturing of solar panels.

4. Solar parks, over canals etc

5. Renewable power purchase agreements, PXIL, IEX to promote trading, secondary market of renewable energy