The photovoltaic program in India

The Indian photovoltaic program is one of the largest national programs in the world. With about 80,000 villages still remaining to be electrified and with over 70 million households without access to electricity, the potential for use of PV technology in India is immense. The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources has been implementing a comprehensive program for research, development, demonstration and utilization of solar photovoltaics in India. The Ministry provides subsidies to support the deployment of solar lanterns, home systems, pumps and small power plants. Production of solar cells and modules in the country during 2001-2002 touched the 20 MW level. Over 56 MW of modules have been deployed so far in the country and about 40 MW of PV products have been exported. The Ministry is developing plans for the next five year cycle from April 2002 to March 2007. The paper gives an overview of the photovoltaic program in India and discusses the potential for future growth.