Solar energy can be generated in two forms, namely electricity and heat. Solar cells or “photo voltaic” are used to convert solar radiation into electricity.

• India is blessed with one of the highest solar irradiations (kwh/m2/day) in the world.   (Germany–2.7, Italy-3.3, Spain-3.7, Canada-3.1, South Africa-5.2, India-5.5).
• Less than 5% of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan can provide enough solar energy to meet all of India's energy needs.
• More than 400 mn people do not have access to grid connected electricity in India
• Solar peak production coincides with India's maximum demands (Mar, Apr, and May) during the year and during the day (11 am to 3 pm).
• Solar Power can save over 30 percent of India’s coal imports, thereby contributing to energy security. This translates to a saving of US $ 5.5 bn in imports per year.
• A solution that replaces just 10% of diesel usage for backup power by the Indian industry could save a whopping 2000 crores per annum.

• Can be permitted and installed faster than other traditional or renewable power plants.
• Produces local, on-site energy, which reduces the need for extensive high-voltage transmission lines or a complex infrastructure.
• Reliable over the long term. With no moving parts, fixed photovoltaic systems last longer than other energy sources.
• Depending on the cost of power, the payback period of solar system is between 4 to 7 years.

• Clean, quiet and visually unobtrusive in nature. Solar energy plants do not have any polluting emissions, do not make any sound, and are not considered to be an "eyesore."
• Uses little to no water in the production of zero-emission electricity.
• Has a predictable energy curve and is most efficient when utility rates are at their highest.
• Can be placed in virtually every geographical region because the sun is available everywhere.
• Offsets the need for polluting, expensive and inefficient power plants designed exclusively to meet peak demand.

• Creates clean, renewable energy that will sustain and support the health of future generations.
• Is a distributed generation ("DG") energy source that can mitigate national security concerns about energy disruption.
• Supports national energy independence because solar electricity is used where it is generated.
• Creates good, local jobs for the new energy economy. In fact, solar energy creates more jobs per megawatt hour than any other energy type.

Until now, solar power was expensive compared with conventional power and that is what held it back from rapid scalability. The solar cost curves are declining rapidly due to technological innovation and economies of scale. At the same time, conventional power costs are expected to rise at between 4-5 percent per year over the next decade. The convergence between the cost of solar power and the conventional power cost, commonly referred to as grid parity is likely to happen during the period 2015-2017.

Inverter:
The DC power from the solar panels is sent to an inverter, where it is converted into AC power, or standard electrical current used to power your facility.

Batteries:
The DC electricity generated by the Solar Panels can be stored in Batteries for later use.  These are normally Deep Discharge Lead Acid batteries. New generation batteries with long life and negligible maintenance are now available.

Utility Meter / Net meter:
The utility meter continually measures your electrical supply; when your solar system produces more power than you need, the meter literally spins backwards, accumulating credits with the utility company that will offset your next bill. This concept of net metering is yet to be implemented in India.

• Capital Subsidy up to Rs 30,000/-
• Interest Subsidy
• Accelerated depreciation. 80% in year 1.
• Industries can meet their Renewable Purchase Obligations.
• Net metering (implemented in only some states).

• A car's battery is designed to provide a very large amount of current for a short period of time. This surge of current is needed to turn the engine over during starting. Once the engine starts, the alternator provides all the power that the car needs, so a car battery may go through its entire life without ever being drained more than 20 percent of its total capacity. Used in this way, a car battery can last a number of years. To achieve a large amount of current, a car battery uses thin plates in order to increase its surface area.
• A deep cycle battery is designed to provide a steady amount of current over a long period of time. A deep cycle battery can provide a surge when needed, but nothing like the surge a car battery can. A deep cycle battery is also designed to be deeply discharged over and over again (something that would ruin a car battery very quickly). To accomplish this, a deep cycle battery uses thicker tubular plates.