:
(a) the cost of solar energy as compared to other sources of energy;
(b) the advantages of using solar energy;
(c) whether it costs less compared to other non-conventional sources of energy;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether its continued supply is available in different weather conditions; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR)
(a),(b),(c),(d),(e)&(f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT
Statement referred to in reply to Parts (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 249 for answer on 8th March 2006
(a), (b), (c)&(d) Solar energy can be harnessed through two routes, namely solar photovoltaic and solar thermal, by direct conversion to electricity and heat energy respectively. At present the initial cost of both types of solar energy systems is higher compared to the cost of conventional energy systems and also the other non-conventional energy systems. However, considering the fact that solar energy systems do not require any fuel, the running costs are lower. Therefore, the cost of some of the solar energy systems such as solar water heaters, solar cookers and solar lanterns can be lower than that of conventional energy products when calculated over the life of the systems. The other advantages of solar energy systems are modular nature, long-life, reliability, no recurring requirement of fuel, low maintenance and no pollution etc.
(e) & (f): Continuous supply of energy can be ensured to an extent through storage of electricity or heat in storage systems of appropriate capacity.