Solar Power Cheaper than Diesel Generators – in India

Dean Sigler Electric Powerplants, Sustainable Aviation 3 Comments

Care2.com, a catch-all web site that distributes free e-greeting cards and a blend of new age health care, pet care, and environmental news, caught this editor’s attention with the news that solar power is now cheaper than Diesel-generated electricity in India – without subsidies – and by the manner in which private industry and government agencies are adapting to this. Two giants on the industrial side have thrown their substantial resources behind solar.  BHARTI, the largest mobile phone company, is using the sun to power rural cell towers.  Jaine Irrigation, the world’s biggest mango puree producer, is building an 8.5 megawatt solar power plant, according to Care2. On the governmental side, Sustainable Business.com explains the reverse auction approach that helps India get cheaper power than other countries manage. “In India, those that bid the lowest in a reverse auction win the right to build solar plants up to 20 megawatts (MW) and sell the electricity under a 25 year contract. “Winners are …