Question

The state with great potential for solar energy is_____.
a)Uttar Pradesh
b)Chhattisgarh
c)Gujarat
d)Rajasthan

Answer 1

Hint: Solar energy in simple words can be defined as the energy derived from the heat of the Sun. Solar energy can be utilised in different technologies like solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.

Complete answer: Solar energy can be best utilized in areas that receive sufficient sunshine and longer day hours.
Let us look at the options given to us:
Option A- Uttar Pradesh is at the tenth position in estimated potential for solar energy generation. With an estimated generation capacity of 22.83GWp , the state's total installed grid-interactive solar energy capacity touched 1,095.10 MW in 2020.
Option B- Chhattisgarh has a renewable power generation capacity of 4500MW which includes solar, wind and biomass energy. A 500MW solar power plant has been proposed in Bilaspur.
Option C- Gujarat comes sixth in estimated solar energy generation potential in India. It has the potential to generate 35.77GWp and has an installed grid capacity of 2,948.37 MW.
Option D- Rajasthan has the highest estimated solar energy potential in the country. It has the potential to generate 142.31 gigawatts (GWp) and its total installed grid-connected solar energy generation capacity stood at 4,844.21 MW .

Therefore the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Rajasthan houses the Bhadla Solar Park ,which is the largest solar park in the world as of 2020, and is spread over a total area of 14,000 acres. Rajasthan also has Dhirubhai Ambani Solar Park near Pokhran.