Overview
Chandrapur Solar Power Plant is a 5 MW solar PV facility in Maharashtra, India, owned by Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (MAHAGENCO). It contributes to India's renewable energy capacity under national solar targets.
The Chandrapur Solar Power Plant is a 5 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic facility located in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India. Owned by Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (MAHAGENCO), the plant is operational and adds to the state's renewable energy portfolio. As a small-scale solar installation, it aligns with India's ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The plant operates under India's national solar mission and state-level renewable energy policies, including Maharashtra's Renewable Energy Policy. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, with no emissions during operation. The 5 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category, typical for distributed solar projects that support grid stability and local energy needs. Environmentally, the plant reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Solar farms require land but have minimal water usage compared to thermal plants. The facility supports Maharashtra's goal to increase renewable energy share, contributing to India's commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon intensity.
Environmental context
Located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Chandrapur has a tropical climate with high solar insolation, making it suitable for solar power generation. The area is known for coal mining and thermal power plants, so this solar facility helps diversify the local energy mix and reduce air pollution. Solar PV installations have low operational water requirements, which is beneficial in a region facing water scarcity. The land use for solar panels can be managed to minimize impact on local ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Chandrapur Solar Power Plant is located in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India, at coordinates 20.0209 N, 79.2712 E.
The plant has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
The plant is owned by Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (MAHAGENCO), a state-owned power generation company.
India's solar power is supported by the National Solar Mission, state-level renewable energy policies, and targets such as 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Maharashtra has its own Renewable Energy Policy to promote solar and other renewables.
The plant generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions, reducing reliance on coal-fired power. It also has low water consumption, which is advantageous in water-scarce regions.