Overview
Gowribidanuru is a 20 MW operational solar PV plant in Karnataka, India, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under national solar targets.
Gowribidanuru is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located near Gowribidanur in Karnataka, India. With a capacity of 20 MW, it is a medium-scale solar facility that supports India's growing renewable energy portfolio. The plant is operational and feeds electricity into the regional grid, helping to meet the state's renewable energy obligations. The plant uses standard solar PV technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity. India's renewable energy sector is supported by national policies such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and state-level renewable purchase obligations (RPOs). Karnataka has been a leader in solar deployment, with favorable policies and high solar irradiation levels. Environmentally, the Gowribidanuru solar plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. Solar PV installations have minimal water consumption and low operational emissions, though they require land use. The plant's location in a semi-arid region of Karnataka is well-suited for solar energy generation, with abundant sunlight year-round.
Environmental context
The Gowribidanuru solar PV plant is located in a semi-arid region of Karnataka, India, which receives high solar irradiation, making it ideal for solar energy generation. The facility occupies land that may have previously been used for agriculture or grazing, but solar installations can coexist with vegetation or be designed to minimize land-use impact. The plant helps reduce local air pollution and carbon emissions by displacing coal-fired power, which is common in the region.
Frequently asked questions
The Gowribidanuru solar PV plant is located near Gowribidanur in the state of Karnataka, India, at coordinates 13.6150 N, 77.5400 E.
The Gowribidanuru solar plant has an installed capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
Yes, the Gowribidanuru solar plant is currently operational and generating electricity for the regional grid.
India's solar energy sector is supported by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, state-level renewable purchase obligations (RPOs), and various incentives such as accelerated depreciation and viability gap funding.
Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials. When sunlight hits the solar panels, it excites electrons, creating a direct current (DC) that is then converted to alternating current (AC) for grid use.