Overview
Magadi is a 20 MW operational solar PV facility in India, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under national solar targets.
Magadi is an operational solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in India, with a capacity of 20 megawatts (MW). This scale places it in the small-to-medium range for utility-scale solar installations in the country, which often exceed 100 MW. The facility is situated at coordinates 12.8703° N, 77.2950° E, in the state of Karnataka, near the city of Magadi. The plant operates under India's ambitious renewable energy framework, which targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Solar PV is a key technology in this plan, supported by national policies such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and state-level renewable purchase obligations. The 20 MW capacity aligns with typical distributed solar projects that feed into local grids. Environmentally, the Magadi solar plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV has minimal water usage and low operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The facility supports grid stability in Karnataka, a state with growing renewable energy integration.
Environmental context
Solar PV plants like Magadi have a low environmental footprint during operation, with no air emissions or water consumption for power generation. However, land use for solar arrays can affect local ecosystems and agriculture. In Karnataka, solar development often occurs on semi-arid land, minimizing competition with food crops. The facility's location near Magadi benefits from high solar irradiance, typical of the region.
Frequently asked questions
The Magadi solar PV plant is located in India, near the town of Magadi in Karnataka state, at coordinates 12.8703° N, 77.2950° E.
The Magadi solar plant has an installed capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale solar facility.
The Magadi plant uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity.
India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The 20 MW Magadi plant contributes to this target under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and state-level renewable purchase obligations.
Solar PV plants produce no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, use no water for power generation, and have low lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuels.