Overview
Paithan is a 30 MW operational solar PV facility located in Maharashtra, India. It contributes to India's renewable energy capacity under national solar targets.
Paithan is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Maharashtra, India, with an operational capacity of 30 megawatts (MW). The facility is part of India's expanding solar energy infrastructure, which supports the country's goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. As a medium-scale solar installation, Paithan plays a role in diversifying the regional energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The plant operates under India's national solar mission and benefits from policies such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) and state-level renewable energy targets. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials, with no emissions during operation. The 30 MW capacity places Paithan in the medium-scale category for Indian solar farms, which typically range from 10 MW to 100 MW. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing grid electricity generated from coal, which dominates India's power sector. The plant's location in Maharashtra, a state with high solar irradiance, optimizes energy generation. While solar farms require land use, they have minimal water consumption compared to thermal plants and no air pollution. Paithan supports local grid stability and aligns with India's commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Environmental context
The Paithan solar PV plant is situated in Maharashtra, a region with high solar insolation, making it suitable for solar energy generation. Solar farms like this one help reduce reliance on coal-fired power, lowering carbon emissions and air pollution. However, large-scale solar installations can impact land use and local ecosystems. The facility's operation avoids water consumption typical of thermal plants, supporting water conservation in a region prone to drought.
Frequently asked questions
The Paithan solar PV plant is located in Maharashtra, India, near the town of Paithan in Aurangabad district.
The Paithan solar plant has an installed capacity of 30 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar facility.
The operator of the Paithan solar plant is not publicly listed, but it is part of India's solar energy infrastructure under the national solar mission.
India's solar energy sector is supported by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), which targets 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022, and state-level renewable energy policies.
The plant generates clean electricity without emissions, reducing reliance on coal power and lowering carbon footprint. It also consumes minimal water compared to thermal plants.