Overview
Shirur is a 20 MW operational solar PV facility in Maharashtra, India, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under national solar targets.
Shirur is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Maharashtra, India, with an operational capacity of 20 megawatts (MW). This facility is part of India's expanding solar energy infrastructure, which supports the national goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The plant's location in the semi-arid region of Maharashtra benefits from high solar irradiance, making it suitable for solar power generation. The plant operates under India's regulatory framework, which includes the National Solar Mission and state-level renewable purchase obligations (RPOs). Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels, with no moving parts and minimal water consumption. At 20 MW, Shirur is considered a medium-scale solar installation, typical for distributed generation projects that feed into the state grid. Environmentally, the facility contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV plants have a low operational carbon footprint but require land for panel arrays. The site's location in a rural area minimizes land-use conflicts, and the plant supports local energy security by supplying clean power to the Maharashtra grid.
Environmental context
The Shirur solar PV plant is situated in a semi-arid region of Maharashtra, where solar energy is abundant. Solar PV installations have a low environmental impact during operation, with no air or water pollution. However, land use for solar arrays can affect local ecosystems. In this region, the plant's footprint is on non-agricultural land, reducing competition with food production. The facility supports India's climate goals by displacing coal-fired power, which is the dominant source of electricity in the country.
Frequently asked questions
The Shirur solar PV plant is located in Maharashtra, India, near the town of Shirur in the semi-arid region of the state.
The Shirur solar plant has an installed capacity of 20 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
The operator of the Shirur solar plant is not publicly listed, but it is likely managed by a private or state-owned renewable energy company under a power purchase agreement with the Maharashtra grid.
India's solar energy sector is supported by the National Solar Mission, state-level renewable purchase obligations (RPOs), and various incentives such as accelerated depreciation and viability gap funding. The country aims to reach 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
The Shirur solar plant generates clean electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or air pollutants, helping to reduce India's reliance on coal-fired power. It also uses minimal water compared to thermal plants, which is beneficial in the water-scarce region of Maharashtra.