Overview
Virannapalle is a 50 MW operational solar PV facility in Andhra Pradesh, India, contributing to the country's renewable energy capacity under national solar targets.
Virannapalle is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Andhra Pradesh, India. With a capacity of 50 megawatts, it is a medium-scale solar facility that supports India's growing renewable energy portfolio. The plant is operational and plays a role in the state's energy mix. The facility operates under India's national solar mission and renewable purchase obligations (RPOs), which mandate a certain percentage of electricity from renewable sources. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels, and the plant's capacity is typical for utility-scale solar installations in the region. As a solar PV plant, Virannapalle contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying India's energy sources. It supports grid stability and helps meet peak demand, particularly in a sunny region like Andhra Pradesh. The plant's output displaces fossil fuel-based generation, aligning with India's target of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
Environmental context
The plant is located in a semi-arid region of Andhra Pradesh, where solar irradiance is high, making it suitable for solar energy generation. The area's land use is primarily agricultural, and the solar installation minimizes water consumption compared to conventional power plants. However, large-scale solar farms can impact local ecosystems and land use patterns, requiring careful siting to avoid habitat disruption.
Frequently asked questions
The Virannapalle solar PV plant is located in Andhra Pradesh, India, at coordinates 15.023° N, 77.841° E.
The Virannapalle solar plant has a capacity of 50 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar photovoltaic facility.
The Virannapalle plant uses solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels.
India's renewable energy policy includes national solar targets and renewable purchase obligations (RPOs). The Virannapalle plant contributes to these goals by generating clean electricity and supporting the country's target of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
The Virannapalle solar plant reduces greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption compared to fossil fuel plants. It also helps diversify India's energy mix and supports grid stability in the region.