Harnessing clean WATTS from the SUN: India's contribution, a techno economic analysis and empowering the future of energy sector

India has the most developed renewable energy markets and has the highest energy intensities in Asia. Very little investment and priority are being given to increase of the efficiency. On the other hand, the India has a high potential for developing energy production from renewable energy sources (RES) like solar, water, wind and biomass. However, these potentials are not studied and exploited enough and the present situation for their utilization is not so good. Although energy is a critical foundation for economic growth and social progress of any country, there are many constraints for RES development in all of them (political, technological, financial, legislative, educational, etc.). Obviously, defining development strategies and new support measures are necessary since renewable energy sources can make an important contribution to the regional energy supply and security. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the solar energy harvesting and opportunities in India. In this paper, efforts have been made for cost analysis, payback period calculations, current potential status, promotion policies, targets, major milestones and future of solar energy potential contribution and plans in India.