Exploring tapping potential of solar energy: Prioritization of Indian states

Present study is among the first attempts to prioritize the prominent Indian states for better utilization of available solar resources. In this context, potentiality indices are performed on the basis of six prime factors that influence the effective utilization of solar energy and ranking is done accordingly. Firstly, in order to determine the weightage and hierarchy of the evaluation parameters modified digital logic (MDL) approach is employed. Availability of solar radiation is found to be the most influential parameter. Thereafter, fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used for determination of the potentiality index and the corresponding ranking of different states. The ranks thus obtained are compared to current installed capacity ranks. It is found that a few states despite of high potential for the exploitation of solar energy are not getting proper attention by their respective governments. In order to promote the solar energy exploitation in such states it becomes vital to identify the vital parameters that may lead to the improvement in the current ranking. In this direction, sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the percentage change in distinct parameters which is required for the upgradation in the ranking. Such studies are capable to make a paradigm shift in technology utilization and formulation of energy policies as the proposed approach provides a concrete layout for re-evaluation of current policies as well as formulation of newer ones.