Renewable Horizons: Solar Power and Dairy Industry in India

Yogeshkumar Vekariya *

Department of Dairy Engineering, SMC College of Dairy Science, Kamdhenu University, Anand (Gujarat), India.

Santosh Chopde

Department of Dairy Engineering, College of Dairy Technology, Udgir (Mahrashtra), India.

Mital Kathiriya

Department of Dairy Microbiology, SMC College of Dairy Science, Kamdhenu University, Anand (Gujarat), India.

Kumaresh Halder

Department of Dairy Engineering, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, (West Bengal), India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Renewable energy is energy obtained from sources that are essentially inexhaustible such as wind power, solar power, geothermal energy, tidal power, bio-energy and hydropower. It is also known as non-conventional energy. Harnessing renewable energy offers numerous environmental benefits, including mitigating climate change, reducing air pollution, conserving natural resources, and enhancing energy security by diversifying energy sources. Solar resources are available in every country and both Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technologies can be used to convert solar resource into electricity. SPV can use both direct and diffuse sunlight to generate power, while CSP relies on direct sunlight, restricting its deployment to areas with high Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI). Mandatory demand supported with higher subsidies for green technologies will positively attracts dairies towards use of solar energy. In many villages, power cut hinders the reception of milk from milk producers as electronic weighing system and milk testing instruments require uninterrupted power supply. solar-powered dairy operations offer resilience against power outages and fluctuating energy costs, empowering farmers with greater control over their operations. As the Indian dairy industry embraces solar power, it not only secures a greener future but also fosters economic growth and energy access in rural communities, marking a significant stride towards sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Keywords: Renewable energy, rural communities, solar photovoltaic, non-conventional energy


How to Cite

Vekariya, Yogeshkumar, Santosh Chopde, Mital Kathiriya, and Kumaresh Halder. 2024. “Renewable Horizons: Solar Power and Dairy Industry in India”. Asian Research Journal of Agriculture 17 (2):140-46. https://doi.org/10.9734/arja/2024/v17i2432.

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