India may lose significant solar power capacity by 2050

A study from IIT Delhi projects that India could lose 600-800 gigawatt-hours of solar power capacity by mid-century due to air pollution and climate change. This decline will mainly affect the northern, western, and southern power grids. The research indicates that pollutants can reduce sunlight intensity, impacting solar power generation. The study highlights the need for combined efforts to address climate change and air pollution to maintain solar efficiency. Despite having abundant solar resources, India has experienced a decline in solar radiation, known as 'dimming.' The study suggests that without effective measures, solar power potential could decrease by 2-4% compared to levels from 1985-2014.