Analysis of barriers to implement solar power installations in India using interpretive structural modeling technique

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2013-11, Vol.27, p.163-174
• Main Authors: Ansari, Md. Fahim, Kharb, Ravinder Kumar, Luthra, Sunil, Shimmi, S.L., Chatterji, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air pollution; Applied sciences; Barriers; Barriers to implement solar power installations; Demand (economics); Economic data; economic development; Economics; Electric energy; electricity; Energy; Energy economics; Energy policy; Exact sciences and technology; experts; fossil fuels; General, economic and professional studies; greenhouse gas emissions; India; Interpretative structural modeling; manufacturing; MICMAC analysis; Natural energy; Reduction; Shortages; solar energy; Solar power; Solar power generation
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2013.07.002

India is fast emerging economy in Asia and world. India's manufacturing sector is growing faster and domestic demand is also increasing. India has a severe electricity shortage. It needs massive additions in capacity to meet the demand of its rapidly growing economy. To maintain the pace of economic growth with reduction in emission of greenhouse gases, India must reduce its dependency on fossil fuels for electrification. Hence the requirement of solar power installations in India has increased. In this context, this study aims to develop a structural model of the barriers to implement solar power installations in India. Thirteen relevant barriers to implement solar power installations have been identified from the literature and subsequent discussions with experts from academia and industry. Contextual relationships among these barriers have been identified and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique based, a structural model of barriers to implement solar power installations in India has been developed. MICMAC analysis has also been used to carry out the classification of barriers based on dependence and driving power. One barrier has been identified as top level barrier and six bottom level barriers. This paper also suggests the different ways of removal of these barriers. Better understanding of these barriers would help organizations and government bodies to prioritize and manage their resources in an effective and efficient way so that maximum number of solar power projects can be installed in India.