2025 · GS Paper 1 · Q6 · 10 marks
Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.
In short
Solar generation gives India ecological benefits such as lower carbon emissions, cleaner air, water saving and land-sparing canal-top and floating plants, and economic benefits through cheap power, energy security and farm and household income. Capacity rose from about 3 GW in 2014 to 129 GW by 2025.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 266 words
Lower emissions
Solar displaces coal, still the main source of power, supporting the net zero by 2070 pledge.
Cleaner air
It emits no fly ash or sulphur dioxide, easing pollution in coal belts like Singrauli.
Water saving
PV needs little water, unlike thermal plants that consume large volumes for cooling, a real gain in water-stressed Rajasthan.
Smarter land use
Canal-top panels on the Narmada canal in Gujarat and floating plants at NTPC Ramagundam save land and cut evaporation.
Cheap power
Parks like Bhadla in Rajasthan cut costs, and a 2020 Gujarat auction hit a record Rs 1.99 per unit.
Energy security
Sunshine replaces imported coal and gas, and the PLI scheme builds domestic module manufacturing.
Farm incomes
PM-KUSUM targets 34.8 GW by March 2026, and Dhundi (Gujarat) farmers sell surplus solar power to the grid.
Households and villages
PM Surya Ghar offers up to 300 free units a month, and Modhera became the first round-the-clock solar village (2022).
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.
Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Resources and planning38 questions
Asked in 14 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026"Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia." Examine this statement giving examples.
- 2026Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.
All 38 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.