ISRO launches solar calculator app

ISRO has launched a solar calculator app that can calculate the benefits of installing solar panels in different regions of the country. The app has been created by the Space Application Center (SAC) facility of ISRO following the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)’s request. The app comes handy for installation of Photovoltaic (PV) for tapping of solar energy.

Salient features

The App determines solar energy potential (in kWh/m2) at any given location, determination of which is important for setting up of photovoltaic thermal power plants. The user can key in the location or the app can get the location details through GPS. The app provides monthly and yearly solar potential by processing data obtained from Indian Geostationary Satellites  (Kalpana-1, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR).
The app provides information about the azimuth and elevation angles, and duration of day over different time periods in a year. It also calculates the obstruction of sunlight due to terrain by employing Digital Elevation Model (DEM). In addition, the app also suggests the optimum tilt angle for the installation of solar PV. The app provides information using tables and visuals. The complete report provided by the app can be saved by the user in the form of PDF. The app at present can be downloaded from ‘New and Renewable Energy’ section at vedas.sac.gov.in.

SAC

Space Applications Centre (SAC) is one of the major centres of ISRO. It was established in the year 1972. It primarily focuses on the design of space-borne instruments for ISRO missions. It also develops applications of space technology covering the fields of communication, broadcasting, navigation, disaster monitoring, meteorology, oceanography, environment monitoring and natural resources survey for societal benefits. It is headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2017