1. Introduction The National Solar Mission is a major initiative of the Government of India and State Governments to promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing India s energy security challenge. It will also constitute a major contribution by India to the global effort to meet the challenges of climate change. In launching India s National Action Plan on Climate Change on June 30, 2008, the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh stated: Our vision is to make India s economic development energy-efficient. Over a period of time, we must pioneer a graduated shift from economic activity based on fossil fuels to one based on non-fossil fuels and from reliance on non-renewable and depleting sources of energy to renewable sources of energy. In this strategy, the sun occupies centre-stage, as it should, being literally the original source of all energy. We will pool our scientific, technical and managerial talents, with sufficient financial resources, to develop solar energy as a source of abundant energy to power our economy and to transform the lives of our people. Our success in this endeavour will change the face of India. It would also enable India to help change the destinies of people around the world. The National Action Plan on Climate Change also points out: India is a tropical country, where sunshine is available for longer hours per day and in great intensity. Solar energy, therefore, has great potential as future energy source. It also has the advantage of permitting the decentralized distribution of energy, thereby empowering people at the grassroots level . Based on this vision a National Solar Mission is being launched under the brand name Solar India .
2. Importance and relevance of solar energy for India 1. Cost: Solar is currently high on absolute costs compared to other sources of power such as coal. The objective of the Solar Mission is to create conditions,