Lower radiation to take away Odisha's edge as solar power hub

State may not be able to match tariff rates which hit a low of Rs 2.44 a unit for Bhadla solar park

Lower solar irradiation may impede the prospects of Odisha to match solar tariff rates which have plunged to a new low of Rs 2.44 per unit in the recent auction conducted for Bhadla solar park in Rajasthan.

Odisha receives an average solar radiation of 5.5 kWh/square meter area with an average CUF (Capacity Utilisation Factor) ranging from 15-17 per cent across the districts and around 300 clear sunny days every year while in Rajasthan, it goes beyond seven. States like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pardesh also receives more sunlight than Odisha.

"The lower irradiation is a serious impediment for the state