State records highest solar power generation

CHENNAI: As the dry weather prevailed across the State with temperatures going up, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation has recorded an all-time high solar power generation of 3,808 MW on Thursday noon. The State has a total solar installed capacity of 5,583 MW.

A senior TANGEDCO official said that 3,808 MW, including the rooftop installation, is the highest recorded solar power generation in a day, crossing the highest of 3,782 MW a couple of days ago.

Normally, the high generation of solar is recorded during summer months including February and March. “The hot weather conditions across the state may have helped to increase solar generation. Besides, the solar installations in the State have also gone up,” he added.

At the beginning of this year, the installed solar generation capacity was about 4,772 MW.

A MET department official said that the temperature remained up by 1-2 degrees Celsius than normal in TN. In Chennai, it’s expected to be hotter for the next few days.

Tangedco officials also pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s power demand has also increased. “Last year in September, our peak demand was in the range of 15,500-15,800 MW. Now it has gone up to 16,500 MW (peak power demand), due to the increased usage of air conditioners,” the official pointed out.

TN’s solar power generation (2022)

September 22: 3,808 MW

September 21: 3,782 MW

March 5: 3,633 MW

February 10: 3,291 MW