This article reviews the state-of-the-art for generating electricity f
rom solar energy, through the photovoltaic and thermal routes. On the
whole, India has made significant efforts for the successful utilizati
on of solar energy. A large number of kilowatt scale PV power packs an
d systems for a variety of applications have been installed. Successfu
l attempts have also been made to integrate a few PV systems with the
grid. As regards the thermal route, the experience of generating elect
ricity has been limited. However, ambitious plans are afoot for settin
g up a few large power plants in western Rajasthan where the condition
s are most appropriate for the utilization of solar energy.