Nepal has become the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance-ISA as a full member.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an alliance of more than 120 signatory countries, most being sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The primary objective of the alliance is to work for the efficient consumption of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels

“Sunshine countries” generally refer to nations with abundant sunlight throughout the year, making them ideal for solar energy production and tourism. These countries often have favorable climates characterized by clear skies, long hours of daylight, and minimal cloud cover. Here are some of the key sunshine-rich countries:

1. Australia

  • Climate: Australia, particularly in its desert and outback regions, receives a high number of sunshine hours, making it a leader in solar energy potential.
  • Sunlight: Regions like Alice Springs get over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.

2. India

  • Climate: India enjoys substantial sunlight, especially in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, making it one of the top countries for solar energy expansion.
  • Sunlight: Rajasthan, in particular, receives over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year.

3. Saudi Arabia

  • Climate: Saudi Arabia’s vast desert landscape experiences high levels of solar radiation and sunshine year-round, making it an attractive spot for solar power projects.
  • Sunlight: Most regions get over 3,500 hours of sunshine annually.

4. Egypt

  • Climate: Egypt, with its desert climate, is also bathed in sunshine most of the year, especially in the southern part of the country.
  • Sunlight: Places like Aswan receive over 4,000 hours of sunshine annually.

5. Chile

  • Climate: The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the sunniest places on Earth, making it a top location for solar energy.
  • Sunlight: The desert receives around 3,500–4,000 hours of sunshine annually.

6. United States (Southwestern States)

  • Climate: States like Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico are among the sunniest in the U.S., making them ideal for solar energy development.
  • Sunlight: Phoenix, Arizona, gets about 3,900 hours of sunshine per year.

7. Mexico

  • Climate: Northern Mexico, particularly the Sonoran Desert, is known for its clear skies and high solar radiation levels.
  • Sunlight: Some areas get over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.

8. Spain

  • Climate: Southern Spain, especially the Andalusia region, enjoys abundant sunshine, which has led to a growing solar power industry.
  • Sunlight: Andalusia gets around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.

9. South Africa

  • Climate: South Africa’s Northern Cape region is one of the sunniest parts of the country, providing great potential for solar energy.
  • Sunlight: Up to 3,600 hours of sunshine per year in some regions.

10. Morocco

  • Climate: Morocco, especially in its desert areas, is sunny most of the year, which has driven the growth of its solar industry, including the world’s largest concentrated solar plant in Ouarzazate.
  • Sunlight: Up to 3,600 hours annually in desert regions.

These sunshine countries are ideal for harnessing solar energy, tourism, and agricultural activities that rely on high solar exposure. They are also at the forefront of solar energy projects aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Source: Newsonair

Published by Pragyanxetu

One Earth. One Future