India's solar capacity jumps 55x in 12 years under PM Modi: Kiren Rijiju
New Delhi, June 6
India's solar energy capacity has increased about 55 times over the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday.
In a post on X, the minister said India's installed solar capacity has increased from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 155 GW in 2026, describing the rise as a reflection of the country's rapid progress in clean energy.
Rijiju credited the growth to the leadership of PM Modi and said the expansion in solar capacity reflects India's efforts to strengthen energy security while accelerating renewable energy adoption.
According to the minister, more than 40 lakh homes across the country are now powered through solar energy initiatives.
He also highlighted the growing role of farmers in the renewable energy ecosystem, saying they are increasingly emerging as energy producers alongside their traditional role as food providers.
Rijiju said the expansion of solar energy infrastructure represents a significant step towards building a more sustainable and secure future while reinforcing India's broader clean energy ambitions.
India has significantly expanded renewable energy capacity in recent years as part of efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve energy access and accelerate the transition towards cleaner sources of power.
The remarks come amid growing momentum in India's climate-tech ecosystem, driven by policy support, capital flows and energy-security priorities.
Earlier in May, Union Petroleum and Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the nation has crossed a historic milestone by connecting 40 lakh homes to rooftop solar under the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana', Union Petroleum and Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative is not only freeing the country's common citizens from electricity bills and making them 'Atmanirbhar' but also saving the environment, the minister said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Wow, 155 GW by 2026? That's massive! 🇮🇳 I've seen solar panels popping up on rooftops in Bangalore even in my apartment complex. The PM Surya Ghar scheme is actually helping middle-class families save on electricity bills. Kudos to the government for pushing this!
Numbers are good, but I hope this isn't another statistic that doesn't translate to ground reality. In my village in UP, we still face frequent power cuts. Solar is great, but we need better distribution and maintenance. Also, what about the environmental cost of manufacturing all those panels?
Atmanirbhar in energy—finally something to cheer about! 🎉 My father is a farmer in Punjab, and he's now earning extra income by selling solar power back to the grid. It's not just about saving the environment; it's about empowering the common man. Well done, PM Modi!
This is genuinely heartening. As someone working in the renewable energy sector, I've seen the shift firsthand—solar parks in Rajasthan, rooftop installations in Gujarat, and even floating solar in Kerala. The 40 lakh homes figure is credible; I've visited some of these sites. India is leading the way in the Global South. 🌞
Brilliant progress! But I notice the article doesn't mention jobs—are we creating enough skilled roles in solar installation and maintenance? Also, the minister should talk about recycling old panels. Still, 55x is a jaw-dropping number. Well played, India.
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