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Key Points

India's solar energy capacity has dramatically expanded from 2.82 GW in 2014 to an impressive 105.65 GW as of March 2023. This growth reflects increased installation across utility-scale and distributed solar systems. The country has also bolstered its domestic production capabilities, planning significant solar cell and wafer capacities by 2030. Prime Minister Modi's goal for 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 underscores India's commitment to clean energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Key Points: India Surpasses 105 GW in Solar Power Boosting Energy Shift

  • Solar capacity surged from 2.82 GW to 105.65 GW since 2014
  • Ground-mounted solar leads with 81.01 GW installed
  • India plans 100GW solar cells, 40GW wafer by 2030
  • Modi aims for 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030
2 min read

India takes giant leap in solar energy

India's solar capacity leap from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 105.65 GW showcases rapid clean energy growth.

"Solar energy has emerged as the new driving force of India’s renewable energy thrust. - Senior Official"

New Delhi, May 25

India's solar energy capacity has taken a massive leap in the last 11 years from a mere 2.82 GW in 2014 to an impressive 105.65 GW as of March 31 this year, according to official figures.

Solar energy has emerged as the new driving force of India’s renewable energy thrust, a senior official said.

The total installed solar capacity of 105.65 GW comprises 81.01 GW from ground-mounted installations, 17.02 GW from rooftop solar, 2.87 GW from solar components of hybrid projects, and 4.74 GW from off-grid systems. The growth demonstrates continued uptake of solar energy across utility-scale and distributed categories, the official said.

The expansion in the installation of solar power generation capacity has been backed by a robust domestic production of solar cells and wafers, which was almost non-existent in 2014, the official further stated.

India has now built a strong foundation with 25GW of solar cell production and 2GW of wafer production.

The country also has plans to set up solar cells and wafer capacity of 100GW and 40GW respectively by 2030, which is aimed at reducing dependence on imports and attaining self-reliance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fixed a target of 500 GW for renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of the country’s goal to reduce its carbon footprint in the fight against climate change.

India’s wind energy capacity has more than doubled to 51GW presently from 21GW in 2014. Wind energy also witnessed sustained progress during 2024-25, with 4.15 GW of new capacity added, compared to 3.25 GW in FY 2023–24.

Bioenergy installations reached a total capacity of 11.58 GW, which includes 0.53 GW from off-grid and waste-to-energy projects.

Small hydropower projects have achieved a capacity of 5.10 GW, with a further 0.44 GW under implementation. These sectors continue to complement the solar and wind segments by contributing to the decentralised and diversified nature of India’s energy landscape.

In addition to the installed capacities, India has 169.40 GW of renewable energy projects under implementation and 65.06 GW already tendered. This includes 65.29 GW from emerging solutions such as hybrid systems, round-the-clock power, peaking power, and thermal + RE bundling projects. These initiatives represent a strategic shift towards ensuring grid stability and reliable supply from renewable sources.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic progress! From 2GW to 105GW in just 11 years shows what focused policy-making can achieve. Solar energy is perfect for India with our abundant sunshine. Hope we can achieve the 500GW target by 2030 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Great news but we need more focus on rooftop solar. 17GW is too low when every home could be a power generator! Government should give better subsidies for residential installations. My society in Bangalore wants to go solar but the upfront cost is still high.
A
Amit S.
The domestic manufacturing growth is most impressive. Remember when we depended completely on Chinese solar panels? Now with 25GW cell production, we're becoming self-reliant. Atmanirbhar Bharat in action! 👏
S
Sunita R.
While the numbers look good, what about proper recycling of solar panels? We can't create another e-waste problem. Government should make recycling policies before scaling up further. Sustainability means thinking about the entire lifecycle.
V
Vikram J.
Solar + Wind + Bioenergy - this diversified approach is smart. Monsoons may reduce solar output but increase wind, creating natural balance. More states should adopt hybrid models like Gujarat and Rajasthan have done.
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Neha P.
As someone working in this sector, the real challenge is grid integration and storage. We're adding capacity fast but need better battery tech and smart grids to handle the intermittent nature of solar. The 169GW under implementation gives me hope though! 💡

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