India Surpasses 100 GW Solar Power Capacity Milestone

India has achieved milestone by surpassing 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar power capacity. This accomplishment reflects the country’s commitment to energy independence and sustainable development. The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, hailed this achievement as a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This progress solidifies India’s status as a global leader in renewable energy.

Growth of Solar Power in India

India’s solar energy sector has experienced remarkable growth. Over the past decade, the installed capacity surged from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025. This represents an unprecedented increase of 3,450%. Solar energy now constitutes 47% of India’s total installed renewable energy capacity. The year 2024 was particularly notable, with a record addition of 24.5 GW of solar capacity.

Key Initiatives Driving Solar Expansion

Several initiatives have propelled the growth of solar power in India. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana encourages households to adopt rooftop solar energy. This scheme empowers citizens by providing access to clean energy. Additionally, the establishment of solar parks and the promotion of solar panels have transformed the energy landscape.

Leading States in Solar Installation

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are at the forefront of utility-scale solar installations. These states have made contributions to the overall capacity growth. Their efforts tell the regional commitment to renewable energy.

Growth in Rooftop Solar Sector

The rooftop solar sector has also seen impressive growth. In recent years, new installations increased by 53%. This growth indicates a rising trend among households to embrace solar energy solutions. The rooftop solar initiative aligns with India’s broader goals for sustainable energy consumption.

Solar Manufacturing Capacity

India’s solar manufacturing capacity has expanded . It grew from 2 GW in 2014 to 60 GW in 2024. This positions India as a key player in global solar module production. The government aims to achieve 100 GW of solar module production capacity by 2030, supported by strong policy initiatives.

Future Goals and Aspirations

India is targeting a total of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030. Achieving this goal will require continued investment and innovation in renewable energy technologies. The focus on solar power will play important role in meeting these ambitious targets.

Questions for UPSC –

1. Critically discuss the role of government policies in promoting renewable energy in India.
2. Examine the impact of solar energy on India’s energy independence and sustainability goals.
3. Analyse the challenges faced by India in achieving its renewable energy targets.
4. Estimate the potential of rooftop solar installations in urban areas of India.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the role of government policies in promoting renewable energy in India.

1. Government policies like the National Solar Mission have set ambitious targets for solar energy capacity.
2. Incentives such as subsidies and tax benefits encourage investment in renewable energy projects.
3. Policies promote public-private partnerships, enhancing technology transfer and resource mobilization.
4. Regulatory frameworks ensure grid connectivity and support for renewable energy integration.
5. Initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana empower citizens to adopt solar energy solutions.

2. Examine the impact of solar energy on India’s energy independence and sustainability goals.

1. Solar energy contributes to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and imported energy.
2. It enhances energy security by diversifying the energy mix and stabilizing energy prices.
3. Solar power generation reduces greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with sustainability goals.
4. Increased solar capacity supports job creation and economic growth in the renewable sector.
5. Rooftop solar initiatives empower households, promoting self-sufficiency in energy consumption.

3. Analyse the challenges faced by India in achieving its renewable energy targets.

1. Infrastructure limitations, such as inadequate grid capacity, hinder the integration of renewable energy.
2. Financing and investment challenges affect the scale and speed of renewable energy projects.
3. Land acquisition issues and regulatory hurdles can delay project implementation.
4. Lack of awareness and technical know-how among consumers limits the adoption of solar technologies.
5. Intermittency of solar energy requires investment in storage solutions and backup systems.

4. Estimate the potential of rooftop solar installations in urban areas of India.

1. Urban areas have high energy demand, making rooftop solar a viable solution for reducing consumption.
2. With increasing awareness, the adoption rate of rooftop solar installations is on the rise.
3. Government incentives further enhance the attractiveness of rooftop solar for households and businesses.
4. Potential for rooftop solar installations is estimated to reach several GW with proper policy support.
5. Urban rooftops can contribute to achieving national solar capacity targets and sustainability goals.