Has India Made a Remarkable Advancement in Solar Energy?
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Synopsis
India's solar energy capacity has surged dramatically from 2.82 GW in 2014 to an astonishing 105.65 GW by March 2023, marking a significant milestone in the nation's renewable energy journey. This growth is supported by domestic production and ambitious goals for future expansion.
Key Takeaways
- India’s solar capacity soared to 105.65 GW from just 2.82 GW in 2014.
- Significant growth in rooftop and hybrid solar installations.
- Plans to enhance solar cell and wafer production to 100 GW and 40 GW by 2030.
- Wind energy capacity has also doubled, reaching 51 GW.
- Overall, 169.40 GW of renewable projects are in progress.
New Delhi, May 25 (NationPress) India’s solar energy capacity has seen a remarkable rise over the past 11 years, increasing from just 2.82 GW in 2014 to an extraordinary 105.65 GW as of March 31 this year, based on official statistics.
According to a senior official, solar energy is now the primary catalyst driving India’s renewable energy agenda.
The total solar capacity of 105.65 GW includes 81.01 GW from ground-mounted systems, 17.02 GW from rooftop installations, 2.87 GW from solar components in hybrid projects, and 4.74 GW from off-grid solutions. This growth illustrates a consistent adoption of solar energy in both utility-scale and distributed categories, the official noted.
The surge in solar power generation capacity has been supported by a strong domestic production of solar cells and wafers, which were nearly non-existent back in 2014, the official added.
India has established a solid base with 25 GW of solar cell production and 2 GW of wafer production.
The nation also aims to expand its solar cell and wafer production capacity to 100 GW and 40 GW respectively by 2030, targeting a reduction in import reliance and fostering self-sufficiency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, as part of the country’s commitment to lowering its carbon emissions in the battle against climate change.
Furthermore, India’s wind energy capacity has more than doubled to 51 GW from 21 GW in 2014. Wind energy also saw significant advancements in 2024-25, with 4.15 GW of new capacity introduced, compared to 3.25 GW in FY 2023–24.
Bioenergy projects have reached a total capacity of 11.58 GW, including 0.53 GW from off-grid and waste-to-energy initiatives.
Small hydropower projects have achieved 5.10 GW of capacity, with an additional 0.44 GW currently in progress. These sectors continue to support solar and wind segments, contributing to the decentralized and diverse nature of India’s energy framework.
In addition to the installed capacities, India boasts 169.40 GW of renewable energy projects underway and 65.06 GW currently tendered. This includes 65.29 GW from innovative solutions such as hybrid systems, round-the-clock power, peaking power, and thermal + RE bundling projects. These initiatives represent a strategic transition towards ensuring grid stability and a reliable supply from renewable resources.
Point of View
I affirm that India’s advancements in solar energy reflect a commitment to sustainable development and self-reliance. The growth not only reduces dependency on imports but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, showcasing India’s leadership in renewable energy.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's current solar energy capacity?
As of March 31, 2023, India’s solar energy capacity stands at an impressive 105.65 GW, a significant increase from 2.82 GW in 2014.
What are the future goals for solar energy in India?
India aims to achieve a solar cell production capacity of 100 GW and wafer production capacity of 40 GW by 2030, alongside a target of 500 GW for total renewable energy capacity.
How has India's wind energy capacity changed?
India’s wind energy capacity has more than doubled from 21 GW in 2014 to 51 GW currently, reflecting sustained growth in this sector.
What is the role of bioenergy and hydropower in India’s energy landscape?
Bioenergy installations have reached 11.58 GW, while small hydropower projects have achieved 5.10 GW, both contributing to a diverse energy mix alongside solar and wind.
What is the importance of domestic production in solar energy?
The increase in domestic production of solar cells and wafers is crucial for reducing reliance on imports and fostering self-sufficiency in India’s renewable energy sector.
