India has made impressive strides in renewable energy, particularly solar power, with significant growth over the past few years. By December 2024, the country’s installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached 97,864.72 MW, which accounts for over 60% of India’s total renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydro projects. This remarkable growth in solar energy demonstrates India’s strong commitment to expanding its renewable energy base, driven by declining costs and advancements in photovoltaic technology.
In 2024 alone, India added 24,546.23 MW of new solar capacity, highlighting the country’s rapid progress toward a greener future. In December 2024, the country added 3.696 GW of new solar PV capacity, marking a sharp increase compared to the previous year. This growth was 33.48% higher than the installations in December 2023, when the total installed capacity stood at around 73.318 GW. This significant year-on-year progress demonstrates India’s determination to transition to a more sustainable and clean energy future.
A key factor in this growth has been the efforts of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, particularly with the reinstatement of the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (ALMM) Order in April 2024. This order ensures that only high-quality and reliable solar modules are used in government-sponsored projects, ensuring the long-term efficiency and sustainability of solar power installations. A further extension of this policy, which will include solar PV cells, is set to take effect in June 2026, further enhancing the quality of solar energy systems across the country.
As of December 2024, India’s total renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydro projects, exceeded 162.476 GW. Solar and wind energy together contributed nearly 146.27 GW, making up 89.88% of the country’s total renewable capacity. Among these, ground-mounted solar systems dominate with a capacity of 75.19 GW. Additionally, hybrid systems contribute 2.77 GW, while rooftop solar installations, which have been growing rapidly in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, now total 15.67 GW. These rooftop systems provide localized energy solutions, contributing to energy security and reducing reliance on the grid.
In rural areas, solar power is also making a significant difference. Off-grid solar solutions, such as solar lanterns and microgrids, have a combined capacity of 4.23 GW. These technologies are helping provide electricity to remote areas, improving living standards, and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. As more communities benefit from these solar technologies, the overall quality of life improves, and rural electrification is further accelerated.
Despite the many successes, there are still challenges to be addressed in the solar energy sector. Land availability for large-scale solar installations continues to be a concern, and as renewable energy capacity continues to grow, grid integration remains a crucial issue. Ensuring that the grid can handle the increasing share of renewable energy is vital for the country’s energy security. Additionally, continued investment in research, technology, and manufacturing is necessary to maintain the momentum and ensure long-term growth.
India’s achievements in solar power reflect the combined efforts of the government, the private sector, and the growing public awareness of the importance of renewable energy. Solar power now makes up 60.23% of the nation’s renewable capacity, positioning India as a global leader in the transition to clean energy. To sustain this growth, however, strategic planning, innovative solutions, and addressing emerging challenges will be essential for ensuring a secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future.
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