India has made remarkable strides in its renewable energy journey, particularly in the solar sector. By January 2025, the country’s installed solar photovoltaic capacity reached 100,329.83 MW, accounting for over 60.73% of the total renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydro projects. This milestone reflects India’s strong commitment to expanding its clean energy base, supported by declining costs and advancements in photovoltaic technology. The rapid growth in solar energy has been driven by government initiatives, private sector investments, and increasing awareness of renewable energy’s benefits.
In January 2025 alone, India added 2.465 GW of new solar PV capacity, reflecting a 35.02% increase compared to the previous year. At that time, the total installed capacity was around 74.36 GW. This year-on-year progress highlights India’s determination to transition towards a sustainable energy future. The government’s efforts to boost domestic solar manufacturing, coupled with policy support, have played a crucial role in this accelerated expansion. The reinstatement of the Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules (ALMM) Order by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has further strengthened the sector. This order reintroduced on April 1, 2024, mandates the use of certified solar modules in government-sponsored projects to ensure high-quality installations. From June 1, 2026, the policy will also include solar PV cells, enhancing efficiency and reliability across the industry.
India’s total renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydro, now stands at 165.202 GW, with solar and wind energy contributing nearly 148.695 GW, representing 90.01% of the total. Among these, ground-mounted solar systems dominate with 76.95 GW, hybrid systems add another 2.85 GW, and rooftop solar has reached 16.28 GW. The adoption of rooftop solar in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors has gained momentum, providing localized energy solutions and improving energy security. In rural areas, off-grid solar solutions such as lanterns and microgrids have a combined capacity of 4.25 GW. These decentralized technologies are bringing electricity to remote communities, improving living standards, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Despite the success, rapid solar expansion presents challenges such as land availability for large-scale installations and the need for reliable grid integration. Ensuring technological advancements and continued investments in solar manufacturing will be essential for sustaining this momentum. Strategic planning is required to address emerging challenges and maintain long-term growth.
India’s reaching the 100 GW solar milestone is a significant achievement, making it one of the top solar markets in the world. The success has been driven by ambitious government policies, including the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, solar parks, and rooftop solar programs. The push for domestic manufacturing has also played a vital role in reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the supply chain. The increasing participation of private companies in large-scale projects has further accelerated the transition to clean energy. With continued policy support, technological innovation, and infrastructure development, India is on track to achieve its long-term renewable energy goals, solidifying its position as a global leader in solar energy.
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