India’s Ground-Mounted Solar Potential At 3343 GWp Driving Renewable Energy Growth

India’s solar energy potential has been highlighted in a recent assessment by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), operating under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The study shows that the country has an estimated total ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of 3,343.37 GWp across its states and union territories. This figure underscores the importance of solar energy in India’s future power strategy and the significant role it can play in the nation’s energy transition.

The assessment reveals wide variations in solar potential across different regions. Rajasthan emerges as the state with the highest capacity, estimated at 828.78 GWp, which alone accounts for nearly a quarter of the total national potential. This highlights Rajasthan’s position as a key hub for solar energy development. Other Western states also show strong solar capacity. Maharashtra follows with 486.68 GWp, and Gujarat contributes 243.22 GWp. These states benefit from large land areas and high solar irradiation, making them suitable for large-scale ground-mounted solar projects.

Central and southern states also hold considerable solar potential. Madhya Pradesh has an estimated capacity of 318.97 GWp, Karnataka offers 299.31 GWp, and Andhra Pradesh adds 223.28 GWp. The combination of high solar radiation and available land in these regions positions them as attractive destinations for solar developers and investors looking to contribute to India’s renewable energy growth.

While western, central, and southern states dominate the national potential, eastern and northeastern states also show meaningful opportunities, albeit on a smaller scale. For example, Arunachal Pradesh has an estimated potential of 19.17 GWp, and Assam shows 14.67 GWp. These figures indicate that solar energy development is possible throughout the country, though capacity varies based on geographical and climatic factors.

The NISE assessment emphasizes that the data focuses specifically on ground-mounted solar PV projects and does not include other solar installations like rooftop systems. This suggests that India’s overall solar energy potential could be even higher when all types of solar deployment are considered.

The scale of the identified solar resources provides a clear direction for the nation’s renewable energy planning. Prioritizing development in high-potential regions will be crucial for strengthening energy security, reducing dependence on conventional power, and meeting climate commitments. For policymakers and project developers, the NISE data serves as an essential guide for designing strategies and investments in the next phase of India’s renewable energy infrastructure.

The findings reaffirm that solar energy will play a central role in India’s transition towards sustainable and low-carbon energy sources, making the country a significant player in the global renewable energy landscape. By tapping into the identified potential, India can move closer to achieving its ambitious energy and climate goals.