India has made remarkable progress in solar energy, achieving an installed solar capacity of 100 gigawatts (GW) as of January 2025. This milestone represents a significant stride towards the country's ambitious goal of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
From a mere 2.82 GW in 2014, India's solar capacity has surged to 100 GW by 2025. This impressive growth highlights the rapid development of solar energy infrastructure across the nation.
Several government initiatives have played a pivotal role in this progress. Programs such as solar panel installation, solar parks, rooftop solar projects, and the PM Surya Bijli Yojana have significantly boosted solar energy production.
Solar energy now comprises 47% of India's total installed renewable energy capacity. Its contribution is crucial for the country's overall power generation, aiding in the transition to cleaner energy sources.
India's solar module manufacturing capability has grown from 2 GW in 2014 to nearly 60 GW by March 2024. The government aims to achieve a manufacturing capacity of 100 GW by 2030 to decrease reliance on imports.
Looking ahead, analysts predict that India will add between 60-65 GW of solar capacity by 2027. The focus will be on enhancing domestic manufacturing to meet the increasing energy demands of the nation.
States such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are at the forefront of utility-scale solar installations, playing a vital role in achieving national targets.
Rooftop solar installations registered an addition of 24.59 GW in 2024, marking a 53% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects a trend towards decentralizing solar energy production.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Currently, India imports 25% of its solar modules and 80% of its solar cells, primarily from China. This underscores the urgent need for domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependency.
The rapid expansion of solar energy is reshaping India's energy landscape. It is reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security while supporting the country's commitments to global climate goals.
Q1. What milestone has India achieved in solar energy?
Answer: India has reached an installed solar capacity of 100 gigawatts (GW) as of January 2025, a significant step towards its goal of 500 GW by 2030.
Q2. How has India's solar capacity grown since 2014?
Answer: India's solar capacity increased from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025, showcasing rapid development in solar energy infrastructure.
Q3. What initiatives have contributed to this growth?
Answer: Government programs like solar panel installation, solar parks, rooftop solar projects, and the PM Surya Bijli Yojana have been crucial in boosting solar energy production.
Q4. What challenges does India's solar sector face?
Answer: India currently imports 25% of its solar modules and 80% of solar cells, mainly from China, highlighting the need for domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependency.
Q5. What is the broader impact of solar energy on India's energy goals?
Answer: The rapid growth of solar energy is transforming India's energy landscape, reducing fossil fuel dependency, and enhancing energy security while contributing to global climate goals.
Question 1: What is India's solar capacity as of January 2025?
A) 50 GW
B) 100 GW
C) 150 GW
D) 200 GW
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What percentage of India's installed renewable energy capacity is solar energy?
A) 30%
B) 47%
C) 50%
D) 60%
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which initiative has significantly boosted solar energy production in India?
A) PM Surya Bijli Yojana
B) National Highway Development Project
C) Smart Cities Mission
D) Make in India
Correct Answer: A
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