Solar Energy Challenges in India

India has made significant strides in solar energy, driven by government initiatives and declining panel costs. Here's a snapshot of the country's solar energy landscape¹ ²:

- *Current Status:* India has surpassed 100 GW of installed solar power capacity, achieving a historic milestone. As of January 31, 2025, the total solar capacity stands at 100.33 GW.

- *Growth Trajectory:* The rooftop solar sector witnessed a remarkable 53% increase in new capacity installations in 2024, with 4.59 GW added. Utility-scale solar capacity saw a nearly 2.8 times increase compared to 2023.

- *Top-Performing States:* Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are among the leading states in solar installations.

- *Government Initiatives:* Schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana promote rooftop solar installations, enabling households to adopt clean energy solutions. The government has also allowed 100% foreign direct investment in the solar sector.

- *Future Prospects:* India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030. With its geographical advantage and abundant solar radiation, India is poised to become a global leader in solar energy.

*Challenges and Opportunities:*

- *Challenges:* Land acquisition, grid integration, manufacturing dependencies, financial constraints, and water scarcity pose significant hurdles.

- *Opportunities:* Rooftop solar, solar-wind hybrids, green hydrogen, agrivoltaics, and energy storage offer vast potential for growth and innovation.

*Key Players:*

- *Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI):* A Navratna CPSU dedicated to developing renewable energy capacity in India.

- *Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE):* Implements key initiatives to scale up renewable energy capacity and promote solar energy development.³ ⁴