India’s solar capacity surged to 129GW in 2025
14 January 2026: India as founding member and host of International Solar Alliance (ISA) has championed solar energy deployment, finance and technology transfer across 125+ member nations. In October 2025, India hosted 8th ISA Assembly in New Delhi, bringing together ministers and delegates worldwide to advance strategies for resilient solar value chains, inclusive access and accelerated adoption of solar energy.
The surge in solar installations over the past decade has played a pivotal role in doubling India’s total installed electricity capacity. Presently, solar capacity stands at 129 GW, while the non-fossil electricity capacity has crossed 259 GW, accounting for over 50 % of the nation’s total installed power capacity as of October 2025, marking a historic shift toward low-carbon energy.
Rapid progress in renewable energy expansion is driven not only by market momentum but also by a robust policy and strategic framework. National targets and global climate commitments, outlined under the Panchamrit Declaration at COP26 in Glasgow (November 2021).
The five key components of the Panchamrit framework are as follows:
– 500 GW of Non-Fossil Fuel-Based Installed Electricity Capacity by 2030 – Encompassing solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and nuclear energy, this target aims to substantially increase the share of clean energy in India’s electricity mix.
– 50% Share of Installed Electricity Capacity from Non-Fossil Sources by 2030 – Designed to diversify the energy portfolio and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
– Reduction of Total Projected Carbon Emissions by 1 Billion Tonnes by 2030 – Reflecting India’s commitment to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through cleaner energy and enhanced efficiency measures.
– Reduction of Carbon Intensity of the Economy by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels) – Promoting energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies, and sustainable industrial practices.
– Net Zero Emissions by 2070 – A long-term goal aimed at balancing emissions with carbon removal, ensuring sustainable development.
India’s Solar Surge: A Remarkable over 40-fold increase
The solar sector has expanded at an unprecedented pace over the past decade, growing from just 3GW in 2014 to 129.92 GW by October 2025 – a remarkable over 40-fold increase. This rapid growth has made solar the largest contributor to the renewable energy portfolio, surpassing wind, hydro, and biomass capacities. The surge in solar capacity is driving a steady increase in the share of renewable energy in the overall power mix. These achievements underscore India’s commitment to a low-carbon energy transition and highlight the pivotal role of solar energy in building a resilient, sustainable and secure electricity system.
India’s standing in Global Renewable Energy
According to the IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2025, India ranks:
– 3rdin solar energy
– 4th in wind energy and
– 4th globally in total installed renewable energy capacity
These rankings underscore India’s growing influence in global clean energy markets and its pivotal role in advancing affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy for all.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Solar PV
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is implementing the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme under the National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules to achieve Giga Watt (GW)-scale manufacturing capacity in high-efficiency solar PV modules, with a total outlay of Rs.24,000 crore, to promote domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar PV modules. The scheme offers incentives for five years post-commissioning based on actual sales and efficiency performance, with selection through a transparent process. It is being implemented in two tranches – Tranche I (Rs.4,500 crore, approved April 2021) and Tranche II (Rs.19,500 crore, approved September 2022) – with Letters of Award issued for setting up 48,337 MW of integrated and partially integrated manufacturing capacity.
