India’s renewable energy sector demonstrated remarkable growth in October 2025, with solar energy firmly in the lead. The country added a total of 1,694.5 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy capacity, part of a month that saw over 21,488 million units of clean power generated. Solar and wind power together contributed over 90% of this total output, showcasing their central role in India’s green transition.
India solar energy: Solar Energy Drives Growth
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) reported that solar energy alone contributed 1,203.5 MW to the new capacity in October. This single-month achievement is part of a larger, more impressive trend: in the first nine months of 2025, India installed a staggering 26.6 GW of solar capacity. This surge highlights India’s ongoing commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure as a core part of its strategy to reduce fossil fuel reliance and lower greenhouse gas emissions.[^1]
This growth is not limited to large-scale solar farms. The rooftop solar segment has also seen explosive growth, with 4.9 GW added in the first nine months of the year—a 161% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
On a regional level, several states are leading the charge. In October, Andhra Pradesh was at the forefront with the highest increase in solar capacity, adding 400 MW. It was followed by Telangana with 300 MW and Gujarat with 250 MW. Rajasthan also made a significant contribution, adding 200 MW to the national solar capacity. These additions reflect the widespread adoption of solar power across India, with states actively competing and participating in the renewable energy transition.
Other Renewable Energy Sources
While solar power was the primary driver, other renewable sources made notable contributions to grid stability and diversification. Wind energy added 387.5 MW, with Gujarat leading installations by adding 300 MW. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also contributed 50 MW and 37.5 MW respectively, demonstrating the continued development of wind projects across the country.
Progress was also seen in solar-wind hybrid projects, with Punjab adding 50 MW and Telangana adding 40 MW. These projects are gaining traction as they combine the strengths of both solar and wind, offering a more stable and reliable source of renewable power. This hybrid approach helps optimize resource use and provides a more consistent energy supply, addressing the intermittency of standalone renewables.
Additionally, the biomass sector added 13.5 MW to the grid, further diversifying India’s renewable energy portfolio. Biomass energy provides a valuable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and aids in the effective management of agricultural and industrial waste.
Cumulative Capacity Reaches New Heights with India solar energy
As of October 31, 2025, India’s cumulative installed renewable energy capacity reached 151,248.5 MW. Solar energy now accounts for 88,578 MW, solidifying its position as the largest contributor to the country’s renewable energy mix. Wind energy follows with a capacity of 47,597.5 MW. The cumulative capacity also includes 14,443 MW from bioenergy, 1,930 MW from small hydropower, and a growing 700 MW from solar-wind hybrid projects.
These figures underscore the significant strides India has made on its renewable energy journey. The strategic focus on solar and wind has paid dividends, with these two sources now forming the backbone of the nation’s clean energy infrastructure.
Government Initiatives and Future Prospects for India solar energy
Supportive government policies have been crucial in driving this expansion. Initiatives such as subsidies, tax incentives, and favorable regulations have attracted significant investment, with India drawing approximately $11.8 billion in renewable energy financing in just the first half of 2025.
Beyond just installation, the government is also fostering a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem. Policies like the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) are encouraging local production of solar components. This push for self-reliance has spurred interest in the basics of solar panel manufacturing and the entire solar panel manufacturing process. Understanding the supply chain for solar panel raw materials is now as important as project development itself.
Looking ahead, India is on a clear path to achieve its ambitious goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity by 2030. However, this rapid growth presents challenges, particularly for the national grid, which must be modernized to handle the influx of intermittent renewable power. Integrating solutions like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will be critical.
India’s renewable energy growth in October 2025 underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable energy future. With continued government support, strong international investment, and a growing domestic manufacturing base, India is well-positioned to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals and establish itself as a global leader in the clean energy sector.
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[^1]: Solar Dominates India’s Renewables Growth in October
