Expanding India Solar Capacity
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reported that India’s solar module manufacturing capacity has reached an impressive 74 GW. This includes both polysilicon and thin-film modules, underscoring the nation’s commitment to diversifying its solar technology portfolio.
The MNRE also revealed that the operational solar cell manufacturing capacity is currently at 38 GW. This substantial expansion is primarily driven by incentives under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, designed to bolster the domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules.
Under the PLI scheme, the MNRE has signed performance agreements with 11 companies to boost domestic manufacturing. This initiative is expected to add 48 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity, 33 GW of solar cell capacity, 20 GW of wafer capacity, and 7.4 GW of polysilicon capacity. For more insights into India’s growing solar industry, check out Waaree Energies’ recent 280 MW solar module deal with Mahindra Susten.
India Solar Capacity in Manufacturing
In the realm of solar manufacturing capacity, Adani New Industries leads with a 10 GW plant in Mundra, Gujarat. Reliance Industries follows with a 5.4 GW plant in Jamnagar, Gujarat, while Tata Power Solar operates a 4.3 GW facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Other key players include Waaree Energies, which boasts a total capacity of 4 GW across Gujarat and Maharashtra, and Vikram Solar with 2.5 GW in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
The MNRE has initiated the third round of the PLI scheme, offering incentives totaling INR 30 billion ($362.4 million) to companies establishing solar manufacturing facilities, further fueling the sector’s growth.
Growth of Solar Energy and India Solar Capacity
India stands as a global leader in solar energy, ranking fourth worldwide in terms of installed solar capacity as of 2021. By 2023, the country’s total solar capacity had reached an impressive 74 GW, mirroring its ambitious renewable energy goals.
India receives an average solar energy of 5-7 kWh/m² per day, with around 300 clear sunny days annually. The theoretical potential for solar power generation is estimated at 5,000 trillion kWh per year if the entire land area is utilized.
The solar potential across different states varies, with Rajasthan leading at 142.31 GW, followed by Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. India’s solar power generation has reached significant milestones, with 3.47 GW in 2015, 5.25 GW in 2016, and 6.76 GW in 2017.
India’s solar module manufacturing capacity now stands at 74 GW, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey. With continued investments and policy support, India is well on its way to achieving its ambitious solar energy targets. For a broader perspective on India’s renewable energy achievements, explore the country’s 150 GW capacity milestone.
As India continues to forge its path as a renewable energy powerhouse, these developments not only highlight its commitment to sustainable growth but also position it as a leader in the global energy transition.
