India’s solar sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, adding a staggering 21.68 GW of new capacity in a recent six-month period in 2025, as per a report by JMK Research. This incredible surge brings the nation’s total installed solar capacity to an impressive 128 GW. The report highlights significant developments in both utility-scale and rooftop solar segments, emphasizing the country’s focused strategy to expand its renewable energy infrastructure and solidify its position as the world’s fourth-largest renewable energy producer.
Utility-Scale Solar Dominates India solar growth
The utility-scale solar sector was the primary driver of this growth, contributing 19.19 GW to the total new capacity. This accounts for a massive 88% of all additions during the period and marks a 33% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing large-scale solar infrastructure.
Rajasthan continued to lead the charge in utility-scale solar installations, adding 8.01 GW and comprising 42% of the total new capacity. Maharashtra followed with a significant 3 GW, representing 16% of the additions, while Gujarat contributed 2.36 GW, accounting for 12%.
The report also noted significant capacity additions in West Bengal, which installed 1.72 GW, and Madhya Pradesh with 1.13 GW. Maharashtra’s emergence as a top performer is largely attributed to its ambitious 20 GW tender announced by MahaGenco in early 2025, signaling a strong policy push at the state level.
Rooftop Solar Growth in India solar growth
The rooftop solar segment also showed impressive growth, adding 2.49 GW of new capacity. This represents a robust 32% increase compared to the same period in 2023, showcasing a growing momentum in decentralized power generation.
Gujarat led the country in rooftop solar installations, adding 0.60 GW and accounting for 24% of the total additions. Maharashtra followed closely with 0.52 GW, representing 21% of the new capacity, while Karnataka added 0.28 GW, comprising 11%. Other notable contributors included Rajasthan with 0.22 GW and Haryana with 0.13 GW.
Major Solar Installations in H1 2025 India solar growth
Several large-scale solar projects were commissioned in the first half of 2025, contributing significantly to the overall capacity additions. Among the notable projects is SJVN Green Energy’s 1 GW plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This project, awarded by SJVN Green Energy Ltd. and developed by Tata Power Solar, features Jinko Solar modules and Sineng Electric central inverters.
Another major project is NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd.’s 1 GW solar installation in Khavda, Gujarat. This project, awarded to Tata Power Solar and developed with Huawei central inverters, marks a significant milestone in Gujarat’s solar expansion efforts.
NextEra India Renewable Pvt. Ltd. also made substantial contributions with its 1 GW solar plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The plant, developed by Amara Raja Infra Pvt. Ltd., features Trina Solar modules and Huawei central inverters.
Additional projects include Adani Green Energy Ltd.’s 900 MW solar installation in Harappa, Gujarat, and NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd.’s 800 MW project in Khavda, Gujarat. Both projects were developed using Huawei central inverters. This reliance on advanced technology is supported by a burgeoning domestic supply chain, where understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing and the sourcing of key solar panel raw materials are becoming increasingly vital for developers.
Powering the Future: India solar growth Outlook
India’s solar sector continues to attract significant investment, with a remarkable $17.3 billion in corporate funding secured in the first nine months of 2025 alone. This strong investor confidence is fueling major projects that are crucial for achieving the country’s ambitious renewable energy goals. The balanced focus on both utility-scale and rooftop solar installations reflects a comprehensive strategy to expand the country’s solar capacity.
This rapid expansion is a crucial step towards India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Beyond installations, India is also solidifying its position as a manufacturing hub. Supported by government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the nation’s solar module manufacturing capacity has surged to 74 GW. This industrial growth depends on a deep understanding of the entire solar panel manufacturing process and the sophisticated solar panel manufacturing machines required for production. As new facilities are planned, a clear view of the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown becomes essential for strategic investment.
With government initiatives and robust private sector participation driving growth, India’s solar sector is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s clean energy landscape for decades to come.
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