Category: Renewable Energy

India has officially become the world’s third-largest producer of wind and solar electricity, surpassing Germany in a milestone that reflects the country’s expanding role in the global clean energy transition.

According to Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2024, wind and solar together contributed 10% of India’s electricity generation, with solar alone accounting for 7%.

Solar power generation has doubled since 2021, and the country added 24.5 GW of solar capacity in 2024, more than twice the addition in the previous year.   India now stands behind only China and the United States in solar energy production and recorded the fourth-largest increase in solar generation globally, contributing an additional 20 TWh of solar electricity.

As Phil MacDonald, Ember’s Managing Director, noted,

“Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition. Paired with battery storage, solar is set to be an unstoppable force.”

 

The achievement has garnered international recognition. UN climate change chief Simon Stiell described India as a “solar superpower” and emphasized that fully embracing the global clean energy boom could further accelerate the country’s economic growth.

India’s Manufacturing Expansion in Solar PV

 India’s position in the global solar industry is further reinforced by strong domestic manufacturing growth.

This expansion was primarily driven by demand from ongoing solar projects and the reimposition of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order, which came into effect in April 2024.   Monocrystalline modules made up nearly 59% of the production capacity, followed by TOPCon, polycrystalline, and thin-film technologies.

In a continued push to build domestic capacity, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy added 8,067 MW of module manufacturing capacity to the ALMM in March 2025.

Further, solar cells will also fall under the ALMM scope starting June 2026, signaling a deeper regulatory commitment to quality and traceability in manufacturing.

India’s Renewable Energy Targets

 India’s renewable ambitions remain high. The country is targeting 50% of its installed electricity capacity to come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, which is in line with its updated climate commitments to the UNFCCC.

Additionally, the government aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, a goal announced during COP26 in 2021.

Challenges in Scaling Clean Energy

Despite strong momentum, challenges persist.

A February 2025 report by Ember warned that India may fall short of its 2030 renewable energy target unless funding increases by at least 20% annually.

Rising electricity demand, coupled with the need for accelerated clean energy deployment, creates a complex dynamic.   As Neshwin Rodrigues, Senior Energy Analyst at Ember, observed:

“India has made notable progress in adopting renewables but now faces a major challenge: ensuring its clean generation grows fast enough to meet rising demand.”

India’s recent achievements underscore a strong commitment to solar and wind development, but meeting future targets will depend on sustained investment, policy support, and grid readiness.

As the country balances economic growth with energy transition, its role in shaping the global clean energy narrative is becoming increasingly significant.

India’s solar sector continues to break records, demonstrating the country’s commitment to renewable energy. In 2024, rooftop solar installations reached an unprecedented 3.2 GW, marking over 86% increase from the previous year.

This surge pushed India’s total rooftop solar capacity to 13.7 GW by the end of December 2024, a milestone that underscores the nation’s rapid adoption of sustainable energy solutions.

Driving Forces Behind the Growth

A significant contributor to this achievement was the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a government initiative aimed at promoting residential solar installations. With strong support and subsidies, this program encouraged widespread adoption, leading to residential consumers accounting for 74% of all new rooftop installations in 2024.

The remaining contributions came from the industrial (19%), commercial (6%), and government (0.8%) sectors.

The capital expenditure (CAPEX) model dominated the installation landscape, comprising 88% of the year’s installations, while the operational expenditure or renewable energy service company (OPEX/RESCO) model accounted for the rest.

State-Level Leadership in Solar Expansion

Certain states have emerged as leaders in rooftop solar adoption, playing a pivotal role in driving the overall growth of the sector.

• Gujarat, contributing 36% of total rooftop solar installations in 2024.
• Maharashtra, accounting for 20% of installations.
• Kerala, adding 9% to the total rooftop solar capacity.

These states have benefited from proactive policy frameworks, financial incentives, and streamlined regulatory processes that have made solar adoption easier and more attractive.

Challenges & Future Outlook

While the record-breaking installations indicate strong momentum, sustaining this level of growth presents challenges. Some of the key hurdles include:

• Fluctuating Module Prices: The cost of solar panels and associated equipment has seen volatility due to supply chain disruptions and international market dynamics. Stabilizing these costs will be crucial for continued growth.
• Financing & Awareness: While government subsidies have helped, access to affordable financing options remains a challenge, particularly for middle-income households and small businesses.
• Grid Integration & Storage: As rooftop solar adoption grows, grid stability and energy storage solutions will become increasingly important to manage excess power and ensure seamless integration.

Despite these challenges, the outlook remains optimistic. With continued government support, falling technology costs, and increased consumer awareness, India is well on track to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets.

India’s record-breaking rooftop solar installations in 2024 highlight the nation’s commitment to renewable energy and its potential to lead in sustainable development.

Continued support from government initiatives, coupled with active participation from residential and industrial sectors, will be crucial in maintaining this upward trajectory and achieving long-term energy goals.

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, has crossed a historic milestone with over 10 lakh homes now powered by solar energy in one year as per an official statement from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Making Solar Power Accessible to Millions

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, the initiative is designed to make rooftop solar installations affordable and accessible. With 47.3 lakh applications already received, the government has disbursed Rs. 4,770 crore in subsidies to over 6.13 lakh households.

A key feature of the scheme is its easy financing options, including collateral-free loans up to Rs. 2 lakh at a subsidized 6.75% interest rate. This ensures that homeowners, regardless of financial standing, can harness solar energy.

State-Wise Adoption in India

Several states have made remarkable progress:

1. Gujarat leads with 3,51,273 solar-powered households (41.47% of total installations).
2. Uttar Pradesh and Kerala follow closely with 73,602 and 65,423 households, respectively.
3. Chandigarh and Daman & Diu have achieved 100% of their rooftop solar targets for government buildings.

The government aims to reach 1 crore solar-powered households by 2026-27, setting the stage for a self-sufficient energy future.

The Economic & Environmental Impact

The benefits of PMSGMBY extend far beyond just free electricity:

• Massive cost savings:

Households see a drastic reduction in electricity bills, while the government is expected to save Rs. 75,000 crore annually.

• Lower carbon footprint:

Each rooftop installation offsets carbon emissions equivalent to planting 100 trees.

• Job creation:

The initiative is expected to generate 17 lakh direct jobs in the renewable energy sector.

What’s Next for India’s Rooftop Solar Journey?

The program is set to add 30 GW of solar capacity through residential rooftop installations by 2027. With a 25-year system lifespan, these solar panels will generate 1,000 billion units (BU) of electricity, preventing 720 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

A unique addition to the initiative is the creation of “Model Solar Villages”, where one village per district is selected to showcase large-scale solar adoption. With Rs. 1 crore allocated per village, these communities will serve as benchmarks for clean energy self-reliance.

At REnergo, we specialize in helping homeowners, businesses, and industries navigate this transition smoothly. From system selection to installation and subsidy facilitation, we ensure that you make the most of this transformative initiative.

With a target of 500 GW of non-fossil power capacity by 2030, India is making significant progress, but not at the pace required.

In 2024, India added nearly 28 gigawatts (GW) of solar and wind capacity, setting a new record for annual additions. Solar power alone accounted for 70% of these additions, reinforcing its role as the backbone of India’s energy transition.

Yet, despite this momentum, fossil fuels still contributed more than two-thirds of the total increase in power generation last year.

According to the latest report from Global Energy Monitor (GEM), India must double its annual solar and wind capacity additions over the next five years to stay on track to meet its 2030 targets.

Why Solar is India’s Best Bet for Clean Energy Growth

1. Utility-Scale Solar Must Accelerate

India’s renewable pipeline is strong, but its expansion must outpace fossil fuel growth. Despite record installations, India still plans to increase its coal-fired capacity by 80 GW by 2031-32, raising concerns about long-term energy sustainability.

Solar, especially large-scale utility projects, must be deployed at a much faster rate to ensure that renewables can offset the expansion of coal. The growing adoption of floating solar farms, hybrid solar-wind projects, and agrivoltaics presents a significant opportunity to push solar deployment beyond traditional land-based installations.

2. Strengthening Transmission and Storage Infrastructure

One of the biggest challenges facing India’s solar growth is inadequate transmission infrastructure and limited energy storage capacity. While solar power is abundant, its intermittent nature requires robust storage solutions and grid integration to ensure reliability.

Investing in advanced battery storage technologies, pumped hydro storage, and smart grid solutions is essential to improve grid stability and maximize the use of solar power.

The government must also accelerate the expansion of high-voltage transmission lines to facilitate seamless distribution of solar energy from generation hubs to high-demand areas.

3. Policy and Financial Support is Key

While solar costs have declined significantly in recent years, higher financing costs remain a key barrier to large-scale adoption.

Public-private partnerships, innovative financing models, and policy interventions, such as long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and viability gap funding (VGF) will play a critical role in making solar projects more viable and bankable.

Read more about how you can take advantage of Government Incentives here.

4. Expanding Beyond Utility-Scale

While utility-scale projects are leading the charge, rooftop solar and decentralized solar solutions must be aggressively expanded.

Urban centers must increase adoption of rooftop solar on commercial and residential buildings.

Rural electrification efforts should prioritize off-grid solar solutions to power remote communities, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Industrial and agricultural sectors must integrate captive solar power generation, reducing operational costs while advancing sustainability goals.

India’s ability to meet its 2030 energy targets depends on how fast and effectively it can scale solar deployment. The challenge is not just about adding capacity, it’s about ensuring that solar energy replaces fossil power as the dominant source in India’s energy mix.

At REnergo, we are committed to driving India’s solar transformation, supporting large-scale projects, advocating for innovation, and enabling a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

As the world accelerates its transition to renewable energy, one of the biggest challenges remains:

“How to store solar power efficiently for use when the sun isn’t shining?”

Solar energy is abundant and clean, but it isn’t always available. Battery storage systems are becoming essential to keep the power supply stable, secure, and available at all times.

The Growing Need for Energy Storage

India, as one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the world, is witnessing an unprecedented rise in solar power installations. However, without proper storage solutions, a significant portion of this energy potential remains underutilized.

By 2030, India aims to have 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity, but achieving this milestone requires large-scale energy storage integration.

Lithium-ion batteries are leading the way in solving solar energy gaps by storing excess power during sunny hours and releasing it when needed.

In addition to lithium-ion, researchers and industry leaders are also looking into alternative solutions such as hydrogen storage and advanced flow batteries to enhance long-duration energy storage capabilities.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

Key figures in India’s renewable energy sector are emphasizing the urgent need for energy storage adoption:

Rohit Tiwari, CEO of Insolation Energy, recently stated that “without large-scale storage deployment, India’s solar ambitions will face significant roadblocks.”

Similarly, Rajeev Suri, CEO of Oorja Energy, has called for greater investments in domestic battery manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports and improve energy resilience.

Beyond the private sector, government agencies are also taking note. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is actively working on policies to promote energy storage technologies alongside solar expansion. The focus is on building a robust energy storage infrastructure to support the country’s ambitious renewable energy goals.

Key Discussions at Industry Summits

The urgency of energy storage integration was a major theme at the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) Conference 2025, where top energy experts and policymakers called to discuss the future of solar and storage. Discussions revolved around:

1. Scaling Up Lithium-Ion Battery Production: India is pushing for increased domestic battery production to reduce reliance on imports and lower costs.
2. Hydrogen as a Storage Solution: Green hydrogen is gaining traction as a long-term energy storage alternative, offering the potential for industrial applications and grid balancing.
3. Grid Stability and Energy Security: Experts highlighted the role of battery storage in mitigating fluctuations in solar generation and ensuring grid reliability.
4. Policy and Investment Roadmaps: The government is considering new subsidies and incentives for energy storage projects to accelerate deployment.

One of the most significant takeaways from the conference was the announcement of a $3 billion investment in battery storage infrastructure, backed by both government and private sector players. This investment aims to support utility-scale energy storage projects, helping bridge the gap between solar production and consumption.

 The Future of Solar Energy

The future of solar energy is linked to the advancement of energy storage solutions. Without reliable storage, solar power remains an intermittent resource rather than a full-fledged alternative to conventional energy. The coming years will see increased innovation, policy support, and large-scale investments to ensure that solar energy is available 24/7, making it a truly sustainable power source for the future.

As India moves closer to its net-zero emissions target, the integration of advanced battery technologies, hydrogen storage, and intelligent grid solutions will play a defining role in shaping a clean energy landscape. The momentum is building, and energy storage is no longer an option, it is a necessity.

Know more about the future of solar here.

Agriculture is the lifeblood of economies, sustaining millions of livelihoods and feeding nations. Yet, the challenges facing the agricultural sector today are immense—rising energy costs, unpredictable climate patterns, and the need for sustainable practices to ensure food security. Solar energy has emerged as a transformative force, offering farmers a powerful tool to overcome these challenges and usher in a new era of sustainable and efficient agriculture.

Why Solar Energy and Agriculture Are a Perfect Match

The agricultural sector is inherently energy-intensive. From irrigation systems to cold storage, drying facilities to food processing, a reliable and cost-effective energy supply is crucial. Solar energy provides a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources, which are often expensive, unreliable, or inaccessible in rural areas. Here’s how solar is revolutionizing agriculture:

1. Solar-Powered Irrigation: Watering Fields Without Worry

For farmers, irrigation is not just a need but a lifeline. Solar water pumps are changing the game by providing an affordable, sustainable, and accessible solution for water management. Unlike diesel-powered pumps, solar pumps have minimal operational costs and are virtually maintenance-free.

• A small to medium-sized solar pump can reduce irrigation costs by 80-90%, allowing farmers to save significantly in the long term.
• Solar irrigation systems also enable efficient water management, critical in regions facing water scarcity or unpredictable rainfall patterns.

With solar, farmers no longer need to depend on erratic electricity supply or expensive diesel, ensuring a stable and timely water supply to their crops.

2. Solar Cold Storage: Reducing Post-Harvest Losses

Post-harvest losses are a persistent problem, with an estimated 20-30% of produce wasted due to inadequate storage facilities. Solar-powered cold storage units offer a practical and sustainable solution by preserving fruits, vegetables, and grains, reducing spoilage, and increasing farmers’ profitability.

• Solar cold storage units are scalable and can be installed even in remote locations, making them accessible to smallholder farmers.
• By extending the shelf life of produce, these units enable farmers to sell their crops at better prices instead of being forced to offload them quickly at lower rates.

3. Empowering Agricultural Processing and Value Addition

Agriculture isn’t just about growing crops; it’s about adding value to them. Solar-powered processing units for grinding, milling, and drying enable farmers to transform raw produce into market-ready products, increasing their incomes and reducing wastage.

For instance, solar dryers allow farmers to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, and spices efficiently, enabling them to preserve and sell these products year-round.

4. Combating Climate Change and Reducing Carbon Footprints

Agriculture is both a victim and contributor to climate change. Solar energy offers a dual advantage by mitigating agriculture’s environmental impact while providing resilience against climate-related challenges.

• Transitioning from fossil fuels to solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promoting cleaner and greener farming practices.
• Solar solutions, being independent of grid electricity, provide reliable energy access, even in the face of power outages or natural disasters.

5. Economic Benefits: A Path to Financial Resilience

Solar energy isn’t just an environmentally sound choice—it’s an economically savvy one. The initial investment in solar systems is offset by long-term savings on energy costs, creating financial stability for farmers. Moreover, government incentives and subsidies in many regions have made solar installations more affordable, accelerating adoption in the agricultural sector.

Farmers who adopt solar solutions often find themselves reinvesting savings into their farms, purchasing better seeds, improving equipment, and scaling operations. This ripple effect transforms not only individual farms but entire rural economies.

What the Future Holds

The integration of solar energy into agriculture is more than a trend—it’s a necessity. By harnessing the power of the sun, the agricultural sector can achieve energy independence, resilience, and sustainability. Policymakers, businesses, and innovators must work together to accelerate this transition by:

• Providing affordable financing options for solar installations.
• Raising awareness about the benefits of solar technology in agriculture.
• Driving innovation to make solar solutions more efficient and accessible.

A Green Revolution Powered by the Sun

Imagine a world where farmers no longer worry about rising fuel costs or erratic power supplies, where every crop harvested is stored safely, and where agricultural processes contribute to, rather than detract from, environmental sustainability. Solar energy is not just lighting up fields; it’s lighting up futures.

By embracing solar energy, agriculture can truly lead the way toward a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future. The sun has always been a farmer’s ally—now it’s time to make it their most powerful partner.

As the world pivots toward renewable energy, solar power has emerged as a cornerstone in achieving energy security, sustainability, and economic growth. South Asia, with its abundant sunlight and rising energy demands, stands at the cusp of a solar revolution. However, to fully realize its potential, innovation must lead the charge.

In this article, we explore groundbreaking advancements in solar technology and discuss their transformative potential for South Asia’s energy landscape.

Bifacial Solar Panels: Doubling Efficiency

Bifacial solar panels are redefining efficiency in solar energy generation. Unlike conventional panels, which only capture sunlight on one side, bifacial panels can harness solar energy from both sides, utilizing reflected sunlight from the ground.

• Potential Impact for South Asia:
  With South Asia’s diverse landscapes, including deserts, rooftops, and agricultural lands, bifacial panels can significantly increase energy output without additional land requirements. Coupled with reflective surfaces, they can boost efficiency by up to 30%.

Floating Solar Farms: A Solution to Land Scarcity

In regions where land availability is a challenge, floating solar farms provide a compelling solution. These installations are deployed on water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, and canals, maximizing the use of available space.

• Potential Impact for South Asia:
  Countries in South Asia with vast water resources can benefit from floating solar. Additionally, these systems reduce water evaporation and improve panel efficiency due to natural cooling. Successful projects, like floating solar installations in Kerala, have already demonstrated the feasibility of this innovation.

Perovskite Solar Cells: The Next Frontier in Affordability

Perovskite solar cells are heralded as a game-changer due to their low manufacturing costs and high efficiency. Lightweight, flexible, and capable of being integrated into various surfaces, these cells open up possibilities for solar-powered windows, clothing, and even vehicles.

• Potential Impact for South Asia:
  With affordability being a critical factor in mass adoption, perovskite cells can democratize solar energy. Their adaptability makes them ideal for urban areas with limited rooftop space and rural areas requiring low-cost solutions.

Solar Storage Innovations: Tackling Intermittency

Energy storage has always been a limiting factor for solar power, but advancements in battery technology are paving the way for 24/7 renewable energy solutions. Technologies like lithium-sulfur, solid-state batteries, and flow batteries are leading this evolution.

• Potential Impact for South Asia:
  Enhanced storage solutions can address the intermittency of solar energy, enabling reliable power supply even during cloudy days or nighttime. This is especially vital for off-grid applications and rural electrification efforts.

Agrivoltaics: Merging Agriculture with Solar

Agrivoltaics involves integrating solar panels with agricultural activities, allowing farmers to generate energy while continuing to cultivate crops. Panels are strategically installed to provide shade and reduce water evaporation, benefiting crop growth.

• Potential Impact for South Asia:
  In a region where agriculture is central to livelihoods, agrivoltaics can strike a balance between food and energy production. Farmers can generate additional income from solar installations, creating a sustainable model for rural development.

AI and IoT in Solar Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are revolutionizing how solar installations are monitored and managed. From predictive maintenance to energy optimization, these technologies enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

• Potential Impact for South Asia:
  With large-scale solar projects on the rise, AI and IoT can play a crucial role in optimizing performance, reducing downtime, and ensuring the financial viability of investments. Smart grids powered by AI can further integrate solar energy into existing energy systems.

Solar-Powered Hydrogen Production: The Ultimate Clean Fuel

Solar energy is being leveraged for green hydrogen production, a fuel source with immense potential for industrial applications and transportation. Innovations in electrolysis technologies are making this process more efficient and cost-effective.

• Potential Impact for South Asia:
  South Asia’s growing industrial base and transportation needs can greatly benefit from green hydrogen, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions. Investments in this space can position the region as a leader in the global hydrogen economy.

Driving Adoption: Beyond Technology

While technological innovations are crucial, fostering an environment that supports their adoption is equally important. South Asia must focus on:

• Policy Support: Governments need to provide incentives, subsidies, and regulatory frameworks to encourage investment in advanced solar technologies.
• Skill Development: Building a skilled workforce to install, maintain, and innovate in solar technology is essential.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, businesses, and research institutions can accelerate the deployment of new solutions.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: As a region, South Asia can benefit from shared resources, expertise, and infrastructure to achieve a unified solar vision.

Shaping the Solar Future of South Asia

The path to a sustainable energy future lies in embracing innovation and collaboration. By leveraging advanced solar technologies, South Asia can address its energy challenges, drive economic growth, and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

As we stand at the threshold of this solar revolution, the onus is on all stakeholders—governments, businesses, and individuals—to ensure that the sun not only powers our homes and industries but also illuminates a brighter, greener future for generations to come.