India Hits 100 GW Solar Milestone, Eyes Global Solar Export Hub with EU Partnership
India made major progress in renewable energy in 2024. With record solar and wind capacity additions, strong government support, and growing domestic manufacturing, the country is moving steadily toward its clean energy goals for 2030.
Notably, India’s Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) revealed that the country’s solar energy capacity reached 94.17 GW in 2024.
Solar Power Leads in Renewable Growth
Solar energy remained the main driver of renewable growth, making up 47% of India’s total renewable energy capacity.
2024 Solar Snapshot:
Exploring further, MNRE data showed that India added 24.5 GW of solar and 3.4 GW of wind energy —the highest ever in a single year. Solar capacity was more than double from 2023, while wind grew by 21%.
- Utility-scale solar: India installed 18.5 GW of utility-scale solar projects, which was nearly 2.8 times more than in 2023. Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu led this growth, together contributing 71% of these installations.
- Solar Sector: The rooftop solar sector also saw strong momentum, adding 4.59 GW of capacity—an increase of 53% from 2023. A major factor behind this growth was the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which helped 7 lakh homes install rooftop solar systems within ten months.
- Off-grid solar: Also recorded strong growth. With 1.48 GW added in 2024, this segment grew by 182%, helping bring electricity to more rural areas.
India’s Solar Manufacturing in 2025 and Beyond (2030)
As of January 20, 2025, India’s total non-fossil fuel energy capacity reached 217.62 GW. The country is aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity 2030 by 2030, and these new additions are a strong step in that direction.
However, it is rapidly emerging as a solar energy powerhouse.
In February 2025, the country surpassed 100 GW of installed solar capacity, becoming the fourth nation worldwide to reach this milestone. More than half of this capacity was installed in just the past three years. It’s a remarkable leap from only 2.8 GW in 2014.
Looking ahead, India plans to expand its solar production capacity significantly. SolarPower Europe highlighted:
- By 2030, solar module capacity is expected to reach 160 GW, while solar cell capacity is projected to hit 120 GW. This will strengthen India’s position as a renewable energy manufacturing hub.
Notably, with continued government support, the country plans to ramp up its module production capacity to 100 GW by 2030.
- Modules: 80 GW (2025) → 160 GW (2030)
- Cells: 15 GW → 120 GW
- Wafers & Polysilicon: 6 GW → 100 GW each
These figures highlight India’s goal to reduce import dependency and build a fully integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem.
Strong Government Support Fuels Solar Growth
With record capacity additions last year and strong support from the government, India is on the right path to becoming a global clean energy leader. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) played a key role in the sector’s progress. It focused on expanding domestic manufacturing of solar PV and wind turbines, which is essential to reduce import dependence and cut costs.
It also proposed major investments in power grid infrastructure, especially inter-state transmission lines. This will help transfer renewable power from energy-rich states like Rajasthan and Gujarat to other parts of the country.
Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
Furthermore, policy interventions like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), launched in 2010, laid the groundwork for these advancements. This mission helped transition India from high solar tariffs of ₹10.95/kWh in 2010 to as low as ₹2.5-2.6/kWh by 2025 through competitive bidding and other reforms.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme
The PLI scheme, worth ₹24,000 crore (~$3 billion), is playing a major role here. Policies like import duties on solar modules (40%) and cells (20%), Domestic Content Requirements (DCR), and approved lists for modules and cells (ALMM & ALCM) are all aimed at encouraging domestic production.
Teaming Up with the EU for a Greener Future
Many Indian companies are now preparing to meet rising demand not only from within India but also from other countries.
One of the most important goals is to turn India into a global export hub for solar technology, and solar panels will play a pivotal role here. This will boost both India’s energy independence and its role in the global clean energy shift
In this perspective, India is also teaming up with the European Union (EU) to strengthen solar manufacturing. A new alliance between the two aims to promote cooperation in green technology.
- By sharing expertise and resources, India and the EU plan to speed up innovation, cut costs, and meet clean energy targets faster.
This partnership is expected to give India access to advanced solar technology and help boost its ability to produce high-quality solar modules and cells. As a result, exports of solar products from India are likely to grow rapidly with rising global demand and competitive prices.
What’s Next for India’s Solar Sector?
By 2030, experts say India’s solar industry could play a major role in helping the world meet climate goals. With plans to produce 160 GW of solar modules and 120 GW of cells, India is well on its way to becoming a key player in the global solar supply chain.
As the world moves toward cleaner energy, India’s leadership in solar technology could serve as a model for others. Its focused and forward-looking approach is positioning the country at the heart of the global energy transition.
The post India Hits 100 GW Solar Milestone, Eyes Global Solar Export Hub with EU Partnership appeared first on Carbon Credits.
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