Context

• India’s transition towards renewable energy is transforming its economy, energy security, and environmental sustainability.
• Solar power is reaching households, farmers, and businesses, reducing electricity expenses and creating employment opportunities.
• With solar capacity increasing from 2.8 GW in 2014 to approximately 171 GW, India is advancing towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 and its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Achievements in India’s Solar Energy Revolution

• Expansion of Rooftop Solar
  • The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has enabled over 65 lakh households to adopt rooftop solar, with more than 21 lakh receiving zero electricity bills.
  • This reduces household expenses and encourages citizens to become energy producers rather than merely consumers, while promoting technical knowledge and entrepreneurship.
• Falling Solar Power Costs
  • Solar electricity costs have declined from approximately ₹8–₹10 per unit in 2014 to as low as ₹2.15.
  • Technological improvements, economies of scale, and government initiatives such as PM-KUSUM have strengthened affordability and expanded adoption.
• Progress Towards Renewable Energy Targets
  • India has achieved its earlier target of obtaining 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of schedule.
  • However, installed capacity alone does not guarantee reliable electricity; effective storage, transmission, and grid management remain essential.

The Next Phase: Expanding Solar Energy Infrastructure

• PM-KUSUM 2.0 and Agricultural Solarisation
  • More than 30 lakh standalone solar pumps have reportedly been installed under PM-KUSUM.
  • Agricultural solarisation reduces dependence on conventional electricity and diesel.
  • Agri-photovoltaics, which combines farming with solar generation, can improve land-use efficiency and diversify farmers’ incomes.
• Rooftop Solar and Green Transmission Corridors
  • India must expand rooftop installations, strengthen Green Energy Corridors, and digitise electricity networks.
  • Cooperation between the Union government, States, and private companies is necessary to integrate renewable power efficiently.

Four Pillars of India’s Renewable Energy Expansion

• Capital and Investment
  • Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity requires approximately $220 billion in investment.
  • Private enterprises, institutional investors, and foreign investors must complement public funding.
  • Making rooftop installations and solar pumps bankable assets can attract long-term capital.
• Domestic Manufacturing
  • Production-linked incentives have strengthened solar module manufacturing, with capacity exceeding 225 GW.
  • India must expand domestic production of solar cells, wafers, and polysilicon to reduce import dependence.
  • The National Green Hydrogen Mission, targeting five million tonnes of annual production by 2030, can further promote industrial decarbonisation.
• Energy Storage and Grid Modernisation
  • India may require 236 GWh of battery storage by 2031–32. Batteries, pumped-storage hydropower, and smart grids can balance intermittent solar generation.
  • Modern transmission infrastructure is essential for delivering renewable electricity reliably.
• Human Capital and Green Employment
  • Rooftop solar generates employment for engineers, electricians, installers, and maintenance workers.
  • It can create green jobs for youth, expand rural employment, and increase women's participation.
  • Vocational training, apprenticeships, and recognised qualifications are necessary to develop a skilled workforce.

India's International Leadership in Renewable Energy

• G20 and BRICS Cooperation
  • India has promoted renewable energy cooperation through the G20 and BRICS.
  • Initiatives supporting solar photovoltaics, smart grids, and storage can encourage technology sharing, investment, and manufacturing partnerships, particularly among developing countries.
• International Solar Alliance
  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched by India and France in 2015, promotes global solar deployment.
  • Its training programmes, centres of excellence, and Africa Solar Facility support skills development and investment mobilisation, particularly across developing economies.

Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Global Cooperation

• The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, scheduled for November 2–5, provides a platform for cooperation on solar power, green hydrogen, and energy storage.
• Solar irrigation, reliable electricity, and reduced fuel-import dependence can strengthen developing countries' energy and food security.
• This reflects Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the principle of the world as one family.

Challenges and the Way Forward

• India faces challenges involving financing, import dependence, inadequate storage, transmission constraints, and uneven rooftop solar adoption.
• Financially sustainable distribution companies, predictable policies, and stronger domestic supply chains are essential.
• Affordable financing, environmental safeguards, and responsible water management must accompany expansion.

Conclusion

• India's solar transformation is creating economic opportunities while strengthening energy security and reducing electricity costs.
• Achieving its renewable energy ambitions requires investment, manufacturing, storage, infrastructure, and skilled human resources.
• By combining domestic innovation with international cooperation, India can advance towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 and contribute to a sustainable global energy future.