In Short : India is advancing its solar energy ambitions under the National Solar Mission, aiming to significantly increase its solar power capacity. This initiative focuses on scaling up solar installations, fostering innovation, and enhancing energy security. Through policy support, investments, and technological advancements, India seeks to position itself as a global leader in solar energy, contributing to sustainable development and climate goals.
In Detail : The National Solar Mission (NSM), launched in 2010, is a cornerstone of India’s efforts to combat climate change and achieve energy security. It seeks to position India as a global leader in solar energy by harnessing the country’s vast solar potential. With an initial target of 20 GW by 2022, later revised to 100 GW, the mission emphasizes large-scale solar projects, rooftop solar installations, and decentralized applications. While significant strides have been made, including achieving over 70 GW of installed capacity, challenges such as state-level disparities, infrastructure gaps, and financial barriers persist. Addressing these issues is critical to maximizing India’s solar potential and meeting its renewable energy goals.
Background
India’s solar energy journey has been driven by its immense geographical advantage, with a solar potential estimated at 750 GW by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
The NSM, part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), was envisioned to exploit this resource, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and ensure sustainable energy for all. Since its inception, the mission has achieved significant milestones, such as the establishment of large solar parks, incentives for rooftop solar installations, and the deployment of off-grid solutions for rural areas. Despite this progress, uneven installations across states and underutilization in high-potential regions, such as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, underscore the need for targeted strategies and robust implementation mechanisms. The Installed solar power across India and the percentage of its estimated capacity achieved till 31/03/2024 (MNRE Annual report 2023-24) is shown below in the Map below:
Key Issues
It can be noted here that just two states have installed near 50% of their estimated solar capacity i.e. Tamil Nadu and Punjab. Followed by again just 2 states with near 40% i.e. Haryana and Gujarat. Apart from it we can note that, the state of Rajasthan has been able to achieve the maximum installed capacity in India i.e. 21347.58 MW, even though the installations are only 15% of its estimated capacity. Followed by Gujrat which have had installations of 13544.88 MW, which is approx. 40% of its state’s estimated capacity.
The NSM’s progress has been hindered by several challenges. State-level disparities in solar installations remain a critical issue, with high-potential states like Rajasthan achieving only 15% of their estimated potential. Financial barriers, including high upfront costs and dependence on subsidies, discourage widespread adoption, especially among small-scale consumers. Inadequate grid infrastructure and frequent failures in remote areas hamper the integration of solar power into the energy mix. Additionally, environmental factors such as dust, pollution, and extreme temperatures impact the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. The lack of consistent policy implementation, particularly in enforcing RPOs (Renewable Purchase Obligations) and encouraging public-private partnerships, further complicates efforts to scale up solar energy in India.
Recommendations
To address these challenges, a region-specific approach is essential, considering the unique socio-economic and geographical characteristics of each state For eg:
Rajasthan and Gujarat: These states have the highest solar potential due to favorable irradiance and vast land availability. Expanding large-scale solar parks and improving transmission networks to connect rural generation sites to urban consumption centers can maximize their contribution. Offering land incentives to developers and facilitating faster project approvals can further accelerate installations.
Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh: With high population density and energy demand, these states should emphasize rooftop solar installations, particularly in urban areas. Providing subsidies for residential and commercial rooftop systems and simplifying net metering policies can encourage adoption. Public buildings and industrial zones should also be targeted for solar installations.
Delhi and Punjab: Limited land availability in these regions makes rooftop solar the most viable option. Incentivizing solar installations in government offices, schools, and housing societies can lead to substantial gains. Community solar programs could allow multiple users to benefit from shared solar installations.
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: These states should focus on integrating solar with existing renewable energy sources, such as wind, to create hybrid energy solutions. Policies promoting battery storage systems and hybrid parks can ensure a stable power supply and higher utilization of solar resources.
Northeastern States: Due to geographical constraints and limited solar potential, these states should adopt small-scale decentralized systems for rural electrification. Solar microgrids and off-grid applications for agriculture and households can address energy needs without heavy infrastructure investment.
Hilly States (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand): Given the terrain and environmental sensitivity, south-facing rooftop installations and small solar plants for remote villages can be prioritized. Providing solar-powered irrigation systems for agriculture and off-grid solutions for rural areas can improve livelihoods while reducing dependency on conventional energy.
Special incentives can be introduced for residential rooftop systems, with a focus on achieving near-total energy independence through solar energy. Setting up demonstration projects to showcase the benefits of rooftop solar in urban settings can also encourage wider adoption.
Some other important areas of focus include; government investment in low-interest loans and innovative green bonds, can encourage investments in solar projects. Research and development efforts should focus on improving photovoltaic technology to overcome environmental limitations. Public awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs are also crucial to promoting the adoption of solar energy at all levels. By tailoring strategies to the unique conditions of each state, India can ensure that solar energy development is equitable and efficient, contributing to the overall goals of the National Solar Mission.
Conclusion
The National Solar Mission has laid the groundwork for India’s transition to a renewable energy-driven economy. However, achieving its ambitious targets requires addressing state-level disparities, modernizing infrastructure, and fostering innovation. With a focus on tailored strategies and collaborative efforts, the NSM has the potential to position India as a global leader in solar energy, contributing significantly to its climate commitments and energy security objectives. By building on its successes and addressing its challenges, the mission can drive India towards a sustainable and inclusive energy future.
