Important for GS Prelims -Environment & Ecology / Economy / Science & Technology
About India’s Installed Solar Power Capacity
- Installed Solar Power Capacity refers to the total electricity generation capacity (in MW/GW) of all commissioned solar power projects connected to India’s power grid.
- It includes Ground-mounted Solar Plants, Rooftop Solar Systems, Solar Parks, and Off-grid Solar Installations.
Facts on Installed Solar Power Capacity
| Particular | Details |
| Installed Solar Power Capacity (June 2026) | ~116 GW |
| Global Rank | 3rd Largest |
| Largest Renewable Energy Source in India | Solar Power |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Primary Unit | Megawatt (MW) / Gigawatt (GW) |
| 1 GW | 1,000 MW |
| Nature of Capacity | Installed (Commissioned), not actual electricity generated |
Major Components of Installed Solar Capacity
- Ground-mounted Solar Projects –These are installed in Large utility-scale solar plants supplying electricity to the grid.
- Rooftop Solar – These are installed in Residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional rooftop installations.
- Solar Parks – Installed in Large-scale solar zones with common infrastructure for multiple developers.
- Floating Solar Projects – Solar panels installed on reservoirs, lakes, and water bodies.
- Off-grid Solar Systems – They are Stand-alone systems serving areas without reliable grid connectivity.
Government Initiatives on Solar Power
- National Solar Mission (NSM) (2010) – Flagship mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to promote solar energy.
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (2024) – Promotes residential rooftop solar installations.
- PM-KUSUM Scheme – Supports solar pumps, solarisation of agriculture feeders, and decentralized renewable energy for farmers.
- Solar Park Scheme – Develops plug-and-play solar parks with common infrastructure.
- PLI Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules – Encourages domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic modules.
Major Solar Power Hubs
- Khavda Renewable Energy Park (Gujarat) – World’s largest planned renewable energy park (30 GW).
- Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan) – One of the world’s largest operational solar parks (2.25 GW).
- Other leading solar states include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
Conclusion
India’s Installed Solar Power Capacity represents the country’s total commissioned solar electricity generation capability and includes utility-scale, rooftop, floating, and off-grid solar systems. For Prelims, distinguish installed capacity from actual generation, know the major schemes, leading solar parks, and India’s position as the world’s third-largest solar power producer.
| This CTC has been elaborately discussed on India Curtails 8,133 GWh of Solar Power to Maintain Grid Security |