INDIA’S SOLAR ENERGY REVOLUTION AND CLEAN POWER TRANSITION

INDIA’S SOLAR ENERGY REVOLUTION AND CLEAN POWER TRANSITION

 

India’s solar transformation is one of the most rapid energy transitions witnessed in the world. From merely 3 GW in 2014, installed solar capacity has grown to about 129 GW by 2025, marking more than a forty-fold increase. Solar energy has now become the largest contributor to India’s renewable power sector, overtaking wind and hydropower in total installations.

 

India has also crossed a historic milestone by sourcing over half of its electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. Out of nearly 500 GW total installed capacity, more than 259 GW now comes from solar, wind, hydro, nuclear and biomass, indicating a major structural shift away from fossil fuel dominance in electricity generation.

 

The direction of India’s clean energy expansion is guided by the Panchamrit commitments announced at COP26 in 2021. These include achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity, ensuring 50% electricity from clean sources by 2030, reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes, lowering emission intensity by 45%, and achieving Net Zero by 2070.

 

Household-level solar adoption has accelerated through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana launched in February 2024. The scheme targets one crore households and offers up to 300 free electricity units monthly, reducing energy costs while promoting decentralised power generation.

 

Agriculture is being integrated into the solar revolution through the PM-KUSUM scheme. Solar-powered pumps and grid-connected systems are helping farmers cut diesel use, lower irrigation costs and generate income by selling surplus electricity to power utilities.

 

To build industrial strength, the Production Linked Incentive scheme encourages domestic manufacturing of solar panels and components. This supports employment generation, industrial growth and reduction of import dependence, strengthening India’s energy security.

 

India has emerged as a leader in international solar cooperation through the International Solar Alliance headquartered in Gurugram. With more than 125 participating countries, the alliance supports finance mobilisation, technology transfer and capacity building for solar projects worldwide.

 

The One Sun, One World, One Grid vision promotes international grid connectivity, enabling countries to share solar power across borders. The idea presents a long-term solution for global energy sustainability and climate security.

 

Globally, India ranks among the top nations in renewable deployment, currently placed third in solar power capacity and fourth in overall renewable energy capacity. This reflects growing international recognition of India’s clean energy leadership.

 

Overall, India’s solar momentum represents a strategic combination of strong policies, technological adoption, domestic manufacturing and global diplomacy, establishing solar power as a backbone of sustainable development and climate action.

MCQ:

1. With reference to India’s solar energy growth, consider the following statements:
1. India’s solar capacity increased more than forty times between 2014 and 2025.
2. Solar energy is now the largest contributor among renewable sources in India.
3. Hydropower contributes more than solar to the renewable mix at present.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

2. India crossed a major energy milestone when:
(a) Nuclear energy overtook coal
(b) Non-fossil power exceeded 50% of installed capacity
(c) Renewable energy exports began
(d) Solar energy became cheaper than hydropower

3. India’s total installed electricity capacity is closest to:
(a) 300 GW
(b) 400 GW
(c) 500 GW
(d) 600 GW

4. Non-fossil energy in India currently includes:
(a) Only solar and wind
(b) Solar, wind and biomass only
(c) Solar, wind, hydro, nuclear and biomass
(d) Only solar and nuclear

5. The Panchamrit commitments were announced at:
(a) Rio+20
(b) COP21
(c) COP26
(d) COP28

6. Which of the following is NOT part of the Panchamrit framework?
(a) 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030
(b) Carbon neutrality by 2050
(c) Net Zero emissions by 2070
(d) 45% reduction in emission intensity

7. The target of reducing total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes is to be achieved by:
(a) 2025
(b) 2030
(c) 2040
(d) 2070

8. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana mainly focuses on:
(a) Solar farms in deserts
(b) Rooftop solar for households
(c) Wind-solar hybrid plants
(d) Solar manufacturing parks

9. Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana, the maximum free electricity offered per month is:
(a) 100 units
(b) 200 units
(c) 300 units
(d) 400 units

10. PM-KUSUM scheme mainly integrates solar energy with:
(a) Industry
(b) Urban housing
(c) Agriculture
(d) Transport

11. A key benefit of PM-KUSUM for farmers is:
(a) Free fertilizers
(b) Income by selling surplus power
(c) Free tractors
(d) Export subsidy

12. The Production Linked Incentive scheme in the solar sector aims to:
(a) Promote solar exports
(b) Strengthen domestic manufacturing
(c) Eliminate private investment
(d) Focus only on research institutes

13. The official headquarters of the International Solar Alliance is located at:
(a) New Delhi
(b) Mumbai
(c) Gurugram
(d) Jaipur

14. India’s current global position in solar power capacity is:
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) Fourth

15. The concept of “One Sun, One World, One Grid” emphasises:
(a) Solar panel standardisation
(b) Cross-border renewable electricity sharing
(c) Solar pricing regulation
(d) Nuclear-solar integration