India’s Solar Module Manufacturing More Than Doubled to 144 GW in 2025

In News : India’s Solar Module Manufacturing More Than Doubled to 144 GW in 2025

Analysis

• India’s solar module manufacturing capacity rose to 144 GW in 2025, registering a 128.6% year-on-year increase from 63 GW in 2024.
• This implies an addition of 81 GW manufacturing capacity in a single year, indicating rapid scale-up in domestic renewable manufacturing.
• Since 2014, solar module manufacturing capacity has expanded over 62 times, from 2.3 GW, reflecting a structural transformation in India’s renewable energy ecosystem.
• The expansion aligns with India’s broader strategy of:
  • Reducing import dependence, particularly on Chinese solar equipment.
  • Strengthening energy security and domestic value chains.
  • Supporting India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• The growth momentum accelerated during 2024–25, suggesting improved policy support, investor confidence, and manufacturing readiness.
• However, manufacturing capacity growth must be complemented by:
  • Sustained demand from solar power deployment.
  • Grid integration, storage solutions, and stable policy frameworks to convert capacity into effective climate outcomes.

Government of India Solar Energy Schemes – Static Consolidation

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM)

Objective

• To add 34,800 MW of solar capacity by March 2026.
• Total Central Financial Assistance (CFA): ₹34,422 crore (including service charges).
• Aims to:
  • Reduce farmers’ dependence on diesel.
  • Provide assured income through solar power generation.
  • Promote decentralised renewable energy in rural areas.

Components

• Component A
  • Setting up of 10,000 MW of decentralised, grid-connected ground/stilt-mounted solar or other renewable energy plants.
  • Installed on farmers’ land.
• Component B
  • Installation of 14 lakh standalone solar agricultural pumps.
• Component C
  • Solarisation of 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps, including feeder-level solarisation.

Key Feature

• Inter-se transfer allowed between Component B and Component C.
• All components together target 34,800 MW solar capacity.

2. PM JANMAN – New Solar Power Scheme for PVTG Habitations/Villages

Parent Mission

• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN)

Objective

• Electrification of 1 lakh un-electrified households in PVTG areas.
• Coverage across 18 States and 1 UT (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
• Applicable where grid electricity is not techno-economically feasible.
• Approved Outlay: ₹515 crore.

Implementation Period

• 2023–24 to 2025–26

Salient Features

• Solar Home Lighting System (SHLS)
  • Free installation for scattered un-electrified households.
  • Includes LED bulbs, fans.
  • Comprehensive maintenance for 5 years.
• Solar Mini-Grids
  • For clusters of households in PVTG habitations.
  • Includes battery bank, distribution lines, meters, control systems.
  • Appliances (LED bulbs, fans) provided.
  • CFA capped at ₹50,000 per household.
• Solarisation of Multi-Purpose Centres (MPCs)
  • Off-grid solar power packs with battery storage.
  • CFA capped at ₹1 lakh per MPC.
  • Covers entire system cost.

Note :  Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (150th Janjatiya)

• Marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
• Observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh:
  • 15 November 2024 – 15 November 2025
• 15 November designated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
• Objective:
  • Honour tribal freedom fighters.
  • Recognise tribal contributions to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.

3. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)

Launch

• January 2010 under the brand “Solar India”.

Objectives

• Promote ecologically sustainable growth.
• Strengthen energy security.
• Position India as a global leader in solar energy.
• Contribute to global climate change mitigation.

Phased Implementation

• Phase I: Up to 2012–13 (11th Plan + first year of 12th Plan)
• Phase II: 2013–2017 (remaining 12th Plan)
• Phase III: 2017–2022 (13th Plan)
• Periodic review of targets based on cost and technology trends.

Targets

• Original:
  • 20,000 MW grid-connected
  • 2,000 MW off-grid by 2022
• Revised:
  • 100,000 MW grid-connected solar power by 2021–22

4. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Objective

• Provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
• Target: 1 crore households.
• Total investment: ₹75,000+ crore.
• Promotes rooftop solar adoption for households.

Subsidy for Residential Households

• ₹30,000 per kW up to 2 kW
• ₹18,000 per kW for additional capacity up to 3 kW
• Maximum subsidy capped at ₹78,000

Subsidy for GHS/RWA

• ₹18,000 per kW for common facilities (including EV charging).
• Up to 500 kW capacity (@3 kW per house).
• Includes individual rooftop installations.
• Special category States eligible for additional 10% subsidy per kW.

Indicative Rooftop Capacity

• 0–150 units/month → 1–2 kW
• 150–300 units/month → 2–3 kW

• 300 units/month → Above 3 kW

5. Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects

Launched

• December 2014

Objective

• Address challenges of scattered solar projects such as:
  • High per-MW project cost.
  • Transmission losses.
  • Delays in land acquisition and clearances.
• Facilitate large-scale, plug-and-play infrastructure for developers.

Key Benefits

• Common infrastructure (land, transmission, water).
• Faster project execution.
• Lower project costs.
• Accelerated renewable energy deployment.
  
  
  

Updated – 06 January 2026 ; 07:45 PM IST | News Source: The Hindu

Additional References :
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
PM-KUSUM Scheme |
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana |
PM JANMAN – New Solar Power Scheme |
Development of Solar Parks & Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects