New Delhi, Dec 6: A rapid surge in solar installations over the past decade has been instrumental in doubling India’s total installed electricity capacity. By October 2025, the country’s solar capacity had reached 129 GW, while non-fossil electricity capacity crossed 259 GW, representing more than half of India’s total power capacity.
This marks a historic turning point in the nation’s transition toward low-carbon energy, said an official.
By combining accelerated domestic expansion with strong international cooperation, India is laying the groundwork for a resilient and sustainable energy future that places solar power at its core and sets global benchmarks.
The growth of the solar sector has been unprecedented. Solar capacity, which stood at just 3 GW in 2014, soared to 129.92 GW by October 2025—an increase of more than forty times in ten years. This remarkable rise has made solar the largest contributor to the country’s renewable energy portfolio, surpassing wind, hydro and biomass.
As solar installations multiply, the proportion of renewable energy in India’s overall power mix continues to grow, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a low-carbon transition and strengthening the foundations of a secure and sustainable electricity system, the official said.
Data from the IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2025 report show that India now ranks third globally in solar power, fourth in wind energy and fourth in total installed renewable energy capacity. These rankings highlight India’s expanding influence in global clean-energy markets and its increasingly central role in promoting affordable, accessible and sustainable power.
A major force driving this progress is the PM Surya Ghar mission, one of the flagship initiatives in India’s pursuit of renewable energy deployment and net-zero emissions. Launched on 13 February 2024 following Cabinet approval and backed by an outlay of ₹75,021 crore, the scheme aims to equip one crore households with rooftop solar systems, providing them with up to 300 units of free electricity each month. By encouraging widespread adoption of rooftop solar, the initiative supports India’s broader efforts to shrink its carbon footprint.
As of December 2025, 23.9 lakh households had installed rooftop solar systems under the scheme, adding 7 GW of clean energy capacity. A total subsidy of ₹13,464.6 crore had been released, placing the PM Surya Ghar mission firmly on track to achieve its goal of powering one crore homes with solar energy.
