India is one of the fastest-growing countries in solar power generation. With increasing investments and government policies, states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Karnataka are leading the way. Solar energy plays a crucial role in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and ensuring a sustainable future. This article highlights the top states contributing to solar power generation in India.
1. Gujarat
Gujarat has been a pioneer in solar energy development. As of June 2024, the state boasts a total installed solar power generation capacity of 14,182 MW. The state has implemented progressive policies to encourage both large-scale solar parks and rooftop solar installations. Notably, the Gujarat Solar Park-1, also known as the Charanka Solar Park, has an installed capacity of about 615 MW and has attracted significant investments. Additionally, the Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park near Vighakot in the Kutch district is under construction and, upon completion, is expected to generate 30 GW of electricity from both solar and wind sources, making it the largest hybrid renewable energy park in the world.
2. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, with its vast arid lands and high solar irradiance, has become a significant player in India’s solar energy sector. Rajasthan leads the country in solar power generation, boasting a total installed capacity of 17.8 GW. With its vast arid land and abundant sunlight, the state has become a hub for solar energy projects. The Bhadla Solar Park in Jodhpur, the world’s largest operational solar park, has a capacity of 2,245 MW. The state government has set ambitious targets, aiming to install 30,000 MW of solar energy capacity by 2025 and 90 GW of renewable power by 2030.
3. Karnataka
Karnataka ranks third in solar power generation, with an installed capacity of 9.05 GW. The state has been a frontrunner in renewable energy, with its total capacity reaching 17,848.74 MW. The Pavagada Solar Park in the Tumakuru district, one of the largest solar parks in the world, has a capacity of 2,050 MW. The government is actively expanding solar projects in the Bidar, Koppal, and Gadag districts to increase its clean energy footprint.
4. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is a significant player in India’s renewable energy sector, with a solar capacity of 6.8 GW. The state has implemented various policies to promote solar energy adoption, including subsidies for rooftop installations. The Kamuthi Solar Power Project, with a capacity of 648 MW, is one of the largest in the country. Tamil Nadu continues to attract investments to expand its solar energy capacity.
5. Maharashtra
Maharashtra is rapidly expanding its solar energy infrastructure, with an installed capacity of 4.8 GW. The state is focusing on solar adoption through initiatives like distributing solar pumps to farmers and providing solar connections to 10,000 households annually. Additionally, 132.5 MW of new solar projects are expected to be commissioned by 2024. Maharashtra is also home to India’s first fully solar-powered tiger reserve, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy. For instance, Adani Power and Adani Green Energy have secured a 25-year contract to supply a total of 6,600 MW of power to Maharashtra, with 5,000 MW coming from solar power generated at the Khavda Renewable Energy Park in Gujarat.
6. Telangana
Telangana has achieved a solar capacity of 4.66 GW, benefiting from an average solar insolation of nearly 5.5 kWh/m² over more than 300 sunny days annually. The state is home to India’s largest floating solar plant, covering over 500 acres with a capacity of 100 MW. Plans are in place to add 3 GW of clean energy in the next five years, targeting various sectors, including small and macro industries, agriculture, and residential areas. Telangana’s solar energy expansion aligns with its goal of achieving a 1 GW solar power capacity by 2025.
7. Andhra Pradesh
With 4.5 GW of installed solar capacity, Andhra Pradesh is making rapid strides in renewable energy. The state is home to the Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, which has a capacity of 1,000 MW. Additionally, the government has initiated new solar projects to add 5,000 MW in the next five years. Andhra Pradesh’s solar expansion aims to meet the increasing agricultural electricity demand, which constitutes 24% of the state’s total energy consumption.
8. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has an installed solar capacity of 3.02 GW, with a strong emphasis on large-scale solar parks. The Rewa Solar Park, one of India’s largest, has a capacity of 750 MW. The state is planning additional projects, such as the Shajapur Solar Park, which will add another 1.5 GW. Madhya Pradesh aims to expand its solar infrastructure to 10 GW in the coming years and transform Sanchi into the world’s first net-zero city.
9. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has an installed solar power capacity of 2.5 GW, contributing significantly to its renewable energy mix. The state government has introduced the UP Solar Energy Policy 2022, aiming to increase solar power generation to 22 GW. With financial incentives for rooftop installations and a focus on making Ayodhya a model solar city, Uttar Pradesh is poised for significant solar expansion.
10. Haryana
Haryana ranks tenth in solar energy production, with an installed capacity of 1.02 GW. The state government is actively promoting solar adoption through the Haryana Solar Power Policy 2023, which aims to increase capacity to 6 GW by 2030. Rooftop solar installations and irrigation solarization initiatives are central to this expansion.
Government Policies and Initiatives
The Indian government has been actively promoting solar energy through various policies and initiatives. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, aims to provide solar power to about 1 crore households, offering them 300 units of free electricity each month. Beneficiaries receive a fixed one-time subsidy directly into their bank accounts, and the scheme also offers concessional bank loans to encourage rooftop solar installations.
Additionally, starting in June 2026, India mandates the use of locally manufactured solar cells in clean energy projects to reduce dependence on imports and boost domestic manufacturing. This policy is part of India’s broader plan to increase its non-fossil fuel power capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
