India's solar industry shines bright as grid-connected rooftop solar takes centre stage, accounting for 15.38 percent of total capacity
India's solar power landscape continues to shine brightly as the nation's cumulative solar installations soared to an impressive 72.02 gigawatts (GW) as of October 31, 2023. This significant milestone underscores India's commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources for a sustainable future.
According to data released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), grid-connected solar rooftops have emerged as a pivotal component, constituting a substantial 15.38 percent of the overall installed capacity. This achievement signifies a crucial step towards decentralised and cleaner energy generation in the country.
A closer look at the statistics reveals a diverse solar energy portfolio. Of the total solar generation capacity, 55.71 GW is attributed to ground-mounted solar plants, while 11.08 GW stems from grid-connected solar rooftop arrays. Additionally, 2.55 GW is harnessed through solar hybrid projects, and 2.68 GW is generated by off-grid solar installations, serving remote and underserved areas.
When it comes to the geographical distribution of solar power, Rajasthan emerges as a frontrunner, hosting a whopping 25 percent of the nation's photovoltaic (PV) installations, totaling 18,089 MW. Following closely behind are Gujarat, with 10,418 MW, and Karnataka, boasting 9,347 MW of solar power capacity.
Notably, Gujarat has taken the lead in rooftop solar capacity, with an impressive 26 percent share, contributing 2,898 MW to the 11.08 GW total across India. This showcases the state's proactive efforts to promote sustainable and localized energy generation through solar rooftops.
India's remarkable progress in solar energy installation underscores the nation's dedication to combatting climate change and reducing its carbon footprint. With a growing emphasis on renewable energy, India continues to march towards a greener and more sustainable energy future.