Key Highlights
- India’s solar capacity increased from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 155 GW in 2026.
- Growth represents a nearly 55-fold increase over 12 years.
- More than 40 lakh homes are benefiting from solar energy initiatives.
- Kiren Rijiju credited the achievement to PM Narendra Modi’s leadership.
- Farmers are increasingly participating in renewable energy generation.
- Solar expansion is strengthening India’s energy security.
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has boosted rooftop solar adoption.
- Renewable energy remains a key pillar of India’s clean energy transition.
New Delhi, June 07: India’s renewable energy sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, with the country’s installed solar power capacity increasing nearly 55 times, from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 155 GW in 2026, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday.
Sharing the achievement on social media platform X, Rijiju described the expansion as a major milestone in India’s clean energy journey and a reflection of the country’s growing commitment to sustainable development and energy security.
Solar Capacity Grows from 2.8 GW to 155 GW
According to the minister, India’s solar energy sector has experienced unprecedented growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The installed solar capacity has expanded from:
- 2.8 GW in 2014
- 155 GW in 2026
This dramatic increase places India among the world’s leading renewable energy markets and highlights the country’s rapid progress toward cleaner energy generation.
More Than 40 Lakh Homes Powered by Solar Energy
Rijiju noted that solar initiatives are directly benefiting millions of households across the country.
According to the minister:
- More than 40 lakh homes are now connected to solar energy systems.
- Rooftop solar adoption is expanding rapidly.
- Households are increasingly reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources.
The growth reflects the success of government programmes aimed at promoting residential solar installations and improving energy access.
Farmers Emerging as Energy Producers
The minister also highlighted the changing role of farmers within India’s renewable energy ecosystem.
Traditionally known as food producers, farmers are now increasingly contributing to the country’s energy generation efforts through solar projects and renewable energy initiatives.
According to Rijiju, this transformation is helping create new income opportunities while supporting India’s clean energy objectives.
Strengthening Energy Security Through Renewables
The rapid growth in solar installations is also strengthening India’s long-term energy security.
Officials have repeatedly emphasized that expanding domestic renewable energy capacity helps:
- Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels
- Improve energy self-reliance
- Enhance power availability
- Support sustainable economic growth
- Lower carbon emissions
The government considers renewable energy expansion a critical component of India’s future energy strategy.
Momentum in India’s Clean Energy Transition
India has significantly accelerated renewable energy deployment in recent years as part of broader efforts to transition towards cleaner sources of power.
The country continues to focus on:
- Solar power expansion
- Wind energy development
- Green hydrogen initiatives
- Energy storage systems
- Clean technology investments
These efforts are supported by policy reforms, infrastructure development, and increased private sector participation.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana Driving Rooftop Solar Growth
The remarks come amid growing momentum generated by the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Earlier, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India had crossed a significant milestone by connecting more than 40 lakh households to rooftop solar systems under the flagship programme.
The scheme aims to:
- Provide affordable electricity
- Reduce household power bills
- Promote rooftop solar adoption
- Strengthen energy independence
- Support environmental sustainability
Supporting India’s Climate and Renewable Energy Goals
The expansion of solar capacity is expected to play a key role in helping India achieve its long-term climate and energy targets.
India has committed to increasing non-fossil fuel power generation capacity and accelerating investments in renewable energy as part of its broader sustainability agenda.
The growth in solar infrastructure is also supporting:
- Green job creation
- Industrial development
- Technological innovation
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
Related posts :
PM Surya Ghar Scheme Surpasses 40 Lakh Beneficiary Households; Target of 75 Lakh by End-2026
HUDCO Q1 FY26 results : Post Highest ever PAT of Rs 630.23 crore is an increase of 13%
Centre Bearing Huge Burden Through Excise Duty Cut on Fuel: Piyush Goyal
Renewable Energy Boom Drives India’s Growth, Security and Global Leadership
India Installs 4.76 Crore Smart Meters to Streamline Power Sector, Says Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman to Present Key Finance and Corporate Law Reform Bills
