New Delhi, April 10: India has achieved its highest-ever annual solar capacity addition of approximately 45 GW in FY 2025–26, nearly doubling the previous year’s pace and reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy markets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
The milestone, highlighted by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, underscores the country’s accelerated push towards energy security, sustainable development, and its long-term “Viksit Bharat” vision.
Growth was primarily driven by large-scale deployments across key states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, which continue to anchor India’s transition towards a cleaner power mix.
Operational momentum remained strong, with 6.65 GW of solar capacity added in March 2026 alone—the highest-ever monthly addition—reflecting improved execution capabilities across both utility-scale and distributed segments.
India has now surpassed 150 GW of installed solar capacity, supported by enhanced domestic manufacturing, grid integration, and policy frameworks. The record addition is expected to further strengthen the renewable energy pipeline and accelerate industrial decarbonisation efforts.
The expansion is also likely to catalyse investments in transmission infrastructure, battery storage, green hydrogen, and solar manufacturing, positioning India as a potential export hub for modules, inverters, and related components.
Meanwhile, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited reported strong financial performance, handing over a dividend cheque of ₹115 crore to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, signalling investor confidence in the sector.
According to global rankings by the International Renewable Energy Agency, India has moved to third place worldwide in renewable energy installed capacity, surpassing Brazil.
Further highlighting the sector’s momentum, renewable sources accounted for a record 51.5% of India’s total electricity demand in July 2025, with total non-fossil fuel capacity reaching 283.46 GW as of March 31, 2026.
The milestone reinforces India’s strategic positioning in the global energy transition while supporting long-term sustainability and economic growth objectives.
