– Shreyas Gowda, Senior Vice President of Oorjan Cleantech
The world energy industry is experiencing a speedy revolution, with solar power becoming a clean, environmentally friendly, and affordable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Improved technology, falling installation prices, and government incentives have facilitated access to solar power more than ever before. Organisations and individuals are going green, choosing solar solutions in large numbers, improving energy autonomy, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. With the increased demand for cleaner energy, solar power is paving the way for a greener future.
Reasons Behind the Increase in Solar Energy in India
Government Policies
The government of India has come up with different policies to support solar energy development, such as subsidies, tax breaks, and grid connection schemes. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program has played a vital role in facilitating decentralised solar power generation. Through the promotion of solar pumps for irrigation by farmers, the scheme has significantly reduced reliance on traditional grid electricity.
Solar Park Plans
To further spur solar adoption, the government has encouraged the development of solar parks in the country. Solar parks are specialised infrastructure for the generation of solar power, facilitating project development for investors and developers. The Solar Park Scheme launched almost a decade back, has simplified the process of commencing solar power installations. These solar parks are of large capacity and have shared infrastructure, including roads, water supply, drainage, and communication, which has led to substantial growth in India’s solar capacity.
Rooftop Solar Challenges and Potential
Lacking government incentives, rooftop solar panels’ adoption in urban areas such as Bengaluru has been lagging behind predictions. Installation prices are high, and the process is complex, scaring off many homeowners who shudder at the initial investment costs even though the long-term benefit is substantial. But with developing technology and improving regulations, the adoption of rooftop solar is projected to increase.
Experts point to the vast potential of rooftop solar in reshaping India’s urban energy dynamics. Rooftop solar can significantly reduce emissions, decrease electricity bills for companies and homes, and minimise reliance on conventional power grids, according to an RMI (2025) report. But this can be achieved only by overcoming the current challenges through enhanced legislative systems, improved financing, and heightened public awareness.
Impact of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
Through January 2025, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has considerably spurred rooftop solar uptake in India. As of December 2024, 846,000 homes installed solar systems, totalling 2.3 GW of rooftop solar capacity. The scheme has issued financial support amounting to ₹43.09 billion (~$496 million) to 554,000 recipients, with close to 45% of them having zero electricity bills.
Gujarat has the highest number of installations among Indian states, with 351,273, followed by Maharashtra (192,936) and Uttar Pradesh (73,602). The program targets 2 million installations by October 2025 and 10 million by March 2027.
Conclusion
India is making rapid strides in revolutionising its energy ecosystem through government policies and solar parks. Although regulatory challenges and expensive installation hinder the adoption of rooftop solar, there is still gigantic potential for solar power to redesign urban energy grids. With unwavering political will and technical progress, solar power will remain pivotal in making India’s energy future secure by providing both eco-friendly advantages and energy autonomy.
