India Surpasses Japan, Becomes Third-Largest Solar Energy Producer
India has achieved a major milestone in the clean energy sector by overtaking Japan to become the third-largest solar energy producer in the world. This announcement was made recently by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Prahlad Joshi. According to the latest data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), India has produced 1,08,494 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of solar energy so far, while Japan has slipped to fourth position with 96,459 GWh.
This achievement is not only a significant step towards India’s energy self-reliance but also highlights the country’s leadership role in the global fight against climate change.
India’s Progress in the Solar Energy Sector
Over the past decade, India has made remarkable strides in solar energy. In 2014, the installed capacity of solar power was just 3 gigawatts. By the second quarter of 2025, this capacity had crossed 105.65 gigawatts.
This includes:
- 81.01 GW ground-mounted grid-connected projects
- 17.02 GW rooftop solar systems
- 2.87 GW hybrid projects
- 4.74 GW off-grid systems
Solar energy now accounts for more than 47% of India’s total renewable energy capacity. This progress is the result of consistent government efforts, policy reforms, and growing investor confidence.
Major Solar Parks in the Country
India is home to several world-renowned solar energy projects, including:
- Bhadla Solar Park, Rajasthan – 2,245 MW
- Pavagada Solar Park, Karnataka – 2,050 MW
- Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, Andhra Pradesh – 1,000 MW
- Rewa Solar Park, Madhya Pradesh – 750 MW
- Kamuthi Solar Park, Tamil Nadu – 648 MW
These projects are not only contributing to power generation but also creating employment opportunities for millions, while reducing the nation’s dependence on energy imports.
Government Schemes that Paved the Way
The Government of India has launched several initiatives to accelerate solar energy growth:
1. Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY)
Under this scheme, by 2024, solar panels have been installed in over 10 lakh households. Beneficiaries are not only receiving free electricity but are also selling surplus power back to the grid.
2. PM-KUSUM Scheme
Farmers in rural areas are being given up to 60% subsidy on solar-powered irrigation pumps. This has allowed them to use electricity during the day and has reduced their production costs.
3. National Rooftop Solar Scheme
This scheme promotes rooftop solar installations in both urban and rural areas. As a result, millions of consumers are now generating their own electricity.
Falling Costs Bring Relief to the Public
The cost of solar energy has dropped significantly over the years. A decade ago, the per-unit cost was ₹10.95, which has now fallen to as low as ₹2 per unit. This has made affordable and sustainable electricity accessible to households, MSMEs, and large industries alike.
Policy Reforms as Catalysts
The government has waived ISTS (Inter-State Transmission System) charges, making it easier for states to transmit power among themselves. Additionally, the “Make in India” initiative has boosted domestic production capacity of solar modules and inverters.
India’s Rising Global Standing
According to IRENA, India now ranks third in solar energy production, behind only China and the United States. A decade ago, this position belonged to Japan, but through consistent investment and project expansion, India has secured this spot.
India also ranks fourth in the world for wind energy and third in total renewable energy capacity.
The Road Ahead and the 2030 Goal
India’s target for 2030 is even more ambitious — to achieve 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity. Solar and wind energy will form the largest share of this goal.
To achieve this, the government has launched initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the Green Hydrogen Mission, advanced energy storage technologies, and smart grid development.
What Did Minister Prahlad Joshi Say?
Sharing the update on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Minister Prahlad Joshi stated:
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is moving rapidly towards clean energy. This achievement is not just technological but a historic step towards sustainable development, environmental protection, and energy self-reliance for the nation.”
Conclusion: India’s Green Energy Transformation
This achievement is not just a statistic but a historic step towards a clean, sustainable, and self-reliant energy future. The pace at which the government is working on clean energy assures that in the coming years, India could emerge as the top solar energy producer.
This progress will not only make the country’s energy supply greener and more affordable but will also strengthen India’s leading role in tackling global climate change.
Report: This report is based on official data from the New Solar Energy Council and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
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