The cumulative solar energy capacity installed, as on July 31, 2017, stands at is 13,652 MW, while the same at the end of 2014-15 stood at 3743.97 MW, according to Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy and Mines.
The states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana have crossed the solar installed capacity of 1 GW, as on July 31, 2017.
The Government of India has also revised the National Solar Mission target of grid connected solar power projects from 20,000 MW by 2022 to 100,000 MW by 2022. The same is sought to be achieved through rooftop solar projects (40,000 MW) and ground mounted solar projects (60,000 MW), according to Goyal.
However, no specific ‘Solar Energy Policy’ has been formulated. In the meanwhile, the government has launched schemes to promote solar energy. These include:
1. Solar Park Scheme for setting up of over 50 solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects targeting over 40,000 MW of solar power projects.
2. Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of grid-connected solar PV power projects by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Government of India organisations with Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
3. Scheme for setting up 300 MW of grid-connected solar PV power projects by defence establishments and para military forces with VGF.
4. Pilot-cum-demonstration projects for development of grid connected solar PV power plants on canal banks and canal tops.
5. Bundling Scheme - 15000 MW grid-connected solar PV power plants through NTPC or NVVN.
6. VGF Scheme for setting up of 2,000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV power projects through SECI.
7. VGF Scheme for setting up of 5,000 MW of grid connected solar PV power projects through SECI.
8. Installation of grid connected solar rooftop power plants.
