India's solar installations in 2021 surpass a record 10 GW capacity
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India's solar installations in 2021 surpass a record 10 GW capacity

According to Mercom India Research's recently released Q4 and Annual India Solar Market Update report, India installed a record 10 GW of new solar capacity in 2021, a huge jump of 210% year-over-year (YoY) compared to 3.2 GW installed in 2020.

In India, this is the highest annual capacity of solar installations ever.

Solar capacity installed to date totalled 49.3 GW. In addition, the country has a development pipeline of more than 53 GW.

India installed 2.6 GW of solar in Q4 2021, a 7% decrease from the 2.8 GW installed in Q3 2021. When compared to 1.5 GW in Q4 2020, the installations increased by 74% YoY.

According to the report, utility-scale projects accounted for 83% of total installations last year, with 8.3 GW added, a 230% increase over the previous year. Rooftop installations made up the remaining 17%, with nearly 1.7 GW of new installations, a 138% increase over 2020.

As the country slowly recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, a large number of projects were pushed from 2020 to 2021, contributing to the year's increase in installations.

In comparison to the 2.4 GW added in Q3 2021, 2.2 GW of utility-scale solar was added in Q4 2021. When compared to 1.2 GW installed in Q4 2020, utility-scale installations grew by 82% YoY. Rooftop solar capacity added fell by about 10% in Q4 2021, from 448 MW in Q3 2021 to 402 MW in Q4 2021.

Despite the challenges, including an increase in raw material prices due to supply chain disruptions and Covid-19-induced lockdowns, the industry remained resilient throughout the year, according to the report.

Solar accounted for 12.4% of total installed power capacity and 32% of total installed renewable capacity at the end of December 2021, according to the report.

The year also saw delays in the signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and a lack of clarity about the applicable duties, resulting in a 4.3% YoY decrease in solar tenders and a 2.6% decrease in auctions compared to 2020.

Image Source

Also read: India's solar generation surges by 18% YoY to 68.77 BU in 2021

According to Mercom India Research's recently released Q4 and Annual India Solar Market Update report, India installed a record 10 GW of new solar capacity in 2021, a huge jump of 210% year-over-year (YoY) compared to 3.2 GW installed in 2020. In India, this is the highest annual capacity of solar installations ever. Solar capacity installed to date totalled 49.3 GW. In addition, the country has a development pipeline of more than 53 GW. India installed 2.6 GW of solar in Q4 2021, a 7% decrease from the 2.8 GW installed in Q3 2021. When compared to 1.5 GW in Q4 2020, the installations increased by 74% YoY. According to the report, utility-scale projects accounted for 83% of total installations last year, with 8.3 GW added, a 230% increase over the previous year. Rooftop installations made up the remaining 17%, with nearly 1.7 GW of new installations, a 138% increase over 2020. As the country slowly recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, a large number of projects were pushed from 2020 to 2021, contributing to the year's increase in installations. In comparison to the 2.4 GW added in Q3 2021, 2.2 GW of utility-scale solar was added in Q4 2021. When compared to 1.2 GW installed in Q4 2020, utility-scale installations grew by 82% YoY. Rooftop solar capacity added fell by about 10% in Q4 2021, from 448 MW in Q3 2021 to 402 MW in Q4 2021. Despite the challenges, including an increase in raw material prices due to supply chain disruptions and Covid-19-induced lockdowns, the industry remained resilient throughout the year, according to the report. Solar accounted for 12.4% of total installed power capacity and 32% of total installed renewable capacity at the end of December 2021, according to the report. The year also saw delays in the signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and a lack of clarity about the applicable duties, resulting in a 4.3% YoY decrease in solar tenders and a 2.6% decrease in auctions compared to 2020. Image Source Also read: India's solar generation surges by 18% YoY to 68.77 BU in 2021

Next Story
Real Estate

Dharavi Rising

Dharavi, Asia’s largest informal settlement, stands on the cusp of a historic transformation. With an ambitious urban renewal project finally taking shape, millions of residents are looking ahead with hope. But delivering a project of this scale brings immense challenges – from land acquisition to rehabilitate ineligible residents outside Dharavi and rehabilitation to infrastructure development. It also requires balancing commercial goals with deep-rooted social impact. At the helm is SVR Srinivas, IAS, CEO & Officer on Special Duty, Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), Government..

Next Story
Real Estate

MLDL Records 20.4% Growth in Pre-Sales

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. In line with INDAS 115, the company recognises revenues using the completion of contract method. Key highlights FY25: Consolidated sales (Residential and IC&IC) of Rs 32.99 billion. Gross development value (GDV) additions in FY25 were Rs 1.81 trillion compared to Rs 440 billion in FY24 (~4x growth). Residential pre-sales of Rs 28.04 billion in FY25, reflecting 20.4% growth o..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

UCSL Delivers India's First Green Cargo Vessel to Norway

In a landmark achievement for Indian shipbuilding and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has delivered the first of six next-generation green cargo vessels to Norway-based Wilson Ship Management AS, Europe’s largest short-sea shipping operator. The 3,800 DWT vessel, named Wilson Eco 1, was handed over during a ceremony at New Mangalore Port. The delivery is part of a Rs 5.06 billion project supported by Norway’s green maritime funding programme, marking India's entry into the European eco-friendly ca..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?