India surpasses 70 GW Solar Capacity, aims for 100 GW by 2024

India had aimed to achieve a solar energy capacity of 100 GW by the year 2024, and as of June 2023, they have successfully reached 70.10 GW. Additionally, there are on-going efforts to construct another 55.60 GW of solar capacity. Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R K Singh shared this information in a written response to Lok Sabha.The minister clarified that the targets for renewable energy are not fixed on a state-wise basis. He assured the House that the government is actively collaborating with state governments and the private sector, implementing various schemes and policies to expedite the realisation of the solar energy target.In response to another question, the minister highlighted the potential for recycling and reusing solar panel waste. Depending on the condition of photovoltaic (PV) modules from a solar PV plant, recycling may be considered. The decision to reuse the recycled or recovered material is based on economic value compared to virgin material, as well as the purity and quality of the recycled material.Furthermore, in the fiscal year 2022-23, solar energy-based generation accounted for 1,02,014.24 million units (MU) out of the total power generation of 16,24,465.10 MU in the country, including power imported from Bhutan.