India's solar capacity addition at five-year lowest

04 Mar 2021 Editorial Team

Last year, India saw its solar power capacity additions shrink by 56% on a year-on-year basis due to Covid-induced lockdowns, but a “significant positive growth” has been noted this year.

Mercom India Research reports that in 2020, at 3,239 MW, India’s newly commissioned solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached its lowest level in five years, and the drop in power sale agreements as tariffs in auctions experienced a steep fall. A rise in module prices and the lockdowns have contributed to the decline.

This year, with policies aiming to promote domestic manufacturing and curb imports of solar components, the sector is set for growth. Market analysts anticipate over 10 GW of solar capacity addition in 2021, given the upcoming commissioning of delayed projects in 2020.

4th Indian Cement Review Conference 2021

17-18 March

Click for event info

According to media sources, India commissioned 2.5 GW of large scale solar parks in the past year, or 60% less than a year before. Rooftop installations fell 35% in annual terms to 719 MW and accounted for 22% of the total capacity additions. Regionally, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh were the three states with the largest share of new installations for the year.

In the fourth quarter, 1.5 GW of solar parks were put on stream, down from 1.8 GW a year back. Out of this, 1.2 GW came from the large scale solar sector, and 285 MW was from the rooftop systems.

Overall, solar was responsible for 48% of India’s total power capacity additions in 2020. Its cumulative installed solar capacity at the year end amounted to 39 GW, and around 47.5 GW was in the pipeline.

Image Source

Also read: Cities, states issue tenders for solar projects

Also read: Total solar capacity surpasses wind capacity in India

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

Last year, India saw its solar power capacity additions shrink by 56% on a year-on-year basis due to Covid-induced lockdowns, but a “significant positive growth” has been noted this year. Mercom India Research reports that in 2020, at 3,239 MW, India’s newly commissioned solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached its lowest level in five years, and the drop in power sale agreements as tariffs in auctions experienced a steep fall. A rise in module prices and the lockdowns have contributed to the decline. This year, with policies aiming to promote domestic manufacturing and curb imports of solar components, the sector is set for growth. Market analysts anticipate over 10 GW of solar capacity addition in 2021, given the upcoming commissioning of delayed projects in 2020.4th Indian Cement Review Conference 202117-18 March Click for event info According to media sources, India commissioned 2.5 GW of large scale solar parks in the past year, or 60% less than a year before. Rooftop installations fell 35% in annual terms to 719 MW and accounted for 22% of the total capacity additions. Regionally, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh were the three states with the largest share of new installations for the year. In the fourth quarter, 1.5 GW of solar parks were put on stream, down from 1.8 GW a year back. Out of this, 1.2 GW came from the large scale solar sector, and 285 MW was from the rooftop systems. Overall, solar was responsible for 48% of India’s total power capacity additions in 2020. Its cumulative installed solar capacity at the year end amounted to 39 GW, and around 47.5 GW was in the pipeline. Image Source Also read: Cities, states issue tenders for solar projects Also read: Total solar capacity surpasses wind capacity in India

Real Estate

04 Sep 2025

Mumbai Records 11,230 Property Deals in August 2025

Mumbai’s property market remained resilient in August 2025, with 11,230 property registrations recorded under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) jurisdiction, according to data released by Knight Frank India. While this marks a 3 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline compared to 11,631 registrations in August 2024, activity stayed robust despite the marginal dip.On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, registrations fell 11 per cent from 12,579 deals in July 2025, indicating seasonal moderation. However, the city’s stamp duty collections still reached Rs 10 billion, reflecting a 6 per cent..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

68 Jammu-Katra Trains Cancelled Amid Rain Damage

Jammu and Katra railway services remain severely affected as Northern Railway announced the cancellation of 68 trains—both incoming and outgoing—until 30 September, due to extensive track damage caused by heavy rains and flash floods. Meanwhile, 24 trains are scheduled to resume operations gradually.The Jammu railway division has experienced a complete halt in services for the past eight days, following track misalignment and breaches at several points along the Pathankot–Jammu section. Torrential rainfall since 26 August led to widespread flooding and damage, stranding hundreds of passe..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Sep 2025

Bangalore Metro MD Reviews Reach 6 and Phase 2A Progress

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director, Dr J Ravishankar, IAS, conducted inspections of key metro corridors on 29 and 30 August, reviewing the progress of Reach 6 (Pink Line) and Phase 2A (Blue Line).On 30 August, the inspection covered Reach 6, a 21.39-km corridor stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, with 18 stations. This stretch is part of Phase 2 of the Bangalore Metro project. Dr Ravishankar assessed the status of civil works, finishing, track laying, and system integration between Kalena Agrahara and MG Road.Earlier, on 29 August, the MD inspected Phas..