Solar installations in India reach 40 GW milestone
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar installations in India reach 40 GW milestone

India’s cumulative solar installations have reached the 40 GW milestone as of February 2021, with the country’s total installations comprising 34.9 GW of utility-scale solar installations and 5.1 GW of rooftop solar installations, according to Mercom India Research.

Currently, India has a target of 100 GW solar installations by 2022 under the National Solar Mission. The country crossed the 20 GW milestone in January 2018. The National Solar Mission’s original target was 20 GW by 2022 but was revised to 100 GW by 2022. In May 2019, India marked the 30 GW milestone.

Installations slowed down in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Construction activity for ongoing projects came to a halt, and the solar supply chain took a hit. Prior to the pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown on 23 March 2020, solar installations were around 37 GW.

Government agencies, however, floated about 32 GW of tenders in the calendar year (CY) 2020, a 7% decline compared to 35 GW in 2020.

Mercom’s Q4 2020 and Annual India Solar Market Update also showed that India installed 3,239 MW of solar capacity in the CY 2020, a 56% decline compared to 7,346 MW in 2019.

However, rooftop solar capacity additions slowed down to just 719 MW during CY 2020. The segment also grapples with the government’s net metering policy, which allows only for loads up to 10 kW.

Considering that several projects scheduled for 2020 were moved to 2021, Mercom India Research now expects the country to add about 10 GW of solar capacity in 2021.

Solar power also recently hit another significant milestone this year as the share of solar power in India’s installed power capacity mix reached 10.3%, exceeding that of wind-based power sources for the first time, according to Mercom’s data. The share of installed wind capacity stood at 10.25%.

Image Source


Also read: India's solar capacity addition at five-year lowest

Also read: Total solar capacity surpasses wind capacity in India

India’s cumulative solar installations have reached the 40 GW milestone as of February 2021, with the country’s total installations comprising 34.9 GW of utility-scale solar installations and 5.1 GW of rooftop solar installations, according to Mercom India Research. Currently, India has a target of 100 GW solar installations by 2022 under the National Solar Mission. The country crossed the 20 GW milestone in January 2018. The National Solar Mission’s original target was 20 GW by 2022 but was revised to 100 GW by 2022. In May 2019, India marked the 30 GW milestone. Installations slowed down in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Construction activity for ongoing projects came to a halt, and the solar supply chain took a hit. Prior to the pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown on 23 March 2020, solar installations were around 37 GW. Government agencies, however, floated about 32 GW of tenders in the calendar year (CY) 2020, a 7% decline compared to 35 GW in 2020. Mercom’s Q4 2020 and Annual India Solar Market Update also showed that India installed 3,239 MW of solar capacity in the CY 2020, a 56% decline compared to 7,346 MW in 2019. However, rooftop solar capacity additions slowed down to just 719 MW during CY 2020. The segment also grapples with the government’s net metering policy, which allows only for loads up to 10 kW. Considering that several projects scheduled for 2020 were moved to 2021, Mercom India Research now expects the country to add about 10 GW of solar capacity in 2021. Solar power also recently hit another significant milestone this year as the share of solar power in India’s installed power capacity mix reached 10.3%, exceeding that of wind-based power sources for the first time, according to Mercom’s data. The share of installed wind capacity stood at 10.25%. Image Source Also read: India's solar capacity addition at five-year lowest Also read: Total solar capacity surpasses wind capacity in India

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?