Whalesbook
India Sets New Solar Capacity Records
India has set a new record, adding 44 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2025 alone. This brings the country's total installed solar power capacity to an impressive 150 GW. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy confirmed these figures in response to an NGO's inquiry.
Key Government Programs Fuel Expansion
Several government programs have driven this rapid growth. Initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Muillère Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar manufacturing have successfully spurred investment and deployment across the country.
India Ranks Among Top Solar Nations
This rapid annual growth places India among the world's top solar energy nations. India's 44 GW addition in 2025 surpasses the United States' typical annual additions (30-40 GW). Only the European Union and China have installed more solar capacity recently. This growth is a stark contrast to the pre-2014 period, when India's total solar capacity was just 2.5 GW.
NGO Proposes 'Mass Solar Mission'
NGO NatConnect is calling for a 'mass solar mission,' similar to the Swachh Bharat campaign, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead it. The group argues that a decentralized, community-led approach is vital to cut India's heavy reliance on crude oil imports (85%) and strengthen national energy security.