India's Solar Energy Future — 500 GW by 2030
India has set an ambitious target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with solar being the backbone. The country is already the 4th largest solar market globally and growing fast.
India's Current Solar Progress
- Installed solar capacity: ~90 GW (as of early 2025)
- Target: 500 GW total renewables by 2030 (300 GW solar)
- Annual addition: 15–20 GW per year
- Solar cost reduction: 90% drop in 10 years — now cheapest electricity source
Key Government Policies Driving Solar
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- Target: 1 crore households with rooftop solar by 2027
- Budget: ₹75,000 crore
- Up to ₹78,000 subsidy per household
PM-KUSUM
- 35 lakh solar pumps for farmers
- 10 GW decentralized solar for rural areas
National Solar Mission
- 100 GW rooftop solar target
- Domestic manufacturing incentives (PLI scheme)
Falling Solar Prices — The Trend Continues
| Year | Avg Solar Tariff (₹/kWh) | Module Price ($/W) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | ₹7.00 | $0.65 |
| 2018 | ₹2.44 | $0.35 |
| 2021 | ₹1.99 | $0.22 |
| 2024 | ₹2.15 | $0.12 |
| 2030 (est.) | ₹1.50 | $0.08 |
What This Means for Homeowners
- Solar installation costs will continue falling — but don't wait too long
- Electricity tariffs will keep rising — solar savings grow every year
- Grid integration improving — net metering becoming more accessible
- Battery storage becoming affordable — energy independence closer than ever
What This Means for Solar Businesses
- Massive market opportunity — only 2% of rooftops have solar currently
- Government push means sustained demand for 10+ years
- Skilled installer shortage — trained workforce commands premium
- New business models: Solar leasing, PPA, community solar emerging
India's Solar Manufacturing Push
Under the PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) scheme, India is building 50+ GW of domestic solar manufacturing capacity. Companies like Adani, Reliance, Waaree, and Tata are investing billions. By 2026, India aims to be self-sufficient in solar panels — reducing import dependence from China.