India Adds Record 44 GW Solar Capacity in 2025

India added 44 GW of solar capacity in 2025, taking the total installed solar capacity to 150 GW. By March 2026, India’s installed solar power capacity had reached 150.2 GW AC, and the country ranked as the world’s third-largest producer of solar power.

Solar Capacity in India

India’s solar capacity refers to the installed electricity generation capacity from photovoltaic and related solar systems measured in gigawatts. The 44 GW addition in 2025 placed India among the largest annual solar capacity expanders globally. The United States typically adds 30 GW to 40 GW of solar capacity in a year, while the European Union and China recorded higher annual additions.

Government Schemes Linked to Expansion

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is the Union ministry responsible for renewable energy policy in India. The expansion in solar capacity is linked with the PM Surya Ghar scheme for rooftop solar, the PM-KUSUM scheme for solar pumps and decentralised solar, and the Production Linked Incentive scheme for domestic manufacturing of solar equipment. These schemes form part of India’s renewable energy policy framework.

Recent Installation Trends

India recorded 14.4 GW of solar photovoltaic installations in the first quarter of 2026. This figure was nearly double the 7.7 GW added in the first quarter of 2025. Solar photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor cells.

Important Facts for Exams

• India’s total renewable energy capacity, including large hydro, reached 276.5 GW by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
• Renewable energy accounted for 51.7% of India’s total installed power capacity by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
• Nat-Connect is a Thane-based non-governmental organisation.
• Mercom India and JMK Research are among the organisations that track India’s solar market data.

Global Context

India’s 2025 solar addition was placed above the usual annual additions in the United States and below the annual additions of the European Union and China. Solar capacity expansion is measured in installed gigawatts and is used in comparisons of national renewable energy growth.