India Becomes World's Second-Largest Solar Growth Market, Surpassing the United States

India has become the second-largest solar growth market globally.

The country surpassed the United States in annual solar capacity additions.

India is now behind only China in solar market growth.

Rapid expansion has been driven by:

Utility-scale solar projects

Rooftop solar installations

Government incentives

Renewable energy investments

Solar energy continues to play a crucial role in India's energy transition and climate goals.

The achievement strengthens India's position as a global leader in renewable energy.

India's Solar Energy Progress

India has witnessed one of the fastest growth rates in renewable energy deployment globally.

Solar energy forms the largest share of India's renewable energy expansion.

Major solar parks and utility-scale projects have significantly increased installed capacity.

The government is promoting domestic manufacturing of solar modules and cells under the Make in India initiative.

National Solar Mission (NSM):

Launched: 2010

Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Objective:

Promote solar energy generation.

Reduce dependence on conventional energy.

Encourage solar manufacturing ecosystem.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Launched: 2024

Ministry: MNRE

Objective:

Promote rooftop solar installations.

Provide free electricity through solar power generation.

Target: Installation of rooftop solar systems in 1 crore households.

International Solar Alliance (ISA):

Director General: Dr. Ashish Khanna

Members: 120+ members of UN, incl. Japan, France, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Algeria and Australia etc.

Announced during COP21 in Paris (2015).

Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana

Objective:

Promote solar energy deployment globally.

Mobilize investments in solar infrastructure.

India's Renewable Energy Targets

By 2030

500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity.

Around 50% of electricity requirements from non-fossil fuel sources.

Reduction in carbon intensity of the economy.

Net Zero Target

India has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021).

Solar Energy: Advantages

Renewable and clean source of energy.

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Low operational costs.

Improves energy access in remote areas.

Supports sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Exam Focus Points (Quick Revision Notes)

India's Global Rank in Solar Growth → 2nd

Country Overtaken → United States

Country Ahead of India → China

Nodal Ministry → Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

National Solar Mission Launch Year → 2010

ISA Headquarters → Gurugram, Haryana

PM Surya Ghar Scheme Launch → 2024

Renewable Energy Target by 2030 → 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity

Net Zero Target Year → 2070