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In recent years, India has significantly increased its solar capacity, reaching about 63 GW by January 2023, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Navitas Solar, a leading solar energy solutions provider, believes India is progressing towards its goal announced at COP27 in Egypt, aiming to transition away from fossil fuels by 2070 for net-zero emissions. This strategy emphasizes diversifying energy sources, particularly with solar energy. The International Energy Agency predicts India’s solar push will impact global renewables, based on data from CEA. The progress of India’s top ten states in solar installations is promising.

India has emerged as a global leader in solar power for a sustainable energy future. As of 2023, several states excel in solar installations, crucial for India’s renewable energy journey. This exploration highlights the top 10 solar energy producing states in India based on their solar capacity in gigawatts, from Gujarat’s large solar parks to Tamil Nadu’s progressive policies, all contributing to a greener future.

Karnataka – 9.05 GW

Karnataka has become a significant player in renewable energy, with a total capacity of 17,848.74 MW. A large part of this capacity, approximately half, is attributed to solar power. This solar capacity is further divided into ground-mounted solar (7,754.77 MW), rooftop solar (1,562.11 MW), and off-grid solar (30.31 MW). India’s second-largest solar park, with a production capacity of 2050 MW, is also located in Karnataka. Further, the government plans to expand its production capacity to 3 MW. At the same time, three more mega solar power plants, each with a generating capacity of 2.5 MW, are lined up. Thus, Karnataka is a significant contributor to the solar installation in India.

Gujarat: 10.13 GW

Gujarat is one of the leading states in India for solar energy. Its contribution is around 14 percent of the country’s total capacity. The state generates 19 MW of renewable power, with 10 MW from solar alone. That makes Gujarat the second-largest solar power-producing state in India. Moreover, the state also accounts for 25 percent of the total rooftop capacity of the country. Charanka Solar Power Park is the biggest solar park in Gujarat, and it has a generating capacity of 600 MW. The government is also planning to build the world’s largest renewable energy park with a generating capacity of 30,000 MW.

Rajasthan: 17.8 GW

Thanks to its strategic location Rajasthan is now the state with highest solar capacity in India. As of 2023, it has a total generating capacity of 17.8 GW of solar power. The government is trying to expand this capacity by installing 30,000 MW of energy by 2025. Rajasthan also has the world’s largest operational solar park at Jodhpur. The generating capacity of this park is 2,245 MW. Rajasthan aims to generate 90 MW of renewable power by 2030. As a result, various government and state-funded projects have been launched recently.

Tamil Nadu: 6.8 GW

With a 6.8 GW generating capacity, Tamil Naidu ranks fourth in solar installation in India. However, the state’s total renewable energy generation capacity is around 15 GW. The state government offers various subsidies for promoting rooftop solar installation. The Kamuthi solar park is the biggest operating solar park in the state with a generating capacity of 648 GW.

Andhra Pradesh: 4.5 GW

Andhra Pradesh currently has an installed solar power capacity of 4257 MW, and it plans to add 10,050 MW in the coming years. As of September 2023, Andhra Pradesh’s is in the top 5 solar energy producing states in India. It also has one of the biggest floating solar projects in the country. The Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park, having a generating capacity of 1000 MW, is among India’s largest solar parks. Recently, the AP government has also laid the foundation of three solar projects in the state. The government plans to add 5000 MW capacity to the existing generation in the next five years. This additional generation will help Andhra Pradesh meet its growing agriculture demand, which accounts for 24 percent of total energy consumption. Moreover, government officials claim that the state has a solar potential of 33 GW.

Telangana: 4.66 GW

Telangana ranks sixth in the top solar energy producing states in India. The total solar generating capacity is around 3.5 MW, which accounts for around 10.5 percent of India’s total capacity. The state government is trying to achieve 1 GW of solar power generation capacity by 2025. Today Telangana has India’s largest 100 MW floting solar plant. This plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology and is spread over 500 acres. Overall, Telangana’s solar energy growth is significant, that showcases its commitment to sustainability.

Madhya Pradesh: 2.8 GW

Madhya Pradesh is the home of the fifth-largest solar park in India. It is located in Rewa and has a generating capacity of 750 MW. MP’s actual solar power generating capacity is around 2.5 GW. However, the government plans to increase this capacity to 10 GW in the upcoming years. For this, the government plans to set up different plants in the state. One such forthcoming plat is Shajapur Solar Park. This will also be the world’s biggest solar plant, with an installed capacity of 1.5 GW. The MP government also plans to turn Sanchi into the world’s first zero city.

Maharashtra: 4.8 GW

Maharashtra is one of the fastest-growing states in solar power generation. As of now, Maharastra has a total generation capacity of 4.8 GW. Meanwhile, the government aims to add 12.9 GW by 2025. For this, the government is planning to distribute solar pumps to farmers and provide solar connections to 10,000 houses every year. Apart from this, 132.5 MW of solar projects are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2024. Maharastra is also home to India’s first wholly solar-powered tiger reserve.

Uttar Pradesh: 2.5 GW

UP generates 4.7 GW of renewable power, and around 53 percent of this power comes from solar energy, which is roughly 2.5 GW. When compared to other states, UP has a lower power generation. However, recently, the government created the UP Solar Energy Policy 2022. The policy aims to increase the solar power generation within the state to 22 GW. Further, the government has also approved financial help for rooftop solar installation. Additionally, the government plans to make Ayodhya a model solar city.

Haryana: 1.02 GW

Haryana is India’s tenth largest solar energy producer, with a generating capacity of 1.02 GW. However, the government is planning to increase this capacity to 6 GW by 2030. To achieve this target, the government has already drafted the Haryana Solar Power Policy 2023. This target comprises ground capacity, rooftops, and solarization of irrigation.

Navigating the Solar Landscape: Policies and Initiatives

The success of these states in harnessing solar power can be attributed to a combination of progressive policies, conducive environments for solar projects, and strategic investments. Policies promoting net metering, subsidies, and incentives for solar installations have played a crucial role in encouraging both individual and industrial adoption of solar power.

Challenges and Innovations in Solar Integration

While these states have made significant progress, challenges such as land acquisition, grid integration, and intermittency issues persist. However, continual technological innovations, including advanced energy storage solutions, smart grid technologies, and enhanced solar panel efficiency, are paving the way for overcoming these challenges.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The solar boom in these states has not only contributed to environmental sustainability but has also had a positive economic impact. The solar industry has become a significant source of employment, from the installation and maintenance of solar panels to research and development in solar technology.

Community Engagement and Awareness

Community engagement and awareness programs have played a crucial role in the success of solar initiatives. Educational campaigns, workshops, and community-driven solar projects have empowered citizens to embrace solar energy, fostering a culture of sustainability.

Future Prospects: Projected Growth and Evolving Technologies

Looking ahead, the trajectory of solar power in India is promising. Projections indicate substantial growth in solar installation capacities across states. Emerging technologies such as floating solar farms, solar rooftops, and advancements in energy storage solutions are anticipated to further revolutionize the solar landscape.

Conclusion: A Solar-Powered Tomorrow

The journey of these top ten states in India reflects a collective commitment towards a sustainable and solar-powered future. As the nation strives to meet its renewable energy goals, these states serve as beacons of inspiration. The combination of visionary policies, technological innovations, and community involvement has created a formidable force driving India’s transition to a cleaner and greener energy landscape. The solar revolution is not just about meeting energy needs; it’s about building a sustainable legacy for generations to come.