How Much Solar Energy is Generated in India in 2023?

Picture a land filled with sunlight where solar panels cover every inch, brightening the entire country. In 2023, India achieved an amazing feat in solar power. It generated 27 billion units of solar energy in just the third quarter. This is a 19% increase from the year before.

India’s move towards renewable energy is picking up pace, and solar power is key. According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the country made 86.77 BU of solar power in the first nine months of 2023. This marked a 23.5% increase from the same period in 2022.

The states leading in solar energy are Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In the third quarter, they generated the most solar power. The country saw a slight decrease in solar power due to the usual monsoon rains, though.

Key Takeaways

• India generated approximately 27 billion units (BU) of solar power in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, up 19% year-over-year (YoY).
• In the first nine months (9M) of 2023, about 86.77 BU of solar power was generated, up 23.5% YoY from 70.23 BU.
• Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu recorded the highest solar power generation QoQ, with 9.5 BU, 3.4 BU, and 3.1 BU, respectively.
• However, solar generation in the top three states fell 7.2%, 15.3%, and 10.7% QoQ due to the seasonal monsoons.
• Fenice Energy offers comprehensive clean energy solutions, including solar, backup systems, and EV charging, backed by over 20 years of experience.

India’s Soaring Solar Power Generation

India’s solar power has reached an installed capacity of 81.813 GWAC by March 31, 2024. This makes the country the world’s third-largest solar power producer. The growth shows India’s strong focus on renewable energy, especially solar power.

Impressive Growth in Solar Capacity

From 2010 to 2019, India saw a big increase in money from other countries for solar projects. This investment hit INR 162,000 crore (US$20.7 billion). It helped boost India’s solar industry. Now, the government wants to add 40 GW more in solar and hybrid projects this year.

India has made 42 solar parks across the nation to give space for solar plants. The goal of reaching 20 GW by 2022 was met early. This led to a new goal of 100 GW by 2022, including 40 GW from rooftop solar. The government plans to spend INR 700,000 crore (US$100 billion) to reach this.

Regional Breakdown: Leading States

Between January and September 2023, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh produced 75.2% of India’s solar power. Gujarat was highlighted for its solar energy efforts. It had a solar capacity of 7,806 MW by June 30, 2022. The state’s Gujarat Solar Park-1 in Charanka already runs 345 MW since March 2016.

Solar’s Growing Share in the Energy Mix

The Central Electricity Authority and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy show solar power was 16.4% of India’s power in Q3 2023. It was 39.4% of all renewable energy. India’s total renewable energy capacity hit 177.1 GW, making up 41.8% of the country’s power.

how much solar energy is generated in india

Quarterly and Annual Solar Generation Figures

In the third quarter of 2023, India made about 27 billion units (BU) of solar power. That’s 19% more than the year before, the Central Electricity Authority reported. By the end of the first nine months in 2023, around 86.77 BU of solar power was made. This is a 23.5% increase from 70.23 BU last year.

Comparative Analysis: Year-over-Year Growth

During Q3 of 2023, India produced 457.3 BU of power. Solar energy made up 5.9% of this amount. However, thermal power was the main source, making up 70.4% of all energy. Looking at the first nine months of 2023, the growth in solar power production continued. It jumped by 23.5%, from 70.23 BU to 86.77 BU.

India’s Renewable Energy Roadmap

The Government of India aimed for a 20 GW capacity by 2022, hitting it four years early. They then set a new goal in 2015, aiming for 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022, including 40 GW from rooftop solar. The Ministry of Power (MoP) has made it easier to invest in wind-solar hybrid projects by setting up new guidelines. These changes will speed up how fast we add renewable power and lessen risks by creating a clear plan for buying hybrid power long-term.

Ambitious Targets and Policy Initiatives

India has set up almost 42 solar parks to help solar plant projects find land. The Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park plans to generate 30 GWAC power from solar panels and wind turbines. It will be found in Kutch district, Gujarat, sitting on 72,600 hectares of wasted land. This place is a role model for renewable energy use.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an organization started by India. It aims to use solar power more effectively. India also has big ideas like “One Sun One World One Grid” and “World Solar Bank”. These ideas are meant to help use the sun’s power everywhere in the world.

Solar Park Scheme and Mega Projects

Fenice Energy is a key player in providing clean energy solutions. They do solar, backup systems, and EV charging. With over 20 years in the field, their work is making India’s move to cleaner energy faster and smoother.

Harnessing India’s Solar Potential

India is vast, with different climates across the country. This diversity opens a big door for solar power. Solar energy can boost India’s move towards renewable power. Yet, most solar energy efforts are in just nine states. This could be risky for a future power grid that heavily relies on solar.

Geographic Diversity for Resilience

In places where cyclones hit, solar power can drop suddenly. Many parts of India face cyclones, dust storms, and heavy rains. By spreading solar plants to different areas, we can lower the risk of power shortages. This helps make India’s solar power stronger and steadier.

Integration with Hydropower and Storage

In Andhra Pradesh, lots of water storage turns solar energy into continuous power. The state aims to build big storage projects for a more steady energy flow. Companies like Fenice Energy help with solar and other clean energy needs. They’re backed by more than 20 years of experience.

Leveraging the Northeast and Ladakh

Putting solar panels in more places makes better use of sunlight hours. It also helps link up with the Northeast’s hydropower and taps into Ladakh’s great solar potential. This mix offers many paths to a green, renewable future for India.

Conclusion

India is doing great in adding more solar power, making a lot of clean energy in 2023. By March 2024, it had 81.813 GWAC of solar power, making it the third biggest in the world. India aims to use more solar energy, with plans like the Solar Park Scheme and big projects. This will help use solar for home roofs and places not connected to the main grid.

But, too much solar power in just a few places could be a problem for the future’s power grid. To make things better, India needs to put solar panels in more areas, mix solar power with water energy, and use places like the Northeast and Ladakh more. Fenice Energy is ready to help with its many years of expertise in clean energy and solutions like solar panels, emergency backup, and electric car charging.

With these efforts, India’s future in renewable energy looks bright. By solving problems and using its big solar power resources well, India can show the world how to move to a future with clean and lasting energy.