India is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global solar energy sector, driven by ambitious government initiatives and abundant natural resources. With a vision of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, the Indian government has set a target of 280 GW of solar power capacity by 2030.

This article explores the top solar energy producing states in India, highlighting their contributions and future plans.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan tops the list with an impressive 18.7 GW of solar energy production. The state’s vast potential, intense solar radiation, and numerous sunny days make it an ideal location for solar power generation. The Bhadla Solar Park, the world’s largest solar power plant, is located in Rajasthan, with a total capacity of 2245 MW.

Gujarat

Gujarat has surpassed Karnataka to become the second-largest solar energy producer, with 10.13 GW of solar power generation. The state’s Renewable Energy Policy 2023 aims for 100 GW of solar energy production by 2030, and it is working on building the world’s largest renewable energy park in the Kutch district.

Karnataka

Karnataka, located on India’s Deccan plateau, receives enough of sunlight all year. It is the third-largest producer of solar energy, producing 9.05 GW. According to a 2018 analysis, Bengaluru (Karnataka) can generate up to 3.2 GW of power just with rooftop solar.

The Pavagada Solar Park in Tumakuru district is the second largest solar power facility. Three more significant power plant projects in the Bidar, Koppal, and Gadag districts are also planned to expand solar production.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is one of the states with the highest solar insolation in India. The state’s climate is mainly tropical and rather hot throughout the year. It has huge potential for renewable energy production.

Tamil Nadu ranks fourth in solar energy generation. The state intends to construct district solar power facilities to a total capacity of 20,000 MW by 2030. The state government will support solar energy research by establishing a research fund. Additionally, the government is focused on providing incentives, rebates, and subsidies for solar installation where applicable.

Telangana

Telangana has a high solar potential, with an average solar insolation of over 5.5 kWh/m2 across more than 300 bright days. Telangana’s climate is usually hot and dry, and it is classified as semi-arid.

Telangana has had substantial expansion in the solar energy sector. This state contains India’s largest floating solar facility, spanning over 500 acres and with a capacity of 100 MW. When it comes to energy generation in South India, Telangana has received about 20 GW of solar radiation, more than its present production.

The state government is also launching solar projects for small and large companies, as well as agricultural and residential property. In the next five years, the government intends to add 3GW of sustainable energy to existing production.

Maharashtra

With 250-300 days of clear sunlight, Maharashtra is a state that is leading the way in the expansion of solar energy generation, with significant growth occurring in this area. Maharashtra has plenty of vacant land and good access to transmission infrastructure, making it ideal for solar open-access projects. As of January 2024, the state’s solar producing capacity had reached 5 gigawatt.

The Maharashtra government has various solar rejuvenation projects, one of which is the “Mukhyamantri Saur Krishi Vahini Yojana”. As part of Mission 2025, the government has set a 30% feeder solarization objective.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is quickly becoming as a key hub for renewable energy generation. The state is typically hot and humid. The state has almost 300 sunny days per year and receives over 5 kWh/m²/day of solar energy. This state boasts the highest-performing electricity distribution firms in India (APEPDCL and APSPDCL).

The state government has set a minimum solar generation target of 5000 MW for the next five years. The government intends to build solar parks with utility infrastructure to address the growing demand for electricity in an environmentally sustainable manner. The state government is also supporting local manufacture of solar panels and batteries to create jobs in the state.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh’s climate is dry and subtropical, with 300 sunny days per year. The state receives 5.5 kWh/sq.m/day of solar irradiation. The MP government is supporting a renewable energy-based strategy, reviewing the regulatory framework, and allocating power generation status.

In December 2019, Harsh Yadav, the New and Renewable Energy Minister, recognized Madhya Pradesh as a “Solar State” and Bhopal as a “Solar City”. The World Bank praised the state government’s progress in utilizing solar energy in the industrial sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Project, one of Asia’s largest solar power plants, on July 10, 2020. The MP government intends to invest 500 billion in renewable energy by 2027.

Also read: Solar Panel Subsidy in Madhya Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh

This state has a high sun insolation, making it ideal for solar generating. However, the state’s solar production stats may be more satisfactory than others. The UP solar energy policy (2022) aims to accelerate solar power production, in line with India’s ambitious goals.

By 2026-2027, the strategy plans to build 22,000 MW of solar power facilities across the state. Utility-scale solar parks will add approximately 14,000 MW of capacity. In addition, the government intends to develop ‘AYODHYA’ a modal solar city.

Haryana

Haryana has 320 bright sunny days each year, making it a high-potential state for solar generation. The Haryana government established the Haryana Solar Power Policy 2021, which intended to increase rooftop solar installations. One of the policy’s primary goals was to promote solar use in agriculture and the solarization of EV charging stations.

By 2030, Haryana plans to increase its solar energy capacity by 22 times.

Also read: Solar Plant in Haryana: Unlocking the Potential of Clean Energy

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