Is India prepared to install solar panels over one crore houses?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced the launch of a new scheme under which solar panels will be installed on one crore houses in the country. “I have taken my first decision after returning from Ayodhya that our government will launch ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryoday Yojna’ with the aim to install rooftop solar systems in one crore houses,” Modi said on X.

But the question arises  does India have adequate solar PV modules to support installation of so many solar panels in the country. The GoI’s latest move is expected to increase import of  sonal panels in the country, multi-fold. India is dependent on China for import of solar panels. So, the government will have to import PV modules in huge numbers to achieve the target of installation of  solar panels in one crore households.

As of June 30, 2023, India produced about 70 GW solar power.

The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power R K Singh informed Parliament that as on 30.06.2023, a cumulative solar power capacity of 70,096 MW has been installed in the country.

The Minister informed that the country has an estimated solar power potential of 7,48,990 MW. Hence, the potential of solar energy is not fully tapped, so far. The Government is making efforts to harness the available potential through various schemes and programs. Several steps have been taken by the Government to promote renewable energy, including solar energy, in the country.