India has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, particularly solar power. India’s aggressive push towards solar energy aligns with its dedication to sustainable development and the reduction of carbon emissions. This development is widely attributed to the Indian government’s robust initiatives and policies.

1. The National Solar Mission (NSM)

Launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the NSM, also known as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, aims to establish India as a global leader in solar energy. Key objectives include:

• Achieving 100 GW of solar capacity by 2022.

• Promoting research and development in solar technologies.

• To make solar energy competitive with conventional energy sources, the cost of solar energy needs to be reduced.

2. Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects

The government has allocated funds to develop large-scale solar parks across the country. Highlights:

• Target: 40 GW of capacity from solar parks.

• States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh are hosting mega solar projects to maximize land efficiency and reduce per-unit solar energy costs.

3. Rooftop Solar Scheme

To promote solar adoption at the residential and commercial levels, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Rooftop Solar Scheme.Scheme.

• Provides subsidies for rooftop solar installations up to 40%.

• Allows businesses and homeowners to install solar systems more easily.

4. Kusum Scheme (PM-KUSUM)

The Kisan Urja Suraksha Vam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) is designed to benefit farmers:

• Installation of solar-powered irrigation pumps.

• Promoting decentralized solar power generation.

• Helping farmers sell surplus power back to the grid, providing additional income.

5. Solar Manufacturing and PLI Schemes

The government introduced the following measures to increase domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence:

· Production-Linked· Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Financial incentives for manufacturing high-efficiency solar PV modules in India.

· Focus on creating an end-to-end solar manufacturing ecosystem, from polysilicon to modules.

6. Green Energy’s Open Access Policy

This policy enables industries to procure solar energy directly from developers through open access:

• Promote renewable energy usage in the industrial sector.

• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with India’s Net Zero by 2070 goals.

7. Net Metering Policies

To encourage individual solar installations, state electricity boards have introduced net metering.

• Consumers can export excess electricity generated by their solar systems to the grid.

• Earn credits on their electricity bills, ensuring a faster ROI for solar investments.

8. International Solar Alliance (ISA)

India plays a pivotal role in the International Solar Alliance, a coalition of 124 countries.

• Aims to promote solar energy adoption globally.

• Facilitates research, innovation, and knowledge sharing in solar technologies.

9. Solar Subsidy Programs and Tax Benefits

· Accelerated Depreciation: Industries can claim 40% depreciation in the first year of solar system installation.

· Goods and Services Tax (GST) reductions for solar components.

10. The Role of State Governments

Several states have introduced their own policies and incentives, such as:

• Solar energy policies promote agricultural solar pumps.

• Production of solar power is exempt from electricity duty.