NEW DELHI: India has, for the first time, overtaken the United States to become the world's second-largest market for annual solar capacity additions, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced on Wednesday. Citing the latest International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report, the ministry stated that India added more than 37 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in the calendar year 2025, compared to 34 GW added by the US. China maintained its global lead by adding nearly 315 GW of solar capacity in a single year.
Government Highlights Policy Support and Infrastructure
Pralhad Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy, attributed India's record capacity additions to strong policy support, innovation, and world-class infrastructure. He emphasized that India's clean energy transition is accelerating, strengthening energy security, advancing sustainable development, and reinforcing India's position as a global leader in renewable energy.
Installed Solar Capacity Growth
According to the IRENA report, India's installed solar capacity increased from 98.5 GW in 2024 to 135.5 GW in 2025. In comparison, the US expanded its solar capacity from 177.6 GW to 211.6 GW during the same period. Globally, solar power capacity grew by 512 GW over the year, rising from 1,880 GW in 2024 to 2,392 GW in 2025.
India Becomes Third-Largest Solar Power Producer
The ministry also noted that India surpassed Japan to become the world's third-largest solar power producer in 2025. India generated 108,494 GWh of solar power during the year, compared to 96,459 GWh generated by Japan.
Unprecedented Speed and Scale of Growth
Highlighting the pace of growth, the ministry said India achieved milestones with unprecedented speed and scale. An official stated, "From 2.7 GW in 2014, it took 96 months to reach the 50 GW mark in 2022. Capacity increased from 50 GW to 100 GW in 36 months (2022-2025) and from 100 GW to 150 GW in just 14 months (January 2025 to March 2026)." In fiscal year 2026, India recorded its highest-ever annual solar capacity addition of 44.6 GW, compared to 23.8 GW in FY25.
Industry Leadership and Global Example
Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, Chief Executive Officer of the National Solar Energy Federation of India, remarked that India's rise from a nascent solar market to a global clean energy powerhouse demonstrates the strength of long-term policy vision, regulatory certainty, and sustained industry participation. He added, "India stands as a global example for both developed and developing economies, proving that rapid industrial growth and renewable energy expansion can progress together, with clean energy increasingly becoming the foundation of next-generation industrialisation and economic competitiveness."
