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State-Wise Solar Potential in India: Where to Invest in Solar Projects

Indian geography is vast, and abundant sunshine has enabled the country to emerge as a global leader in solar energy, with ambitious goals under the National Solar Mission and a supportive policy framework now putting India in good stead for becoming a solar power in itself. The various states in India have different solar potential, which varies greatly as it depends on the location, solar radiation, and geographic conditions of the place, infrastructure, and state-specific policies.

In this blog, we delve deep into the solar potential of key Indian states and provide insights into where the best investment opportunities lie for solar projects.

1. Rajasthan: The Solar Powerhouse

Rajasthan is one of the places with the highest solar irradiation in India, making it an investment destination for solar projects. Large desert areas and arid climate in the state suit large-scale solar farms. Having over 13 GW of installed solar capacity at its count, Rajasthan is followed by no other state in terms of potential for many more GW due to policy support and availability of non-agricultural land.

  • Key Advantage: India’s highest solar radiation at 6-7 kWh/m²/day.
  • Investment Opportunities: Utility-scale solar farms and large commercial solar projects.
  • Major Project: The Bhadla Solar Park, in excess of 2.2GW – one of the largest in the world.

2. Telangana: The Rising Solar Star

Telangana is one of the fast-growing states for solar power in India. It provides an apt balance of solar parks and rooftop solar initiatives, making it a state with considerable opportunities for solar developers and investors.

  • Key Advantage: State-level policies are strong and infrastructure is reliable.
  • Investment Opportunities: Distributed solar projects and commercial installations.
  • Major Project: Telangana’s solar policies have triggered over 4 GW of solar power installation capacity and plans to add more capacity in the state.

3. Gujarat: Leader in Rooftop Solar Revolution

Gujarat is a pro-solar state with progressive policies and is well-equipped with robust solar infrastructure. The state is leading in rooftop solar installations, which makes it an attractive destination for both residential and commercial solar investors. In addition, Gujarat provides solar parks and manufacturing zones for solar components.

  • Key Advantage: Solar policy with incentives and high levels of solar irradiance of 5-5.5 kWh/m²/day
  • Opportunities: Rooftop solar installations, industrial solar projects, and solar manufacturing.
  • Major ProjectCharanka Solar Park, 600 MW project, undertaken under the Gujarat Solar Park initiative.

4. Andhra Pradesh: Policy-Driven Solar Growth

Another state that has experienced tremendous growth in solar capacity due to a strong policy push is Andhra Pradesh. The state’s solar potential comes from its long coastline, which has high levels of sunlight and supportive measures from the state government, such as subsidies and easy approval processes.

  • Key Advantage: High solar radiation along coastal areas, with an average of 5.5 kWh/m²/day
  • Investment Opportunities: Solar farms, rooftop solar systems for commercial and residential purposes
  • Major Project: Kurnool Ultra Mega Solar Park. It has a total capacity of 1 GW and is one of the state’s solar capacity drivers.

5. Madhya Pradesh: The New Solar Giant

Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a major player in the Indian solar landscape. Favourable geography coupled with government support has ensured rapid growth in installed solar capacity in the state. One of the biggest solar power plants in the country put Madhya Pradesh on the global solar map: the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Project.

  • Key Advantage: Land availability and good solar radiation, averaging 5.5 kWh/m²/day
  • Investment Opportunities: Large-scale solar farms and solar parks.
  • Major Project: The Rewa Solar Project, with a capacity of 750 MW, supplies power to both Madhya Pradesh and Delhi’s metro rail system.

6. Tamil Nadu: Capturing Solar and Wind Synergies

Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states in the country concerning renewable energy, as it harnesses both wind and solar energy resources. Tamil Nadu has been expanding solar energy through various governmental initiatives; it has gained ground in solar parks and decentralized solar installation.

  • Key Advantage: High solar and wind potential, averaging 5-5.5 kWh/m²/day for solar.
  • Investment Opportunities: Hybrid solar-wind energy projects and utility-scale solar installations.
  • Major Project: Kamuthi Solar Power Project, with a capacity of 648 MW, is among the largest solar power plants in the world

7. Karnataka: Surging Solar Hub

Karnataka has accelerated its solar capacity rapidly and has emerged as a leader in solar investments. Vast open lands and suitably propitious solar policies have upped the utility-scale solar projects in the state, making a significant contribution towards India’s renewable energy targets.

  • Key Advantage: Favorable policies and infrastructure for solar parks.
  • Investment Opportunities: Big capacities for solar farms and rooftop solar systems.
  • Major Project: The Pavagada Solar Park has a total capacity of 2 GW and is one of the biggest solar parks in India.

8. Maharashtra: Industrial Solar Opportunities

Maharashtra is one of the most industrialized states in India, which provides great opportunities for industrial solar projects. There is a huge power demand in the state, and solar energy is being increasingly adopted by industries looking to reduce their electricity costs and carbon footprint.

  • Key Advantage: High industrial power demand combined with good solar irradiance.
  • Investment Opportunities: Solar power for industrial use and rooftop installations in urban centers.
  • Major Project: The state has developed several solar parks, with plans to further expand capacity.

Investment in solar projects in India depends on the regional solar potential, state policy, and infrastructural support provided. Huge solar farms are viable in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, while in Gujarat and Maharashtra, large-scale opportunities can be found in rooftop and industrial applications. For solar parks, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh are ideal for investors, while Tamil Nadu is an attractive option with hybrid solar-wind projects.
Every state has its strengths, and the investment decision must be in line with your project’s objectives, whether it’s utility-scale solar parks, rooftop solar installations, or a solar manufacturing project. By investing in the correct state’s potential, solar developers can contribute to India’s ever-growing renewable energy capacity while also securing high returns on investment.

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