India achieved a major milestone in its solar manufacturing sector by reaching 119 GW of solar module capacity and over 9 GW of solar cell capacity in 2025, according to a recent industry report.
Strong Growth in Solar Manufacturing
The rapid expansion in manufacturing capacity was driven by:
- Rising demand from large utility-scale solar projects
- Growth in rooftop solar installations
- Government initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar programme
- Policy support like the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)
These factors have significantly boosted domestic production capabilities in the solar sector.
Cumulative Capacity Reaches New Highs
By the end of 2025:
- Total solar module manufacturing capacity reached around 210 GW
- Solar cell manufacturing capacity stood at approximately 27 GW
This marks a substantial increase compared to previous years, reflecting India’s push towards self-reliance in solar manufacturing.
Regional Manufacturing Leaders
States such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu emerged as key hubs for solar module production, while Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka led in solar cell manufacturing.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite the growth, challenges remain:
- A gap between module and cell manufacturing capacity
- Continued reliance on imports for certain components
- Time required for new manufacturing lines to stabilise
However, experts expect domestic production to align more closely with demand as new facilities become fully operational in 2026.
Conclusion
India’s achievement of 119 GW module and 9 GW cell capacity highlights its growing strength in solar manufacturing. With continued policy support and investment, the country is well-positioned to become a global leader in renewable energy production and supply chains.
