Why in the News?

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has lowered the efficiency requirement for off-grid solar panels to make rural electrification easier and more affordable.

About India’s Off-Grid Solar Programme:

• About: The programme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to provide solar energy access in regions without reliable grid electricity.
• Mission Framework: Implemented under the National Solar Mission (2010), it aimed to install 2,000 megawatt-peak (MW-P) of off-grid and decentralised systems by 2022.
• Phased Implementation:
  1. Phase I (2010–2014) targeted 200 MW-P capacity.
  2. Phase II (2014–2017) expanded to 500 MW-P with a focus on lighting, pumps, and study lamps.
  3. Phase III (2018–2021) emphasised solar streetlights, study lamps, and solar plants for public institutions.
• Restructuring: Solar pumps were moved to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan scheme (PM-KUSUM), and solar home lights were integrated into the Saubhagya Scheme.
• Key Applications: Included solar home lighting systems, streetlights, lanterns, study lamps, power packs, and water pumps for irrigation and drinking.

India’s Progress in Off-Grid Solar Energy:

• Installed Capacity: As of April 2025, India’s total solar capacity reached 107.95 gigawatts, with 4.98 gigawatts from off-grid systems.
• Capacity Growth: From 2016 to 2024, solar installations grew from 172.45 gigawatts to 216.86 gigawatts.
• Recent Trends: In 2024, adoption rose as solar appliances became more affordable in remote and underserved regions.
• Impact: The programme has been vital for electrification in areas where grid expansion is limited by geography, cost, or infrastructure.

Tap to know more about India’s Solar Capacity and its Global Position.

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