India’s Rooftop Solar Capacity Hits 1.9 GW in First 9 Months of 2025
India’s rooftop solar market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 1.9 GW of rooftop solar capacity installed in the first nine months (9M) of 2024. This marks a significant milestone, surpassing the total annual installations of previous years and reflecting a 45% year-over-year growth compared to the 1.3 GW installed in 9M 2023, as per Mercom India’s Q3 2024 Rooftop Solar Market Report.
Key Drivers Behind the Rooftop Solar Boom:
Increased Awareness: Rising energy costs and growing awareness of the environmental benefits of solar energy have encouraged individuals and businesses to invest in rooftop solar solutions.
Advancing Technology: Innovations in solar panel efficiency, such as bifacial and glass-to-glass modules, have enhanced the value proposition of rooftop solar systems.
PM Surya Ghar Program: The surge in installations is largely driven by the PM Surya Ghar initiative, which incentivizes residential solar adoption.
Impact of Anti-Dumping Duties on Solar Glass:
The Indian government has taken proactive measures to protect the domestic solar industry by imposing provisional anti-dumping duties on textured, tempered, coated, and uncoated solar glass imported from China and Vietnam.
- Reason for Duty: Following a preliminary investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies in February 2024, evidence showed that these imports were being sold at dumped prices, undercutting domestic manufacturers.
- Potential Impact:
- Increased costs for imported solar glass, a critical component in rooftop solar systems, especially in glass-to-glass module designs.
- Strengthening of the domestic solar glass manufacturing industry, reducing reliance on imports.
Why India’s Rooftop Solar Market is Poised for Growth:
Policy Support: Government initiatives like net metering, state-level subsidies, and central programs such as the PM-KUSUM scheme continue to drive solar adoption.
Corporate Adoption: Commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors are increasingly turning to rooftop solar to lower energy bills and meet sustainability goals.
Residential Uptake: Enhanced financing options and streamlined processes are encouraging homeowners to adopt rooftop solar systems.
Challenges Ahead:
While the growth trajectory is promising, certain challenges remain:
- Higher Module Costs: The imposition of anti-dumping duties could increase the cost of solar modules, impacting project economics.
- Supply Chain Constraints: Rapid growth in installations may strain the availability of critical components like solar glass and high-efficiency panels.
- Policy Uncertainty: Consistent and clear government policies will be essential to sustain momentum.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Rooftop Solar in India:
India’s rooftop solar sector is achieving new heights, with record-breaking installations and robust government support. However, balancing the need for domestic manufacturing growth with affordable system costs will be key to ensuring continued success.
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