India Targets Swadeshi Solar Cells by 2028; Crosses 251.5 GW Non-Fossil Capacity

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi today announced that India will achieve indigenous solar cell manufacturing by 2028, moving towards a complete Swadeshi solar value chain including wafers and ingots. He said this will reduce import dependence, create jobs, and boost India’s global leadership in clean energy.

The Minister highlighted that India has already crossed 251.5 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, achieving more than half of its 2030 target of 500 GW. He credited the achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, which has accelerated renewable energy growth and domestic manufacturing.

On schemes, Joshi informed that nearly 20 lakh households have benefitted under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, while the second phase of PM-KUSUM will be launched after March 2026. He urged states to expedite RPOs, PPAs, land allotments, and strengthen Ease of Doing Business in the sector.

Union Minister of State Shripad Naik said PM-KUSUM has been a game-changer for farmers, with over 16 lakh solar pumps installed or solarised, reducing diesel use by 1.3 billion litres and cutting 40 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Installations under Surya Ghar are progressing at 4,500 systems per day with support from over 18,000 vendors nationwide.

MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said India targets 1,800 GW renewable capacity by 2047 and 5,000 GW by 2070, with states playing a key role through best practices and facilitation.

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