India Advances AI Integration in Solar Energy at AI Impact Summit

India highlighted its push to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the solar energy sector at the India AI Impact Summit, where Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi visited the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam.

The pavilion presented a range of technology-led solutions under the Global Mission on AI for Energy, showcasing how AI, digital platforms, and geospatial tools can support utilities, accelerate renewable energy deployment, and improve energy resilience across ISA Member Countries.

The summit positioned the initiative as a platform to align solar deployment with digital intelligence, enabling real-time optimisation and smarter grid operations.

Focus Shifts from Capacity Addition to Grid Integration

With distributed renewable energy expanding rapidly, the sector is increasingly focusing on integrating decentralised assets into reliable power systems rather than only adding generation capacity.

Joshi emphasised that the energy transition must be accompanied by a parallel grid transition built on digital and intelligent infrastructure. This includes advanced forecasting, automated grid management, and real-time monitoring to support higher renewable penetration.

States such as Delhi, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are already implementing smart metering, digitised distribution networks, and digital control systems. These initiatives are helping reduce technical losses and improve system efficiency while offering replicable models for other developing economies.

Solar Expansion Creates Demand for Digital Tools

India’s solar capacity has increased from less than 3 GW in 2014 to more than 141 GW, placing the country among the fastest-growing solar markets globally.

Under PM-KUSUM, farmers are adopting solar pumps that reduce diesel consumption and provide reliable daytime power, MNRE stated. Feeder-level solarisation is also improving supply quality and lowering distribution losses.

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, targeting one crore households, is expected to become the world’s largest rooftop solar programme, enabling households to generate electricity and strengthening distributed energy networks.

AI Seen as Key to Efficiency and Resilience

Through the Global Mission on AI for Energy, the International Solar Alliance — which includes 125 Member and Signatory Countries — is promoting the integration of solar energy with digital intelligence.

AI applications such as load forecasting, predictive maintenance, grid optimisation, and renewable integration are expected to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and strengthen grid resilience.

Officials noted that India’s solar progress is increasingly defined not only by installed capacity but also by its ability to empower consumers, support farmers, modernise utilities, and build resilient infrastructure.

Technologies Demonstrated at the Pavilion

Several technologies were presented at the venue. These include the following.

One Solar App for Rooftop Adoption

BSES Rajdhani Power Limited showcased the One Solar App, a unified platform designed to streamline rooftop solar adoption through digital registration, net-metering transparency, performance tracking, and integrated service delivery.

Digital Twin Solutions for DISCOMs

Startups presented digital twin technologies that create virtual replicas of electricity distribution networks. These tools enable simulation, predictive maintenance, renewable integration modelling, and scenario-based planning, improving operational efficiency and reducing risks.

GIS-Based Distribution Planning

Geospatial mapping initiatives, including projects by Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited, provide asset-level visibility and infrastructure optimisation. GIS-enabled planning supports outage management, investment decisions, and preparedness for higher renewable penetration.