NISE Report Upgrades India’s Solar Potential At 3,343 GW, Using 6.7% Of Feasible Wasteland

Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), said India possesses one of the world’s richest solar resources, with average irradiance ranging from 3.5 to 5.5 kWh/m²/day across the country. Recognizing this opportunity, the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an autonomous institute under the MNRE, has undertaken an updated, scientific, and spatially resolved assessment of India’s ground-mounted solar PV potential. 

Joshi, while addressing a gathering at MNRE headquarters, released a report on Solar PV Potential Assessment of India (Ground-Mounted). The report builds on the 2014 estimate of 749 GWp and incorporates new methodologies, including high-resolution GIS, satellite-derived datasets, and refined land-use models. The report now estimates that feasible ground-mounted solar holds around 3,343 GWp potential, using approximately 6.69% of the total identified feasible wasteland.

Magnitude of Change

At an increase of nearly 4.5 times the earlier figure, the new figures are based on both improved satellite mapping and a more aggressive approach to land classification for solar deployment.

Joshi said the dual initiatives—releasing the updated Solar PV Potential Assessment Report and launching the training programme on solar manufacturing—will provide the scientific roadmap, skilled manpower, and manufacturing strength required to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat.

He released the NISE report during a gathering at MNRE headquarters, where he also inaugurated one of the first training programmes on solar cell and module manufacturing at NISE, Gurugram. The report was launched under the aegis of Seva Parv.

Key methodological features:

1. High-resolution geospatial analysis to identify feasible solar sites.
2. Integration of infrastructure and technical design factors such as inter-row spacing, shading, proximity to substations, and road networks.

Major findings

1. Apart from the well-known desert regions in Rajasthan and Gujarat, many states have very high potential for ground-mounted solar PV spread across the country. 
2. Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have vast wastelands and high irradiance, but various other states also show significant capacity owing to favorable solar geometry and land-use efficiency.
3. This assessment provides a policy-linked, investment-ready framework to guide project siting, infrastructure development, and private sector participation.
4. The results align with India’s Panchamrit commitments announced at COP26 and support the nation’s long-term goals of energy independence by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

Setting New Training Program on Solar Cell and Module Manufacturing

The minister also inaugurated the first training programme on solar cells and module manufacturing at NISE. The initiative is designed to build technical capacity and develop a skilled workforce in line with India’s growing solar manufacturing sector, which has already surpassed 100 GW of installed module manufacturing capacity and 15 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity.

The course will provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing processes, quality control protocols, and global best practices, contributing to the creation of a self-reliant and globally competitive solar manufacturing ecosystem.

To see the full report: https://nise.res.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Poster-and-Momento.pdf