Startup Originals Team
India has accomplished a historic feat in its pursuit of renewable energy by crossing 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing capacity, as registered under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). This achievement marks a dramatic leap from just 2.3 GW in 2014 and cements India’s status as a major force in the global solar industry.
A Decade of Astonishing Growth:
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, celebrated the nation’s rise in solar capacity and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives-including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for High-Efficiency Solar Modules-for this remarkable growth.
- In 2014, India’s solar manufacturing capacity stood at only 2.3 GW.
- The ALMM Order was introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on January 2, 2019.
- The first ALMM list, released in March 2021, had a total listed capacity of 8.2 GW.
In just over four years, this capacity has multiplied more than twelvefold, now standing at 100 GW.
The ALMM Order: Strengthening Standards and Scaling Up
The ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) was designed to ensure that only high-quality, reliable solar PV modules are used in government-backed projects. The steady increase in capacity reflects both depth (overall GW) and breadth (number of manufacturers):
- In 2021, the list featured 21 manufacturers.
- As of August 2025, it now includes 100 manufacturers operating 123 manufacturing units across India.
Atmanirbhar Bharat – The Push for Self-Reliance:
The spectacular growth in solar manufacturing aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). Minister Joshi highlighted that building a robust domestic solar ecosystem is crucial in reaching the national target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
He stated, “We are building a robust, self-reliant solar manufacturing ecosystem that strengthens our path towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and the target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.”
The Road Ahead:
India’s surge in solar manufacturing not only supports the country’s ambitious climate goals but also helps create jobs, promote technology innovation, and reduce dependence on imported solar modules. With more manufacturers joining the ALMM each year, the sector’s vitality and competitiveness are poised to grow even further.
Conclusion:
Crossing the 100 GW milestone in solar PV module manufacturing is a pivotal moment for India’s renewable energy sector-driven by policy support, visionary leadership, and the commitment of manufacturers nationwide. As India moves towards its 2030 energy vision, the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable future has never looked stronger.
