India rapidly advancing in Solar Power Capacity

India is rapidly advancing in the installed solar power capacity largely due to the impetus being provided by the National Solar Mission and the Renewable Purchase Obligation mechanisms.

Between April 2013 and March 2014, India added almost 950 MW of solar power capacity.

This drastic increase in solar installed power can largely be attributed to projects that were commissioned under Renewable Energy Certificate mechanism.

Gujarat retains its position as number one state and has an installed capacity of 916 MW. It added 58 MW power during the same period.

The state of Madhya Pradesh is also towering ahead with 310 MW of solar PV capacity and to its credit, it also has the largest solar power plant in Asia commissioned by Welspun Power in February 2014. This particular project was implemented because of the state’s solar power policy under an investment of Rs 1,100 crore.

Rajasthan has added about180 MW capacity which also has a distinction of having largest solar thermal power plant with a capacity of 50 MW.  Rajasthan has seven solar thermal power projects auctioned under the first phase of the National Solar Mission.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has the responsibility of implementing the remaining phases of the JNNSM.