New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) India’s solar energy capacity has increased about 55 times over the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday.

In a post on X, the minister said India’s installed solar capacity has increased from 2.8 GW in 2014 to 155 GW in 2026, describing the rise as a reflection of the country’s rapid progress in clean energy.

Rijiju credited the growth to the leadership of PM Modi and said the expansion in solar capacity reflects India’s efforts to strengthen energy security while accelerating renewable energy adoption.

According to the minister, more than 40 lakh homes across the country are now powered through solar energy initiatives.

He also highlighted the growing role of farmers in the renewable energy ecosystem, saying they are increasingly emerging as energy producers alongside their traditional role as food providers.

Rijiju said the expansion of solar energy infrastructure represents a significant step towards building a more sustainable and secure future while reinforcing India’s broader clean energy ambitions.

India has significantly expanded renewable energy capacity in recent years as part of efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improve energy access and accelerate the transition towards cleaner sources of power.

The remarks come amid growing momentum in India’s climate-tech ecosystem, driven by policy support, capital flows and energy-security priorities.

Earlier in May, Union Petroleum and Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that the nation has crossed a historic milestone by connecting 40 lakh homes to rooftop solar under the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’, Union Petroleum and Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday.

Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative is not only freeing the country’s common citizens from electricity bills and making them ‘Atmanirbhar’ but also saving the environment, the minister said.

–IANS

ag/