Storage capacity at 5.5 GW, 61 GW needed by 2030 for solar targets

The Standing Committee on Energy examined the performance of solar power projects in India to identify implementation challenges and recommend measures to meet the 2030 target of 306 GW. This matters to citizens as it addresses energy security, the reliability of the power grid, and the progress of government schemes for rooftop solar and agricultural pumps.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (implied by context of solar projects and PM schemes), State Discoms, and the general public (specifically households under PM Surya Ghar and farmers under PM-KUSUM).

• Inadequate storage capacity: Current storage is 5.5 GW against a projected need of 61 GW by 2030; Committee recommended grants for R&D to indigenize storage technology and reduce costs.
• Domestic manufacturing gaps: While panel capacity is 91 GW/year, India lacks polysilicon manufacturing capacity and remains dependent on imports for ingots/wafers; Committee recommended production-linked incentives for these components.
• Pending PPAs: Approximately 44 GW of capacity has no signed Power Purchase Agreements; Committee recommended aligning bids with state demand and enforcing discom compliance with renewable consumption obligations.
• Transmission delays: Delays caused by environment/forest clearances and right-of-way compensation; Committee recommended uniform state compensation guidelines, a dedicated clearance portal, and better coordination.
• Land acquisition issues: Difficulty in acquiring land for large-scale plants; Committee recommended a single-window clearance mechanism for time-bound resolution.
• Regional imbalance: North-East, Himalayan, eastern, and island regions contribute only 2.6% of installed capacity; Committee recommended timely release of central financial assistance to promote development in these areas.
• Lack of rating system: No reliable system exists to rate solar plant performance; Committee recommended completing the draft rating framework for pilot projects.
• PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Only 16% of the target (16 lakh out of 1 crore households) achieved as of June 2025; Committee cited low consumer awareness as a major cause.
• PM-KUSUM progress: Slow progress reported (6% for Component-A, 60% for Component-B, 17% for Component-C); Committee recommended improved monitoring and increased financial assistance for solar pumps above 7.5 horsepower.

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