India is geographically one of the best locations to harness solar energy. According to the National Institute of Solar Energy, India has a solar energy production potential of around 748 GW (7,48,000MW) assuming 3% of wasteland is covered by PV modules.
India has a solar power installed capacity of around 61.97 GW as of November 2022, which is less than 10% of the total assumed production capacity.
So here is the list of the top 5 States with the highest Solar Energy Production in 2023.
1. Rajasthan – 16,060 MW
Rajasthan has a geographically favourable condition to produce optimal solar energy and an estimate suggests that it can produce 142 GW of solar energy assuming its wastelands.
As of March 2023, Rajasthan has an operational solar energy production capacity of 16,060 MW (16.06 GW) which is quite impressive.
Bhadla Solar Park, present in the state of Rajasthan is the largest solar park in the world with a nameplate capacity of 2,245 MW.
Recently ONGC, one of the biggest oil and natural gas companies announced that it will build a 1 GW solar plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan and the foundation is also laid by Indian president Droupadi Murmu.
2. Gujarat – 8,000 MW
Gujarat is one of the leading solar energy producers in India in 2023 with a production capacity of 8,000 MW (8 GW). According to sources, Gujarat is aiming to develop 68,000 MW of Solar Capacity by 2030 under various development schemes.
In October 2022, Modhera, Gujarat became India’s first fully solarised village, which is quite an impressive accomplishment.
The Gujarat government also identified 1,00,000 hectares of wasteland near Khavda, Kutch District to set up a solar plant 30 GW production capacity.
3. Karnataka – 7,800 MW
As of march 2023, Karnataka has solar energy generation capacity of 7.8 GW, which makes it one of the top 5 states with highest solar energy production.
Pavagada Solar Park in Pavagada taluk, Tumkur district, Karnataka is India’s second largest solar park and it produces around 2 GW of solar energy.
There are various other solar powerplant projects are on queue, for example in Bidar, Koppal, and Gadag with 2500 MW capacity each in the state of Karnataka.
4. Tamil Nadu – 6,200 MW
Tamil Nadu, the southern most state of India is one of the leading solar energy generating states in India. As of March 2023, the state produces 6,200 MW of solar energy with its numerous powerplants.
Kamuthi Solar Power Project, spreading across 2,500 acres land in Kamuthi, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu is the biggest solar park in the state. The powerplant is commissioned by Adani power.
The stategovernment is planning to install solar plant pricing 20,000 MW by 2030 with many ambitious projects. In July 2022, Tata power signed MoU with Tamil Nadu state with project worth Rs. 3,000 crore with a production capacity of 4 GW.
5. Telangana – 4,600 MW
Telangana is India’s 5th highest solar energy producing state with a total production capacity of 4,600 MW (4.6 GW). Solar powerplant as well as rooftop solar contributes the total production capacity.
It has India’s largest floating solar plant in Ramagundam city, Peddapalli district with a production capacity of 100 MW. The plant is commissioned by NTPC, with the engineering help of BHEL.
The state of Telanga distributed solar plants across the state instead of a single bi location helps the state save around Rs. 400 crore. There are many quoued projects which will increase the state’s production capacity in coming years.
| Rank | State | Solar Energy Production Capacity | Major Solar Plant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajasthan | 16,060 MW (16.06 GW) | Bhadla Solar Park |
| 2 | Gujarat | 8,000 MW (8 GW) | Charanka Solar Park |
| 3 | Karnataka | 7,800 MW (7.8 GW) | Pavagada Solar Park |
| 4 | Tamil Nadu | 6,200 MW (6.2 GW) | Kamuthi Solar Power Project |
| 5 | Telangana | 4,600 MW (4.6 GW) | Ramagundam Floating Solar Project |
