Infrastructure
Swarajya Staff
Jun 11, 2026 | Updated 11:16 AM GMT+5:30
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India’s floating solar photovoltaic potential has been assessed at 102.18 GWp, taking the country’s total assessed solar potential to 3,445 GWp, according to a report released by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday (10 June).
The report, prepared by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, combines the floating estimate with the ground-mounted potential assessed last year.
The ministry is working on a dedicated scheme to promote floating solar deployment across the country.
MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi confirmed the ministry is preparing support schemes for floating solar and agri-photovoltaics, and is in discussions with the Finance Ministry on them.
Reservoirs and other water bodies are emerging as important assets for clean energy generation through floating solar projects.
The assessment used geospatial mapping and scientific analysis to identify suitable locations, with water bodies considered viable only if they met several conditions, including adequate solar radiation, year-round water availability, appropriate depth, and proximity to roads and power transmission infrastructure.
The report identifies substantial opportunities for floating solar development in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana and Gujarat.
Unlike conventional solar parks, floating solar projects utilise water surfaces, eliminating the need for large tracts of land, and the panels can generate more electricity than conventional ground-mounted systems because water bodies help keep the panels cooler.
Floating solar installations can help reduce water evaporation from reservoirs, improve the utilisation of existing hydropower infrastructure, and minimise conflicts over agricultural and forest land.
The minister highlighted that non-fossil fuel capacity has increased from 81 GW in 2014 to 288 GW, with solar capacity rising from 2.8 GW to 155 GW.
Domestic solar manufacturing capacity has also expanded significantly, with module manufacturing reaching 192 GW and cell manufacturing capacity touching 30 GW.
India has commissioned only around 700 MW of floating solar capacity so far, indicating substantial room for growth.
The minister also launched the online portal for the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme, stating that it will enhance transparency and efficiency in implementation.
NISE and Military Engineering Services exchanged an MoU to strengthen the adoption of solar energy across defence establishments, under which NISE will provide technical support for planning, implementation and monitoring of renewable energy projects.
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