The Rise of Solar Energy in India: Key Trends to Watch in 2025

India’s energy story is changing fast. With rising demand, climate concerns, and a push for self-reliance, solar power has moved from the sidelines to centre stage. From rooftops to rural grids, the country is witnessing a powerful shift towards clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions. And as we look ahead to 2025, all signs point to solar becoming even more central to India’s energy mix.

At Jindal India Renewable Energy Limited (JIRE), a part of the BC Jindal Group of Companies, we’re not just observing these changes. We’re actively investing in solar, wind, hybrid RE, and battery storage systems (BESS), shaping the future of power in India. Our recent projects and strategic plans show our readiness to be part of this transformation. Here’s what we believe will define the solar energy industry in India in the year ahead.

1. Bigger Focus on Hybrid Projects

Gone are the days when solar was expected to work alone. In 2025, the trend is moving towards hybrid energy solutions, a smart mix of solar, wind, and battery storage. These systems offer better reliability and round-the-clock power, solving one of solar energy’s biggest challenges: intermittency.

JIRE is already aligned with this shift. In a recent win, we secured a 150 MW Round-The-Clock renewable energy project from SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India), which combines solar, wind, and BESS. Hybrid systems like these are set to become the new normal in India’s energy future.

2. Solar + Storage = The Future

Energy storage isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s essential. With the cost of lithium-ion batteries falling and demand for 24/7 green power rising, solar-plus-storage projects are gaining ground.

Our recent Letter of Award (LoA) for a 300 MW solar-plus-BESS project from NHPC is a big step in this direction. It’s a sign that both the government and industry players are serious about solving the “what happens when the sun goes down?” problem. Expect more such projects to pop up across India in 2025.

3. Manufacturing Gets a Major Boost

India has traditionally depended on imported solar components, but that’s changing rapidly. Thanks to the government’s Make in India initiative, we’re seeing a significant boost in domestic manufacturing of solar modules, cells, and other essential components.

In fact, we just unveiled a massive ₹15,000 crore investment plan aimed at creating a renewable energy component manufacturing ecosystem by 2030. This initiative aligns with the national goal of achieving energy independence and is set to reduce the costs of solar projects over time.

4. Policy Support Will Drive Growth

Policy continues to be a major driver in the solar energy industry in India. With schemes like PM-KUSUM, Production-Linked Incentives (PLI), and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for battery storage, the government is clearly backing the transition to green energy.

States, too, are getting aggressive with solar targets, especially in regions with high solar potential. In 2025, we expect new policy announcements that simplify land acquisition, offer better grid connectivity, and encourage private sector participation.

5. Private Sector Ramps Up Investment

Large conglomerates, industrial giants, and tech startups alike are now jumping into renewable energy with both feet. This trend will only get stronger in 2025 as businesses look to reduce carbon footprints, hedge against energy price volatility, and meet ESG goals.

The BC Jindal Group of Companies’ strategic move into renewables is a testament to this trend. Our recent project wins show that private players are not just interested in RE, they’re ready to lead the change.

6. Smarter Grids, Smarter Energy

As solar installations grow, India’s power grid needs to keep up. That’s where smart grids and digital technologies come in. Real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven energy management are expected to become more mainstream in 2025.

These innovations will ensure smoother integration of renewables into the grid and help balance supply and demand more efficiently. At JIRE, we’re closely watching this space to incorporate these advancements into our upcoming projects.

Looking Ahead

The solar energy industry in India is no longer just about sunlight and savings; it’s about self-reliance, sustainability, and scalability. And 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year.

At Jindal India Renewable Energy Limited, we’re proud to be part of this evolving story. Backed by the legacy of the BC Jindal Group of Companies and the experience of running the Jindal India Thermal Power Plant, we’re uniquely equipped to bridge the gap between conventional and clean energy. Whether it’s hybrid projects, solar-plus-storage or component manufacturing, our focus is clear: building India’s energy future, one smart step at a time.

So, as India continues its solar sprint, we at JIRE will be right there, investing, innovating, and inspiring change.