India’s energy transition is no longer a distant ambition – it’s happening in real time. By mid-2025, nearly half of the country’s installed power capacity came from non-fossil sources, underscoring how quickly renewables have moved from fringe to mainstream.
Solar power is the clear engine of India’s energy transition. The country’s installed solar capacity has reached 119 GW as of July 2025, with grid-connected rooftop systems now at 19.9 GW- demonstrating an extraordinary rise in both scale and diversity. This growth signals that the next big leap is decentralised- bringing reliable, clean power to millions of rooftops and businesses, not just through ground-mounted utility-scale plants but also through innovative urban solutions.
From utility-scale to rooftop momentum, two trends stand out. First, policy has rapidly shifted from promoting adoption to scaling impact: the government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has been a game-changer, crossing 1.6 million household installations by July 2025, with registrations now topping 17.1 million by September. Second, market channels continue to evolve: India added 21.1 GW of new solar capacity in the first seven months of 2025, and rooftop solar alone accounted for rapid quarterly surges- over 1.2 GW in Q1 and 1.6 GW in Q2, representing year-on-year growth rates of 121% and 232% respectively as distribution, financing, and digital adoption came together at scale.
Retail, E-Commerce, and D2C: Unlocking Household Solar
The convergence of retail networks, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) models has made solar systems more accessible than ever. Today, consumers can compare specifications, access transparent pricing, choose financing options, and get doorstep delivery — all backed by professional installation and maintenance.
Franchise networks and authorised dealers extend this reach to smaller towns and rural areas, bridging the digital divide and making solar a realistic choice for every home. Seasonal online sales and bundled service offers have further boosted trust in buying solar directly.
At Waaree, we are enabling this transformation with ready-to-install solutions like Waaree Radiance – a pre-configured solar kit designed for quick setup, reliable performance, and seamless integration. Whether in a metro apartment or a rural home, such kits make switching to solar faster, simpler, and more affordable, helping households start generating clean power almost immediately.
Building Trust, Driving Empowerment
Successful rooftop adoption hinges on more than just hardware. Leading providers are focusing on:
- Transparent product and warranty details
- Easy financing and subsidy guidance
- Comprehensive after-sales service, including O&M
- Performance monitoring for peace of mind
Community solar initiatives – powering schools, community halls, and local businesses – are inspiring participation and sparking local entrepreneurship in renewable energy.
Real-World Impact
- 119 GW total solar capacity in India, with ~19.9 GW rooftop capacity (July 2025)
- 23.8 GW of new solar capacity added in FY 2024-25, including 5.1 GW rooftop
- 1.2 GW rooftop capacity added in Q1 2025 (232% YoY growth)
- PM Surya Ghar: Over 1.6 million households solarised by July 2025
The Road Ahead
India’s rooftop solar potential is vast. Policy momentum, domestic manufacturing expansion, and innovative retail models are laying the groundwork for mass adoption. The focus now must be on making solar a simple, dependable household choice – where purchasing panels is as straightforward as buying a home appliance.
With rooftops as the next big power stations, and ready-to-install solutions making solar adoption easier than ever, India is on course to transform homes into hubs of clean energy production – from crowded city blocks to remote rural villages. The future is bright, and it’s shining from our very own rooftops.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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