Coal and hydropower dominated electricity generation in the 1990s.
In the 1990s, coal-fired thermal power plants and large hydroelectric dams provided the majority of India's electricity. Coal was the preferred resource because of its abundance and low cost. Although hydroelectric power is cleaner, it frequently causes community dislocation and ecological imbalances. In 1992, coal produced over 150 billion kWh, accounting for nearly 75% of India’s electricity. However, this expansion came at a cost: massive carbon emissions, environmental degradation, and health risks. It quickly became clear that the future required a cleaner, more sustainable energy path.
Modern Electricity Generation: A Clean Shift.
Modern Electricity Generation: A Clean Shift. Currently, India's energy ecology embraces a combination of clean and renewable sources:
- Solar energy
- Wind power
- Nuclear energy
- Tidal and hydropower
- Biomass energy
Sources are clean, sustainable, and technologically advanced. Government support, including emission laws, financial incentives, and renewable energy initiatives, has sped the change. India is presently ranked fourth internationally in overall renewable energy capacity and third in solar power capacity.
The Emergence of Solar Panels: A Revolution
The emergence of solar electricity has been one of the most revolutionary discoveries. Solar panels that use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunshine into electricity provide the following benefits:
- Zero emissions
- Low maintenance
- Scalability
- Long-term cost savings
Today, solar panels are found on public buildings, offices, schools, rooftops, and agricultural fields, enabling communities to produce their own electricity and lessen reliance on the grid. 
India’s Net Zero strategy calls for 280 GW of solar electricity by 2030.
“The sun rises every day — now your power can too."
The 2025 Rise in Public Awareness and Adoption
In 2025, growing energy costs and climate concerns are driving a sharp increase in public interest in solar energy. To encourage adoption, governments are providing net metering, tax breaks, and subsidies. Training, awareness seminars, and solar campaigns are being carried out by NGOs, entrepreneurs, and community groups, especially in rural and tribal areas. "More than 2.8 million Indian homes will have solar panels installed on their roofs by 2025. Solar is now widely used in everything from housing societies and hospitals to shopping centres and schools."
Innovative Solutions: India’s Solar Success Stories
Kochi’s Solar Water Metro: Kochi is redefining public transport with its solar-powered water metro, offering an eco-friendly alternative to reduce urban congestion and air pollution. It features modern terminals, jetties, and vessels that connect communities while stimulating local job creation and sustainable urban mobility. This model is being viewed as a blueprint for other Indian cities exploring sustainable transport integration.
Rajasthan: A Solar Power Revolution: With its vast desert landscape and high solar potential, Rajasthan is emerging as a global solar energy hub. It has emerged as one of the world’s largest solar energy hubs. Rajasthan has emerged as a global solar powerhouse—boasting over 29.5 GW of solar capacity (with total renewable capacity surpassing 33 GW), anchored by mega projects like the 2.245 GW Bhadla Solar Park.”
Strong political support, public investment, and favourable policies are propelling this shift. 
Rajasthan’s efforts address climate change challenges such as erratic weather, agricultural disruptions, and rising energy demand. This commitment to solar energy is not just an environmental move—it’s a strategic transition for energy security and economic growth.
India’s Electricity Generation Mix 2025:
A Visual Snapshot In Q1 2025, India added 13,495 MW of power capacity, with renewables comprising a remarkable 78.9% of all new installations. Within this green wave, solar power emerged as the dominant force—contributing 57.7% of the capacity added (7,782 MW), while wind added 13.9% and coal accounted for 21.1%. This surge has pushed India’s total solar capacity past 105 GW, a major leap from just 2.8 GW in 2014. Not only is solar growing—it’s driving India’s energy revolution, supported by robust investments (a record US$9.84 billion in Q1), state incentives, and ambitious clean-energy targets. India is fast becoming a solar superpower. The question now isn't if you should switch to solar—it's why you haven't joined this energy revolution yet.
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