New Delhi: India Floating Solar Potential has been assessed at 102.18 GWp (Gigawatt-peak), according to a new report released by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The assessment significantly expands India’s renewable energy roadmap and takes the country’s total assessed solar potential to 3,445 GWp.
The Union Government is also preparing a dedicated support scheme to accelerate floating solar deployment across reservoirs, lakes, and other water bodies.
Details of NISE Reports on India Floating Solar Potential
The newly released Floating Solar PV Potential Assessment of India estimates that India can generate more than 102 GWp of electricity through floating solar installations.
Read also: Defence Ministry Approves First-Ever 250 MW Solar Power Project on Defence Land
Key Highlights
- Floating solar potential assessed at 102.18 GWp
- India’s total solar potential now estimated at 3,445 GWp
- Ground-mounted solar potential stands at 3,343 GWp
- Assessment conducted by NISE, the apex solar research institution under MNRE
- Study used geospatial mapping and scientific analysis to identify suitable water bodies for deployment
According to the government, reservoirs, dams, lakes, and other water bodies can play a major role in India’s clean energy transition by hosting solar panels without requiring large land areas.
India Floating Solar Potential: MNRE Working on Dedicated Floating Solar Scheme
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, announced that the ministry is preparing a dedicated scheme to support floating solar projects across the country.
Proposed Support Measures May Include
- Financial incentives for developers
- Easier project approvals
- Support for state governments and utilities
- Infrastructure assistance for large reservoirs
- Faster project implementation mechanisms
MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi also confirmed that discussions are underway with the Finance Ministry regarding support schemes for floating solar and agri-photovoltaic projects.
Why Floating Solar Is Important for India
Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) systems are installed on water surfaces instead of land.
Major Benefits
1. Saves Valuable Land
India faces increasing land acquisition challenges for large solar parks. Floating solar projects use existing water bodies, reducing pressure on agricultural and industrial land.
2. Improves Solar Efficiency
Water helps cool solar panels naturally, which can improve energy generation efficiency compared to some land-based systems.
3. Reduces Water Evaporation
Solar panels covering reservoirs can lower water evaporation losses, an important benefit in water-stressed regions.
4. Supports Clean Energy Targets
Floating solar can help India achieve its renewable energy and net-zero ambitions without major land-use conflicts.
How the Assessment Was Conducted
The NISE study analyzed water bodies across India using advanced geospatial techniques.
Researchers identified suitable reservoirs and water bodies while considering:
- Surface area availability
- Environmental constraints
- Technical feasibility
- Grid connectivity possibilities
- Solar irradiation levels
The assessment reportedly assumed limited utilization of reservoir surfaces, indicating that actual long-term potential could be even higher with technological advancements.
