India's Renewable Energy Share Climbs to 26.4% in 2025-26, Solar Power Drives Surge
According to the latest data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Bulletin, the contribution of clean energy to India's overall electricity generation has been steadily increasing. The share of renewable sources in power generation has reached 26.4% in 2025–26 (up to January), a significant rise from approximately 21% in 2019–20. This growth underscores the country's accelerating transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
Solar Power More Than Doubles, Leading Renewable Expansion
The remarkable growth in renewable energy has been largely propelled by a sharp increase in solar power generation. Solar energy's contribution has more than doubled, jumping from 3.6% in 2019–20 to 9% in 2025–26. This surge highlights solar power's pivotal role in India's renewable energy landscape.
In contrast, wind energy has maintained a relatively stable share, fluctuating between 4% and 6% over the same period. Hydropower continues to hold the largest share among renewable sources, although its contribution has moderated slightly in recent years. Biopower has also made a small but consistent contribution throughout this timeframe.
Installed Renewable Capacity Reaches 267 GW, Solar Accounts for 144 GW
As of February 2026, India's total installed renewable energy capacity, including large hydro projects, stood at an impressive 267 gigawatts (GW). Within this total, solar power accounted for 144 GW, a dramatic increase from just 35 GW in 2019–20. This means solar energy now represents approximately 54% of India's total installed renewable capacity.
In the current fiscal year alone (up to February), the solar segment added a record-breaking 38 GW of new capacity to the grid. This includes ground-mounted installations, rooftop solar projects, and hybrid systems, demonstrating the diverse and rapid expansion of solar infrastructure across the country.
Historical Trends Show Steady Growth with Recent Acceleration
The RBI Bulletin data reveals a clear trajectory of growth in renewable energy adoption:
- Between 2019–20 and 2022–23, total renewable generation gradually increased, reaching around 22%–23% of the power mix.
- There was a slight decline to 22.1% in 2024–25, but this was followed by a sharp recovery and climb to the current 26.4% share in 2025–26.
This pattern indicates that after a period of steady growth, India's renewable energy sector has entered a phase of accelerated expansion, largely fueled by the solar power boom. The data underscores the increasing importance of clean energy in meeting the nation's electricity demands while reducing carbon emissions.
The consistent rise in renewable energy share, particularly solar power, reflects India's commitment to sustainable development and energy security. As the country continues to invest in clean energy infrastructure, these trends are expected to strengthen further in the coming years.
