Authors :
Shubham Bharat Solanke
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/yp383wj5
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug967
Note : A published paper may take 4-5
working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and
ResearchGate.
Abstract :
India's transition towards renewable energy has positioned solar power as a key component of its sustainable
development and energy strategy. This study examines the economic impacts of solar energy development in India, with
particular emphasis on Rajasthan as a case study. The study analyses the growth of solar energy capacity, employment
generation, investment, energy security, electricity costs, rural electrification, and women's empowerment. It also examines
major government initiatives, including the National Solar Mission, Solar Parks Scheme, PM-KUSUM, and the Renewable
Energy Policy 2023. The findings indicate that the expansion of solar energy has generated substantial employment
opportunities, attracted significant investments, improved energy access, reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, and
contributed to lower electricity costs. Rajasthan has emerged as a leading state due to its abundant solar resources, largescale projects such as Bhadla Solar Park, and supportive policy framework. However, the sector continues to face challenges
related to high initial capital costs, grid integration, energy storage, and land acquisition. The study concludes that sustained
investment, technological advancement, innovative financing mechanisms, and effective policy support are essential for
maximizing the economic and social benefits of solar energy and achieving India's renewable energy targets.
References :
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (2025). Energy Security in India: Advancing Renewable Energy and Sustainability through Key Government Initiatives. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. Retrieved from https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2025/feb/doc2025 21493701.pdf
- JMK Research. (2025, February). Monthly Renewable Sector Update – February 2025. Retrieved from https://jmkresearch.com/renewable-sector-published-reports/monthly-renewable-sector-update-utility-scale-solar-wind/monthly-re-update-february-2025-2/
- Oxford Academic. (2024). Scenario of solar energy and policies in India. Clean Energy, 8(5), 117–130. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/ce/article/8/5/117/7717016
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (2025). Physical Achievements: Programme/Scheme-wise Cumulative Physical Progress as on February 2025. Retrieved from https://mnre.gov.in/en/physical-progress/
- MDPI Energies. (2023). India's Renewable Energy Portfolio: An Investigation of Solar Energy Policies and Incentives Favoring Energy Security. Energies, 16(14), 5491–5507. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145491
- International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2023). Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2023. Retrieved from https://www.irena.org/publications/2023/Jan/Renewable-Energy-and-Jobs-Annual-Review-2023
- MNRE Annual Reports (2016–2024). Retrieved from https://mnre.gov.in/en/year-wise-achievement/
- Kumar, A., & Singh, R. (2024). Economic impacts of solar energy development in India: A case study of Rajasthan. Solar Energy, 224, 45–60.
- Pandey, A., Pandey, P., & Tumuluru, J.S. (2022). Solar energy production in India and commonly used technologies—An overview. Energies, 15(2), 500–512.
- Sharma, P., & Singh, R.K. (2023). Outline of solar energy in India: Advancements, policies, barriers, and future prospects. Renewable Energy Journal, 48(3), 150–165.
- National Solar Mission Reports (2016–2024). Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
- Press Trust of India (PTI). (2024). Solar energy adoption among farmers under PM-KUSUM Scheme accelerates rural electrification efforts.
- Juniper Green Energy Investments Report (February 2025). Retrieved from JMK Research database.
- Adani Green Energy Limited Reports on Solar Projects in Rajasthan (January 2025).
- Torrent Power Solar Projects Report (February 2025). Retrieved from JMK Research database.
India's transition towards renewable energy has positioned solar power as a key component of its sustainable
development and energy strategy. This study examines the economic impacts of solar energy development in India, with
particular emphasis on Rajasthan as a case study. The study analyses the growth of solar energy capacity, employment
generation, investment, energy security, electricity costs, rural electrification, and women's empowerment. It also examines
major government initiatives, including the National Solar Mission, Solar Parks Scheme, PM-KUSUM, and the Renewable
Energy Policy 2023. The findings indicate that the expansion of solar energy has generated substantial employment
opportunities, attracted significant investments, improved energy access, reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, and
contributed to lower electricity costs. Rajasthan has emerged as a leading state due to its abundant solar resources, largescale projects such as Bhadla Solar Park, and supportive policy framework. However, the sector continues to face challenges
related to high initial capital costs, grid integration, energy storage, and land acquisition. The study concludes that sustained
investment, technological advancement, innovative financing mechanisms, and effective policy support are essential for
maximizing the economic and social benefits of solar energy and achieving India's renewable energy targets.