The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) is one of the biggest steps that India has taken toward clean and sustainable energy. It was launched in January 2010 as a part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Its goal was to make India a global leader in solar energy. Today, after years of effort, this mission has changed the solar energy landscape in India.
This article will explain the JNNSM in simple words, its phases, key achievements, and future role. We will also cover its impact on solar capacity in India and how it benefits common people.
What is the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission?
The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission is an ambitious program launched by the Government of India in 2010. Its goal was to harness solar energy across the country. The original target was to install 20 GW of solar capacity by the year 2022. In 2015, this target was increased to 100 GW due to growing demand and falling solar panel prices.
Why Was the Mission Started?
India has an abundance of sunshine. Yet before the launch of the mission, solar energy was largely underused. The JNNSM aimed to:
- Reduce India’s dependence on coal and other fossil fuels
- Cut down carbon emissions and air pollution
- Make solar energy affordable and accessible for homes and industries
- Create job opportunities in the solar sector
- Establish India as a global solar powerhouse
This initiative laid the foundation for solar policies in India and shaped the country’s clean energy future.
Also Read Powering India’s Future: Understanding the National Solar Mission
Phases of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
The JNNSM was implemented in three phases:
Phase I (2010–2013)
- Targeted 1,000 MW grid-connected solar installations
- Created a strong base for rooftop solar installations
- Supported rural areas with off-grid solar products like solar lamps and pumps
Phase II (2013–2017)
- Targeted 4,000–10,000 MW of large-scale solar farms
- Supported 1,000 MW of rooftop solar installations across India
- Created solar parks and introduced competitive bidding for lower tariffs
Phase III (2017–2022)
- Targeted an ambitious 100 GW total solar capacity (60 GW in large plants and 40 GW in rooftops)
- Created favorable policies for solar installations and manufacturing
- Focused on integrating solar energy with the national grid
Key Policies Under the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission
Several policies were introduced to help solar energy grow in India:
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Supported developers with initial funding
- Capital Subsidies: Reduced the cost of setting up solar installations
- Competitive Bidding: Created a competitive market that brought down solar tariffs
- Rooftop Solar Subsidies: Created incentives for homeowners and businesses to adopt solar
- Establishment of SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India): Created a central body to oversee solar project auctions and implementations
Achievements of the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission
The mission gave a huge boost to solar energy in India. Here are some notable achievements:
- India exceeded its original target of 20 GW of solar capacity by 2018, four years early.
- By early 2025, total solar installations crossed 100 GW, making India one of the top five solar nations in the world.
- The cost of solar energy dropped sharply — from over ₹17 per unit in 2010 to roughly ₹2–₹3 per unit in 2023.
- Development of solar parks such as Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan), one of the largest in the world.
- Rooftop solar installations crossed 6 GW, making solar accessible for residential and small businesses.
Challenges and Roadblocks
While the mission has been a huge success, certain challenges remain:
- Land Availability: Difficulty in acquiring large areas for solar farms.
- Grid Infrastructure: Need for improved grid connections in remote areas.
- Import Dependence: Heavy reliance on solar panel imports from other countries.
- Rooftop Adoption: Slower adoption rate of solar in some states due to cost and awareness.
- Policy Consistency: Need for stable and long-term policies across all states.
The Road Ahead for Solar Energy in India
The future of solar energy in India looks very promising. The country has set a target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, with solar being the biggest contributor. New advances like solar battery storage, floating solar farms, and solar–wind hybrid projects will further reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission?
It is an initiative launched by the Government of India in 2010 to make solar energy a primary source of clean energy.
Q2. What was the target for solar capacity?
Initially, 20 GW by 2022, later increased to 100 GW.
Q3. What are the benefits of the solar mission?
It has reduced energy costs, created jobs, promoted solar manufacturing, and brought clean energy to remote areas.
Q4. What are the main phases of the JNNSM?
Three phases: 2010–2013 (initial), 2013–2017 (scale-up), and 2017–2022 (mass implementation).
Q5. Will solar energy continue to grow in India?
Yes. The target is 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030, making solar a cornerstone of India’s clean energy future.
Q6. Is solar energy affordable for homes?
Yes, solar panel prices have decreased drastically. Government subsidies and loans make it a viable option for families.
Conclusion
The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission has shaped India’s solar energy policies and future. Its bold targets have made solar energy affordable and popular. Today, solar installations in India range from rural homes to massive solar farms.
With rising energy demands and climate concerns, solar is the best path forward for a sustainable future. The JNNSM will always be remembered as the foundation stone of this solar revolution in India.
If you want to understand more about solar policies, solar installations, or rooftop solar incentives in your state, consult a trusted solar installer or expert. Today is the best time to join the solar revolution and save on your electric bills while doing your part for the planet.
Author- Ayush
