How India's PLI Scheme is Powering a Solar Revolution: 43,000 New Jobs and a Giant Leap Toward Global Solar Leadership Published By Anupam Nath IntroductionBrief overview of India's PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme targeted at boosting high-efficiency solar PV module manufacturing.Emphasis on large-scale government investment (₹24,000 crore) and its transformational impact on India’s renewable energy sector.PLI Scheme and Capacity ExpansionDetails about approved solar module manufacturing units accounting for 48.3 GW capacity under the PLI scheme.Explanation of how policy incentives are stimulating entire solar value chains, including wafer and cell manufacturing.India's current solar manufacturing capacity reaching 121.68 GW as per the latest ALMM data.Employment ImpactHighlight creation of approximately 43,000 jobs (11,220 direct, rest indirect) by October 2025 due to PLI-driven solar manufacturing.Key states benefiting: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and others. Gujarat leading with major corporate projects generating over 22,400 jobs.Importance of skilling and economic growth through these jobs in solar manufacturing hubs.Import Reduction and Market DynamicsDespite domestic capacity growth, India still imported over 18 million solar modules in H1 2025-26 worth $386 million.Discussion on India reducing import dependence and competing globally, especially against China's dominance in polysilicon and solar modules.Future Growth and Global AmbitionsICRA forecasts India’s solar manufacturing capacity to surpass 165 GW by March 2027, driven by continued policy support and market expansion.How India aims to become the global hub for solar manufacturing, exporting to international markets.Potential challenges such as global market pressures, overcapacity risks, and need for innovation.ConclusionSummary of the PLI scheme’s multi-dimensional impact: job creation, capacity expansion, import reduction, and positioning India as a global solar leader.Emphasis on sustained policy support and industry collaboration to maintain growth momentum.
