Comparative Assessment of Solar Power Capacity and Policy Framework in India and China

Solar photovoltaic technology represents the fastest-growing contributor to global renewable energy transitions, with dramatic cost reductions transforming solar electricity into a competitive alternative to fossil fuels, compelling emerging economies to accelerate deployment. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of solar energy development trajectories in India and China during 2015-2024, examining capacity growth patterns, policy frameworks, and their effectiveness in driving renewable energy transitions. China has established unprecedented global dominance in solar energy deployment, with installed capacity reaching approximately 887 GW by 2024—a remarkable 1940% increase from 2015 levels. Meanwhile, India has emerged as the world's leading renewable energy producer, expanding its solar capacity from 3.99 GW in 2015 to 105.65 GW by 2025. The study employs time-series analysis, compound annual growth rate (CAGR) calculations, and thematic policy analysis to compare the divergent development models of both nations. China's state-led manufacturing and deployment strategy emphasizes comprehensive government intervention, vertical integration of the solar supply chain, and control over 80% of global solar manufacturing capacity. In contrast, India's market-based approach leverages competitive bidding, private investment, and targeted incentives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to drive development while managing fiscal constraints. Both nations demonstrate adaptive policy evolution, transitioning from initial mechanisms toward sophisticated market-based approaches. The fundamental drivers of rapid growth include dramatic cost reductions in solar photovoltaic technology, advances in manufacturing capacity, improved grid infrastructure, institutional capacity development, and abundant capital availability. The paper concludes that while China's absolute capacity far exceeds India's, both nations have achieved remarkable growth through complementary policy approaches suited to their respective institutional contexts. These experiences provide critical policy lessons for other emerging economies pursuing large-scale renewable energy transitions to achieve climate targets and sustainable development objectives.