Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi released the report titled "Floating Solar PV Potential Assessment of India" prepared by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) on June 10, 2026. This landmark study comprehensively maps India's potential for floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) installations on inland water bodies.
The assessment reveals that India possesses a total floating solar PV potential of 102.18 GWp. With this addition, India's total assessed solar energy potential has risen to 3,445 GWp, cementing the country's position as a global leader in renewable energy ambition.
NISE employed a rigorous multi-criteria geospatial methodology for the assessment. The study screened hydro-lake water bodies with a minimum area of 10 hectares, having depths between 3 and 30 metres, and located within 10 km of both road networks and electricity substations. Out of a total mapped water body area of 10,725.99 sq km across India, NISE identified 4,546.01 sq km as technically suitable. Applying a 20% utilisation cap yields an effective deployment area of 1,946.24 sq km, corresponding to the 102.18 GWp national potential.
Maharashtra leads all states with a feasible waterbody area of 775.17 sq km, translating to an assessed floating solar potential of 40.70 GW (gross). Among the top states by capped potential, Maharashtra ranks first at 16.28 GWp, followed by Madhya Pradesh (14.89 GWp), Karnataka (13.69 GWp), Odisha (12.81 GWp), and Telangana (10.72 GWp).
Floating solar offers dual advantages: power generation without consuming scarce land, and reduced water evaporation from reservoirs. MNRE is currently working on a dedicated scheme to promote and accelerate floating solar deployment across the country.