India’s reservoirs host 102 floating solar projects, first national assessment finds

Overview

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released its first national assessment of floating solar on water bodies. The report says 102 floating solar plants are now running on reservoirs in 20 states. Together they add roughly 1.5 gigawatts of power to the grid.

Geographic spread

Floating solar units appear in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and several others. The report lists the top five states by installed capacity:

• Karnataka, about 300 megawatts
• Tamil Nadu, about 250 megawatts
• Gujarat, about 200 megawatts
• Maharashtra, about 180 megawatts
• Rajasthan, about 150 megawatts

These sites sit on large irrigation and drinking‑water reservoirs, allowing the panels to float on the water surface while the water remains usable for other needs.

Capacity and output

The 1.5‑gigawatt total is enough to power roughly three million homes. The plants generate electricity at a lower cost than many ground‑mounted farms because the water keeps the panels cool, which improves efficiency. The assessment notes that the average capacity factor for floating solar is about three to five percent higher than for similar ground plants.

Benefits

Floating solar helps reduce water evaporation from reservoirs, a benefit that is especially valuable in dry regions. It also frees up land that can be used for farming or other development. The report says that the installations have cut water loss by an estimated 5‑10 percent in the largest ponds.

Challenges

Despite the gains, the sector faces a few hurdles. Installing panels on water requires special anchoring systems that raise costs. Maintenance crews must follow safety rules for working over water, which can slow repairs. In some states, local agencies still lack clear rules for permitting floating solar, creating delays.

Government response

MNRE plans to boost the number of projects to 200 by 2030. The ministry will offer a modest subsidy for the anchoring hardware and will work with state water departments to speed up approvals. It also intends to set up a technical forum where designers, operators and regulators can share best practices.

Looking ahead

Industry analysts expect the sector to keep growing as battery storage becomes cheaper and as the grid needs more clean power. The assessment concludes that floating solar can play a key role in meeting India's renewable‑energy targets while protecting water resources.