Renewable energy (solar) industry in India — hubs, licences, schemes, merits and demerits

§1How big it is

Rajasthan and Gujarat - largest solar parks (well-known; state capacity table not checked in this pass)

Vendor empanelment with state DISCOM / national portal for PM Surya Ghar rooftop installation
Module and cell makers: ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) enlistment with MNRE; BIS registration
Electrical contractor licence from state electrical inspectorate
Net-metering / grid connectivity approval from DISCOM (per project)
Udyam Registration (MSME) - free, online, PAN + Aadhaar based
GST registration (mandatory above turnover threshold or for inter-state supply / e-commerce sale)
Shops & Establishment registration or Factory Licence (Factories Act / state rules) depending on size and power use
Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate from the State Pollution Control Board - category (Red/Orange/Green/White) as per CPCB 2025 harmonised list; White category is exempt from consent
IEC (Importer Exporter Code) from DGFT if you import or export

MNRE (ALMM list for modules/cells, standards)
BIS (CRS for solar modules, inverters)
State DISCOMs and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (net metering, connectivity)
CEA (safety regulations)

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar subsidy for homes)
PM-KUSUM (solar pumps and farm solar plants)
PLI for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules
Solar Park scheme
Green Energy Corridor
National Green Hydrogen Mission
IREDA loans
Cross-sector schemes that also apply (detailed in the programmes file): Udyam benefits, PMEGP, PM Mudra Yojana, CGTMSE credit guarantee, Stand-Up India, MSE-CDP (cluster development), RAMP, MSME ZED and Lean certification, MSME Champions, TReDS, Startup India (SISFS seed fund, Fund of Funds, CGSS), RoDTEP, EPCG, Advance Authorisation, Districts as Export Hubs, ODOP (One District One Product)