In 2026, Intersolar Europe will take a special look at India as a dynamic growth market for the solar industry. Driven by government incentives, rising energy demand, and falling costs, the country is increasingly emerging as a key player in the global photovoltaic market. At the same time, new opportunities are opening up for international cooperation and the development of supply chains.
Intersolar Europe highlights the dynamism of the solar market in India
The expansion of solar energy in India has gained significant momentum in recent years. In 2025, new capacity additions reached 37.5 gigawatts, representing a 50 percent increase over the previous year. Further expansion to 45 to 50 gigawatts is expected for 2026. This could potentially elevate India to become the second-largest solar market worldwide. At the same time, the country is also gaining importance as a production hub for photovoltaic components. At Intersolar Europe, trade visitors will gain insights into these developments as well as new market opportunities and collaboration prospects.
Solar energy as the backbone of the energy supply
India aims to become climate-neutral by 2070 and is increasingly focusing on the expansion of solar energy. By 2030, a total of 500 gigawatts of renewable capacity is to be installed, 280 gigawatts of which will be in the photovoltaic sector. A key driver is the significant decline in the cost of solar power. Since 2010, these costs have fallen by more than 80 percent, making photovoltaics an economically attractive option for expanding the energy supply. At the same time, energy demand is rising due to economic growth and a growing population.
Intersolar Europe focuses on the development of production and supply chains
In addition to expanding generation capacities, India is increasingly becoming a production hub for photovoltaic technologies. Government programs specifically promote local manufacturing, particularly of modern cell and module technologies. This creates new opportunities for European companies to diversify supply chains and build production capacity. The planned free trade agreement between the European Union and India could provide additional impetus for technology exchange and the expansion of industrial cooperation.
“India is both a major sales market and an attractive partner for expanding production capacity in the solar and storage industries. This also makes it a potential source for finished components and intermediate products”, says David Wedepohl, Managing Director International Affairs at the German Solar Association.
Challenges in India’s Energy System
Despite dynamic growth, structural challenges remain. These include the need for skilled workers, the expansion of grid infrastructure, and the integration of storage systems. Furthermore, regulatory differences between states and existing trade barriers complicate market access for international companies. Initiatives aimed at greater coordination of energy policy could lead to greater consistency in the future.
New Land Use Concepts and Social Aspects
A large portion of installed solar capacity is currently concentrated in a few regions with high solar radiation. In the future, additional areas are to be developed, for example through floating solar installations or the combined use of agricultural land within the framework of agrivoltaics. At the same time, the social dimension of the energy transition is gaining importance. Subsidy programs support households in setting up their own photovoltaic systems. Initiatives such as the “Committee of Women in Solar Energy” are also intended to improve access to education and employment in the energy sector.
Intersolar Europe as a Platform for Exchange and Cooperation
Intersolar Europe provides the framework for international exchange on these developments. During side events, representatives from industry, associations, and politics discuss market opportunities, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks. Planned events include a CEO roundtable, specialized sessions on building joint value chains, and networking opportunities between European and Indian stakeholders. In this way, Intersolar positions itself as a platform for networking within the international solar industry.
Intersolar Europe, along with the parallel events “ees Europe,” “Power2Drive Europe,” and EM-Power Europe, will take place from June 23 to 25, 2026, as part of “The smarter E Europe,” Europe’s largest trade fair alliance for the energy industry, at the Munich Trade Fair Center.
