Land Requirements and Challenges for Solar Projects in India

Solar energy is poised to drive India's transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. However, as solar installations scale up rapidly, land requirements and management challenges have emerged as critical factors influencing project success. With ambitious national goals — such as achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 — strategic planning for land use has become essential.

Land Requirements for Solar Energy Projects

Utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants require significant land area compared to conventional power plants. On average, a solar PV installation requires about 4–5 acres per megawatt (MW) of capacity (source). In an effort to optimize usage, India's Central Electricity Authority (CEA) now recommends at least 3 acres per MW as the minimum land planning norm.

This means that India's ~100 GW of installed solar capacity as of 2024 occupies an estimated 300,000–400,000 acres of land. As India targets the addition of over 280 GW of solar by 2030, identifying suitable sites will be crucial to avoiding conflicts with agriculture, biodiversity, and local communities.

Ideal Land Characteristics for Solar Projects

The ideal land for solar development is:

• Flat and non-shaded

• Economically viable (low-cost)

• Not ecologically sensitive

• Preferably non-agricultural

To minimize land-use conflicts, Indian policy emphasizes utilizing wastelands and non-cultivable land. According to the National Institute of Solar Energy, around 748 GW of solar potential could be realized by using just 3% of India's wasteland area. Major solar parks, such as the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan and sites in Kutch, Gujarat, are prime examples of projects situated in semi-arid or degraded regions.

Challenges in Land Acquisition for Solar

Despite abundant wasteland availability, land acquisition remains one of the most complex challenges for solar developers in India. Common issues include:

• Fragmented land ownership and title verification

• Time-consuming clearances from local authorities

• Resistance from local communities

• High costs of contiguous land parcels

As per MNRE’s official reports, land acquisition delays often lead to increased project costs, missed deadlines, and scaling hurdles. These issues are even more pronounced in densely populated regions where suitable wasteland may not be easily accessible.

Policy Measures to Address Land Issues

The Government of India has proactively introduced several measures to streamline land acquisition for renewable energy:

• Solar Parks Scheme: Under this flagship initiative by the MNRE, pre-identified land with necessary infrastructure (roads, substations, transmission lines) is made available to developers, simplifying the setup process. The scheme initially targeted 20 GW and was later expanded to 40 GW by 2025–26.

• State-Level Reforms: States like Rajasthan and Gujarat have created land banks and eased conversion procedures to facilitate solar project development.

• Land Use Norms for Connectivity Approvals: Developers are now required to demonstrate at least 50% of the required land ownership or lease rights when applying for grid connectivity, ensuring better planning and realistic land commitments (source: Central Transmission Utility).

• Diversification Initiatives: To reduce land dependency, India is investing in alternatives like floating solar projects, rooftop solar programs, and canal-top solar plants.

Looking Ahead

As India continues its rapid renewable energy expansion, careful land-use planning will be key. Policy frameworks are increasingly focused on:

• Prioritizing degraded and wasteland use

• Minimizing displacement and ecological impact

• Promoting distributed and innovative solar technologies

While challenges remain, continuous reforms and coordinated efforts between developers, government bodies, and communities are positioning India to achieve its renewable energy goals — responsibly and sustainably.

At Elanor Renewables & Power Pvt. Ltd., we specialize in land aggregation, EPC execution, and regulatory clearances for solar energy projects across India. 

For expert guidance on site preparation and solar development, reach out to us via our website or messages today.