Powering the Future: How BESS Is Unlocking the Full Potential of Solar
India’s solar capacity has expanded sharply, crossing roughly 123 GW by late 2025, as reported by MNRE. That is a huge base of clean power that can deliver even more if storage is added behind it.
October 13, 2025. By News Bureau
Why India Needs Storage Now
India’s solar capacity has expanded sharply, crossing roughly 123 GW by late 2025, as reported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). That is a huge base of clean power that can deliver even more if storage is added behind it. The government has also approved Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for 4,000 MWh of BESS so stored solar power becomes affordable for utilities and consumers. Planning documents linked to the Central Electricity Authority’s National Electricity Plan indicate India may need around 411 GWh of total energy storage by 2031–32, including about 236 GWh from BESS. These are clear signals that storage is now central to a high-renewables grid.
What BESS Actually Does (And Why it Matters)
Think of BESS as a smart, safe power bank for the grid. During the day, when solar generation is high and demand may be lower, batteries store the extra energy. Later, when people return home, factories ramp up, or a live match drives evening demand, BESS releases stored power into the grid. This reduces solar curtailment, eases stress during peak hours, and improves reliability during small disturbances—so there is less wastage, fewer blackouts, and less use of diesel backup.
The Policy Push: Clear Signals from Government
Government support is focused on bringing storage costs down and speeding up real projects. The VGF scheme helps cover part of the upfront cost so developers can offer lower tariffs for “solar + storage” power. Tenders from central agencies are standardising performance rules and contract terms, which helps scale up the market and gives buyers and lenders more confidence.
The Long View: How Much Storage India Will Need
As solar and wind grow, storage must grow alongside them. National planning estimates for 2031–32 already point to hundreds of gigawatt-hours of storage, with a large share expected from BESS. In simple terms, India is building the ability to shift daytime solar into the evening and night, and to keep the grid stable when renewable output changes quickly.
Where BESS Fits in the Solar Value Chain
BESS strengthens solar across many use cases. Industrial facilities can pair rooftop or open-access solar with BESS to cut peak charges, smooth operations, and reduce diesel use. In remote areas and weak grids, BESS makes variable solar dependable, lowering fuel costs and pollution while improving service quality. Over time, as BESS expands, it supports more stable bills and cleaner air—without asking people to change their daily routines.
Costs are Falling, and Design is Getting Smarter
Battery costs have been trending down, and better project design is making each unit of storage do more. The government’s VGF aims to reduce the levelised cost of storage, while standardised tenders help developers choose the right battery size and duration—often two to four hours—to shift solar into the evening and provide grid services like peak shaving and frequency control. The same battery can deliver multiple benefits, which improves the business case and speeds adoption.
What Good BESS Projects Look Like
Successful projects follow a few simple principles. Safety comes first, with certified batteries, strong thermal management, and robust fire protection. Duration is sized to local needs so the battery actually covers the evening peak. Clear warranties and end-of-life plans protect long-term performance and recycling. Building and servicing more of the system in India shortens delivery times, lowers costs, and creates local jobs.
The Road Ahead
With a large and growing base of solar power, India can turn “abundant but variable” sunlight into dependable clean electricity day and night. The numbers from government sources tell a consistent story: solar already above 100 GW, 4,000 MWh of supported storage to kick-start the market, and a storage need in the hundreds of GWh by the early 2030s. The conclusion is straightforward. Pair solar with storage solutions like BESS and view how it brings reliability, affordability, and cleaner air to millions.
- Karan Singh, Chief Executive Officer - Asset Development, Evolve Energy Group
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
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