Dholera Solar Park: India’s Most Trusted Green-Energy Megaproject
Dholera Solar Park isn’t just a sprawling field of solar panels—it’s a beacon of India’s green revolution and a smart investment gateway. With a planned capacity of 5,000 MW spread across 11,000 hectares, this project presents not only a massive energy punch, but also a transformative economic and environmental opportunity.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Massive scale: Beyond the initial 300 MW, it’s set to grow to 5 GW.
- Government backing: Supported by DSIRDA, SECI, GUVNL, GPCL, and POWERGRID.
- Long-term stability: Anchored by 25-year PPAs and minimal operational risk.
Prime Location & Connectivity
Located about 80–100 km from Ahmedabad in the Dholera Smart City region (DSIR), the solar park benefits from:
- Being part of the DMIC corridor, with upcoming freight rail and expressways.
- The upcoming Dholera International Airport and completed highway upgrades set to boost logistics.
- A ready-made plug-and-play infrastructure: water, electricity, comms—all managed by GPCL/GETCO/SECI.
Phase-wise Development & Status
Phase I – 300 MW
- Developed by Tata Power Solar, operational since April 2022.
- Generates approximately 774 MU annually.
- Uses Single-Axis Trackers, improving output by ~15%.
Phase II – 700 MW
- Awaiting land allotment approval and PPA finalisation.
- A tariff of ₹2.78/unit is under review at GERC (as of June 2025).
Phase III – Remaining ~4,000 MW
- In the planning and tendering stage, being developed by SECI/GPCL under the national mega-solar initiative.
Investment Perspective & ROI Potential
This is where things get exciting for investors, especially those looking for long-term green opportunities:
Investment Feature | Detail |
Tariff | ₹2.78 per unit (Phase I agreements) |
Capex | ₹4–4.5 Cr per MW |
Payback Period | Estimated 5–6 years |
Government Incentives | Accelerated Depreciation, GST exemptions, VGF, PLI schemes |
Environmental Impact | ~246 million kg CO₂ reduction/year for Phase I |
This combination of green credentials and financial incentives makes it a compelling proposition.
Legal & Regulatory Framework
- GERC petition: Developers are contesting tariff and land lease terms. The hearing was held in June 2025.
- CRZ‑I B clearance: Coastal zone approvals are in place to ensure eco-compliant development.
- RERA compliance: Applicable if user-facing models (like leasing or SPVs) are introduced.
Technological Edge & Innovations
- Single‑Axis Trackers: Follow the sun, boosting power output by 15–18%.
- AI-Monitored Maintenance: Real-time fault detection and performance optimization.
- Flood-Ready Platforms: Panel foundations elevated at 380–450 mm on PCC structures.
- Grid-Storage Ready: Designed to integrate future battery systems or hybrid grid setups.
Local Economy & Community Benefits
- Over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation.
- Sparks growth in manufacturing, logistics hubs, and semiconductor plants.
- Upgrades in roads, utilities, and smart-city systems, benefiting the entire region.
Comparative Outlook
Project | Capacity | Tariff (₹/unit) | Estimated ROI |
Dholera Solar Park | 5,000 MW | ₹2.78 | ~6 years |
Bhadla Solar Park (Rajasthan) | 2,245 MW | ₹2.90 | ~7 years |
Pavagada Park (Karnataka) | 2,050 MW | ₹2.91 | ~7 years |
Dholera offers 10–15% better ROI compared to similar large-scale solar projects.
Expert Insight
- Policy-backed Infrastructure: Plug-and-play land and infrastructure reduce entry barriers.
- Stable Revenue Flow: 25-year PPAs ensure predictable cash flow.
- NRI and Institutional-Friendly: Multiple pathways for investment, with strong regulatory clarity.
“Dholera is more than a solar park—it’s a green growth catalyst for Gujarat and India’s industrial roadmap.”
Dholera Solar Park : FAQs
Phase I (300 MW) is operational, Phase II is under regulatory review, and the rest is in planning.
The current agreed upon tariff is ₹2.78/unit under Phase I.
Through EPC partnerships, SPVs, or land-lease models facilitated locally
Typically 5–6 years for full return on initial investment.
