Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) in India 2025: Process, Value & Benefits

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As India accelerates its path toward clean and sustainable green energy, the role of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) is becoming increasingly central for industries, businesses, and large commercial buyers. RECs not only fulfil compliance requirements but also deliver value, credibility, and business advantages.

So, the question is What is Solar Renewable Energy Certificate?

A Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is a market-based instrument that represents proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity has been generated from solar energy and fed into the power grid. Businesses and industries in India can buy or trade these certificates to meet Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance and demonstrate their commitment to clean energy.

In short: Solar RECs = Proof of using clean solar energy without actually installing panels.

Key REC & Renewable Energy Context: Data Snapshot 2025

  • Market size and growth: In 2024, the Indian renewable energy certificates market was valued at about USD 572.01 million.
    Projections indicate it will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~26.40% from 2025 to 2033, reaching ~USD 4,711.11 million by 2033.
  • According to another source, the REC market was valued at around USD 94.13 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 316.18 million by 2032, with a CAGR close to 15%.
  • Trading volumes: On the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), REC market activity saw ~17.43 lakh (1.743 million) certificates traded during the sessions in May 2025, marking a 65% year-on-year increase. Prices in those sessions were Rs 345 and Rs 349 per REC.
  • Installed capacity growth: In FY2025 alone, India added ~23.8 GW of new solar capacity, plus about 4.15 GW from wind. This raised total non-fossil capacity (solar, wind, hydro, etc.) to ~228 GW.

  • RE / RPO targets & compliance gaps:
    • The Government of India has set an ambitious trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) for fiscal years 2025-2030, aiming for 43.3% of the country’s total electricity demand to be met from renewable sources by FY 2030.
    • However, many states and obligated entities are lagging in meeting their RPO targets. Data showed mismatches between state RPO mandates and actual compliance in multiple Union Territories / states in the 2022-23 period.

How Can Companies Earn Renewable Energy Credits in India?

Integrating this data strengthens the understanding of how businesses can earn RECs or renewable energy credits:

  1. Generate your own green power
    • If your company (say a manufacturing plant, data centre, or industrial facility) installs solar power  Plant or other renewable power generation (onsite or captive), the clean electricity produced is eligible to earn RECs.
    • Given that India added ~23.8 GW of solar in FY2025, there is growing infrastructure and favourable policy support for setting up large-scale solar power plants.

  2. Buy RECs from the market
    • Many industries may find direct generation infeasible (space, capital, or regulatory constraints). In such cases, buy renewable energy certificates India for businesses is a viable route to fulfill Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) or corporate sustainability goals.
    • With the trading volume of 1.743 million RECs in May 2025 and rising demand, as seen in IEX data, the market is becoming more liquid and better suited for industrial buyers.

Solar REC Trading Process for Industries in India

In practice, the process for industries has the following steps (updated with data where possible):

StepDescriptionKey Data / Insight
Registration & eligibilityProducers (solar, wind, etc.) register their renewable generation with NLDC / Central Agency so that RECs can be issued.India’s expanding renewable capacity (solar & wind additions) means more eligible generators coming online.
Certificate issuanceFor each 1 MWh (1,000 kWh) of renewable energy fed into the grid, a REC is issued.Given large solar additions, REC supply is increasing. However, state-wise compliance and demand still lag, creating a gap.
Trading / purchaseRECs are listed on exchanges like IEX and PXIL; industries / obligated entities purchase them to meet their RPO or voluntary sustainability targets.In May 2025, 17.43 lakh RECs traded at ~Rs 345-349 per REC.
Compliance reporting & verificationCompanies must maintain records, verify certificate ownership, ensure they meet RPO or voluntary procurement standards, and report to the relevant regulatory body.States are increasingly required to report RPO compliance (2022-23 data is publicly available) and track performance.

Industrial Renewable Energy Compliance India: Why RECs Matter for Companies

Using the data helps understand the urgency and benefits:

  • As the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate market is growing rapidly (CAGR 15-26% depending on forecast) and trading volumes are rising, the cost and availability of RECs are more favourable for companies now than perhaps a few years back.

  • The government’s RPO (Renewable Purchase Obligation) target of 43.3% by FY 2030 means that industries will face stricter pressure to procure renewable energy or equivalent certificates. Non-compliance may result in penalties or reputational risk.

  • There is a clear gap between state targets and actual compliance (for example, many DISCOMs and obligated entities have not met their RPOs fully in recent years), which creates demand pressure for RECs.

  • Solar power potential and installed capacity are increasing, strengthening supply side. For instance, India’s solar installed capacity crossed ~107-108 GW_AC by April/May 2025.

How to Strategize REC Procurement / Generation for Businesses

To leverage RECs optimally, companies should:

  • Forecast their RPO obligations over the next few years to budget for REC purchases.
  • Evaluate whether setting up onsite solar/captive renewable plants makes sense vs buying RECs (financial, regulatory, space constraints).
  • Monitor state-level compliance gaps (sometimes cheaper RECs are available if an area is lagging).
  • Factor in REC price volatility — recent IEX sessions had clearing prices about Rs 345-349 per REC.
  • Ensure transparent reporting and verification to avoid audit risks or double-counting, especially if you’re also claiming carbon credits or ESG reporting.

Benefits of Using RECs (With Data-Backed Insights)

BenefitData / Evidence
Cost-efficient complianceBuying RECs is often cheaper and faster than installing a large solar plant, especially for businesses in dense areas. Given increasing supply, prices are more stable.
Brand & investor valueAs corporate sustainability commitments rise (in India and globally), using RECs helps show climate action. Analysts note rising demand from corporates.
Supporting national goalsBy using RECs or generating clean energy, companies contribute toward India’s goal of 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, and 43.3% of electricity from RE sources.

who issues Solar Renewable Energy Certificates in India

In India, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are issued by the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), which functions as the central agency under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). Renewable energy generators such as solar, wind, or biomass plants can earn one REC for every 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity they feed into the grid, provided they are not selling it under a preferential tariff. These certificates are then traded on approved power exchanges like the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Power Exchange India Ltd. (PXIL), enabling businesses and industries to purchase RECs and meet their Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) compliance.

Final Thoughts

India’s REC system in 2025 presents both a compliance necessity and a strategic opportunity. With robust policy push, increasing renewable generation, rising REC trading volumes, and growing corporate demand, businesses that move early can:

  • Meet industrial renewable energy compliance in India 2025 with less friction.
  • Enhance their sustainability credentials.
  • Potentially reduce energy costs (especially if generating).
  • Stay ahead of regulatory/market risks.

About the Author

Jatin Singh is a content developer at Sun Photonics Pvt. Ltd., specializing in creating impactful content for solar energy solutions. With a background in tech and health, he has previously worked in digital marketing and pharma. Passionate about sustainability, and currently exploring all things about solar!

Approval by an Expert: 
“This content is reviewed and approved by Dr. Sujata Bhaker, who holds a Doctorate in Renewable Energy and brings over 10 years of industry expertise.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A 1 MW rooftop solar system in India typically costs around ₹5 crore. With subsidies and tax benefits, businesses can recover costs within 3–5 years.

Industries in India can expect 20–35% ROI from rooftop solar, depending on system size, financing model, and state policies.

CAPEX is better for businesses seeking ownership and faster ROI, while OPEX/RESCO suits those preferring zero upfront investment.

Yes, rooftop solar is ideal for large energy consumers such as factories and warehouses, where it significantly reduces operational costs.

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