By: Gautam Mohanka, Director, Gautam Solar
Despite the global economic slowdown, India’s performance is quite promising. According to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects – June 2025, the fastest-growing major economy is projected to grow at a strong 6.3 per cent. There are a variety of factors responsible for India’s steadfast growth, and prominent among them are the government’s ambitious renewable energy and digital transformation policies, which are nudging the country towards a green and sustainable future.
In the post-COVID era, a pivotal shift is witnessed in the clean energy landscape, with the lion’s share from the solar sector, already blessed the country with 100+ GW capacity. This exponential growth in the solar sector couldn’t have been possible without its integration with AI, IoT, blockchain, edge computing, digital twins, and other smart technologies shaped by the IT industry. From storage to grid maintenance to power distribution, IT is playing a pivotal role at every stage of the renewable energy cycle, especially in the solar sector, and India is smartly harvesting their dynamic synergy.
Smart Grids & IoT
Acting as the nervous system, smart grids and IoT technology provide real-time visibility and control over the entire energy realm. Demand-response is dynamically controlled with fault detections that have ultra-fast response times through IoT sensors and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) that monitor the generation and consumption of electricity. These systems allow for two-way data communication among solar panels, energy storage, and the power grid, thereby turning each rooftop installation into a smart, untethered energy node.
In the case of big PV plants, IoT devices coordinate operations by monitoring panel performance and allowing for predictive maintenance to minimise downtimes and ensure maximum output. Solar operators, through IoT analytical software, have managed to reduce maintenance costs by about 30% and reveal 70% accuracy in predicting equipment failures. Hence, smart grids with IoT create a more resilient and cost-efficient solar infrastructure.
AI & Machine Learning
From the beginning to the end, AI and machine learning are transforming the optimisation of solar energy systems for efficiency. AI enhances grid stability by predicting energy demand while accounting for the variability of solar generation. Many international utility firms are already leveraging AI to streamline supply routes and cut down emissions, showcasing its potential in large-scale energy management. Moreover, AI is also instrumental in predictive maintenance and continuous monitoring of the solar infrastructure. It allows the maintenance department to fix errors before failures occur. Evidently, this strategic approach extends the lifespan of panels, inverters, trackers, and other critical components.
Blockchain & Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading
Blockchain technology is changing the way solar energy is traded by providing the tools for a secure, transparent, and decentralised form of peer-to-peer transaction. Some companies, for instance, facilitate the selling of excess solar power from houses and small businesses to nearby consumers, thereby creating local digital energy markets. These platforms give the so-called prosumers (producers & consumers) the ability to be truly active participants in the energy trade. This, in turn, brings forth a more democratised and resilient energy environment where there is more trust, empowerment, and efficiency.
Edge Computing & Digital Twins
Edge computing and digital twin technologies make solar energy systems intelligent and resilient by enabling local decision-making and advanced simulation capabilities. Edge computing lets energy data be processed in real-time and on-site at the solar plant, which is necessary for the autonomous management of storage, distribution, and reacting to faults. In parallel, the digital twin of a solar plant interlinks IoT and AI to simulate its performance, optimise the solar plants, and forecast maintenance requirements. These digital models allow the operator to virtually test the system before its implementation and minimising operational downtime.
Cloud, Green Computing & Sustainable Infrastructure
Cloud computing, green IT, and sustainable infrastructure are increasingly forming part and parcel of the solar ecosystem. Hyperscale cloud platforms equipped with virtualisation and green data centers provide low-carbon methods for processing and analysing massive solar data sets. Tech biggies like Google and Apple have already set precedents of aligning digital infrastructure with sustainable goals and in furthering the transition to clean energy generation by running their data centers on 100% renewable energy.
Battery Integration & Energy Storage Management
Intelligent digital systems have further enhanced battery integration and energy storage management as key pillars of modern solar infrastructure. A high-level energy management platform now gives BESS effective control to store the excess solar power and release energy when demand is high, so that a constant supply is maintained. AI augments this by optimising charging and discharging schedules on the basis of real-time data such as energy price, renewable generation patterns, etc., thereby maximising efficiency, reducing costs, and improving overall grid reliability.
The Road Ahead
Scalable smart grids, blockchain-based energy markets, AI-first strategies, and GreenOps are shaping the future of green energy in India, particularly the solar sector. IT is the backbone of this transition, which is going to accelerate the pace with a more robust digital infrastructure. These constant advancements in technologies are a catalyst for the industry as IT helps integrate distributed solar systems and provides consumers with more choices. Besides, the industry is availing of the technology for accuracy in forecasting, resilience in operations, and protection from cybersecurity threats. All in all, these advancements will also be effective in minimising environmental impact and supporting a clean energy transition.