The share of solar thermal technologies in India’s total installed solar capacity is only 0.28 per cent. However, the current capacity of solar panels and solar cell manufacturing is 74 GW and 25 GW, respectively. A missed opportunityWhile solar thermal may not replace all the applications of solar PV, there are a few which can be better managed by using solar thermal. Diversification is key to securityIndia doesn’t need to choose between solar PV and solar thermal; it needs to embrace both strategically. Solar PV is ideal for electricity needs, while solar thermal can be utilised for both heat and electricity demand.