How Much Solar Open-Access Capacity Did India Install in Jan-June?
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Synopsis
India's solar energy landscape is evolving rapidly, with 3.8 GW of solar open-access capacity added in the first half of 2025. This growth, driven by strategic project completions and a surge in rooftop solar installations, showcases the country's commitment to renewable energy. Discover how states like Maharashtra and Karnataka are leading the charge.
Key Takeaways
- India installed 3.8 GW of solar open-access capacity in H1 2025.
- Maharashtra contributed over 30% to the total installations in Q2 2025.
- Cumulative solar open-access capacity reached 24.6 GW by June 2025.
- Rooftop solar capacity increased by 158% compared to H1 2024.
- Residential installations dominated rooftop growth with 74% of the total.
New Delhi, Sep 10 (NationPress) In the first half of 2025, India successfully added 3.8 gigawatts (GW) of solar open-access capacity, with a remarkable 2.7 GW added in just the second quarter, as per a recent report. Maharashtra emerged as the leader in solar open-access capacity additions during Q2 2025, contributing over 30 percent of the total installations, according to findings from Mercom.
The report further highlighted that the installations in the first half of 2024 were notably positive as open-access developers accelerated project completions prior to the reintroduction of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. However, in H1 2025, project execution experienced a slight dip.
Nonetheless, Q2 2025 saw a rebound in installations as developers hurried to finalize projects before the ISTS charges waiver deadline in June, with many opting for partial completions to qualify for the waiver.
By June 2025, the total solar open-access capacity in India had reached 24.6 GW. Karnataka led in cumulative solar open-access installations, accounting for roughly 24 percent of the total capacity by the end of Q2 2025. Following closely were Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu with 18 percent and 12 percent respectively.
Additionally, solar open-access projects currently in the pipeline, either in development or pre-construction, surpassed 31 GW as of June 2025.
In the first half of 2025, India also saw the addition of 2.8 GW of rooftop solar capacity, marking a remarkable 158 percent increase from 1.1 GW in H1 2024. The country added 1.6 GW of rooftop solar capacity in Q2 2025, which is a 33 percent increase from Q1 2025 and a 121 percent rise from Q2 2024.
The surge in rooftop solar installations during the first half can be attributed to the resolution of delayed registrations, the commissioning of new systems, and improvements to the PM Surya Ghar portal, the report stated.
In Q2 2025, the residential segment dominated rooftop solar additions, accounting for over 74 percent of the total installations, while the industrial segment followed with over 19 percent.
As of June 2025, the cumulative installed rooftop capacity in the country reached 16.5 GW, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh ranking at the top of the list.
Point of View
It's evident that India's commitment to solar energy is not just a trend but a necessity. The growth in solar open-access and rooftop installations reflects a strategic response to energy demands while promoting sustainability. Our nation's focus on renewable energy resources is commendable, offering a path towards energy independence and environmental stewardship.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is solar open-access capacity?
Solar open-access capacity refers to the solar energy generation systems that allow consumers to purchase power directly from solar developers, bypassing traditional grid limitations.
How much solar capacity did India add in the first half of 2025?
India added a substantial 3.8 GW of solar open-access capacity in the first half of 2025.
Which state led the solar capacity addition in Q2 2025?
Maharashtra was the leading state in solar open-access capacity additions during Q2 2025.
What factors contributed to the increase in rooftop solar capacity?
The surge in rooftop solar capacity was driven by the clearance of delayed registrations, the commissioning of new systems, and enhancements to the PM Surya Ghar portal.
What is the significance of the ISTS charges waiver deadline?
The ISTS charges waiver deadline incentivized developers to expedite project completions to benefit from financial exemptions, thus boosting installations.
