India added 2.7 GW of open-access solar capacity in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 170 percent year-on-year increase, according to a report by Mercom India.
With the latest additions, the country’s cumulative installed open-access solar capacity reached 32.9 GW by March 2026.
The report said strong growth was driven by supportive state policies, faster project approvals, and accelerated installations ahead of new ALMM compliance requirements for solar components.
Rajasthan led new capacity additions during the quarter, accounting for 39 percent of installations, while Karnataka remained the top state in cumulative installed capacity with a 23 percent share.
Open-access solar allows large commercial and industrial consumers to purchase renewable electricity directly from off-site solar developers through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs).
The report also noted rising project costs due to supply-chain disruptions, higher component prices, land constraints, and evolving regulations.
