In the first nine months (9M) of 2024, India added 4.8 GW of solar open access capacity, a 69% year-over-year increase from 2.8 GW, according to the Q3 2024 India Solar Open Access Market Report. The capacity added in the first nine months of 2024 surpassed the annual installations witnessed in previous years. The availability of low-cost solar module inventory procured before the reimposition of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers order drove capacity additions in 9M 2024. In the third quarter of the calendar year 2024, India added about 1.1 GW of solar open access capacity, a 36% quarter-over-quarter fall from 1.7 GW. Installations dropped by 6.5% YoY from over 1.1 GW.

Residential rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana have touched 616,019 as of November 21, 2024, according to data provided by Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik in the Lok Sabha. The program, approved on February 29, 2024, program aims to install rooftop solar systems in 10 million households by the end of the financial year 2026-27. The program enables residential consumers to register, apply, and select vendors for their rooftop solar systems. The platform allows users to negotiate installation costs, secure approvals, and benefit from subsidies transferred to their bank accounts following inspections by electricity distribution utilities. Gujarat leads the states by a substantial margin with 281,769 installations, accounting for nearly 46% of the total installations.

Over 500,000 standalone solar pumps have been installed under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) program as of October, 2024. The PM-KUSUM aims to reduce the use of diesel in the agricultural sector and enhance the income of farmers. Under Component B is focused on installing standalone solar pumps used to irrigate farmland. Various states have raised a demand for over 1.3 million solar pumps, and letters of award have been issued for about 970,000 pumps. In all, 540,499 pumps have been installed, meeting 42% of the target, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik told the Lok Sabha. Among the states, Maharashtra has emerged as the top performer with 197,863 installations, followed by Haryana with 136,572 pumps.

The Ministry of Mines has concluded the e-auction of two more mineral blocks under Tranche IV to secure critical and strategic minerals essential for India’s industrial and economic growth. The two newly auctioned blocks are: Ponchi Graphite Block in Jharkhand, awarded to Satguru Mining Private with a final price offer of 752.05%. Vadakhol-Asoli Block in Maharashtra, containing nickel, chromium, cobalt, and associated minerals, was awarded to Assam Mineral Development Corporation with a final price offer of 7.05%. These minerals are critical for India’s energy transition, electronics, defense, and renewable energy sectors.

Power Grid Corporation of India has invited bids to establish a solar-powered green hydrogen plant and fuel cell-based microgrid system at the 400/220 kV Neemrana substation, Rajasthan. The last date to submit the bids is December 28, 2024. Bids will be opened on the same day. The developer must also oversee the plant and microgrid system’s operation and maintenance for ten years. Bidders must furnish a bid document fee of ₹25,000 (~$295.9). They must also furnish bank security of 110% of the advance amount received within 28 days of the award. The entire microgrid project, including the 1,500 kW solar project, green hydrogen production and storage facilities, fuel cell, and its integration with the auxiliary load, must be completed within 12 months.