India generated approximately 22 billion units (BU) of solar power in the first quarter (Q1) of the calendar year 2022, a 30% quarter-over-quarter increase compared to 17 BU generated in Q4 2021. The solar power generated was a 27% increase year-over-year compared to 17.5 BU in Q1 2021.

Higher insolation and new capacity installations contributed to the increase in solar generation.

In Q1 2022, overall renewable energy generation reached 42 BU, with solar power contributing 53%.

Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh were the top three states for solar power generation during the quarter.

India’s cumulative solar installations reached the 50 GW milestone in February 2022, according to Mercom India Research.

Financial Year 2021-22

For the financial year (FY) 2021-22, solar generation stood at 73.48 BU, a 22% increase YoY. The cumulative solar generation increased by 8.1 MU due to revised generation numbers received from Goa for April to December 2021.

In FY 2021-22, the Southern region accounted for 47.9% of the total solar generation, followed by the Northern region with 31%. The Western region contributed 19.7%, and the Eastern and North-Eastern regions 1.4% towards the total generation.

The top four states, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, accounted for 62% of the total solar generation in FY22.

According to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker, India’s installed renewable energy capacity, including large hydro projects, stood at 155.26 GW, accounting for a 39% share of the overall power mix at the end of Q1 of 2022.

At the end of Q1 2022, solar power accounted for 13.22% of India’s total installed power capacity and 34% of the total installed renewable capacity in Q1 2022.

The all-India peak power demand touched an all-time high of 201.066 GW on April 26, 2022, surpassing the peak power demand of 200.539 GW met on July 7, 2021. According to a Ministry of Power release, the rising power demand reflects the pace of economic growth in the country.

According to Mercom’s Q4 2021 India Solar Market Update Report, India added 10 GW of solar capacity in CY 2021, a 210% YoY rise compared to 3.2 GW installed in CY 2020.