India added 1.1 GW of solar open access capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, down nearly 48% from 2.1 GW in Q4 2024. Installations were down 47% year-over-year (YoY) from over 2 GW, according to the Q1 2025 Mercom India Solar Open Access Market report.

Domestic solar modules were scarce due to the rush to commission before the end of the financial year. The quarter saw a slowdown in the commissioning of solar open access projects due to a shortage of transmission infrastructure, delays in the clearance procedure for connectivity, and uncertainty regarding the interstate transmission system (ISTS) waiver.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat led solar open access installations in Q1 2025, contributing to 89% of the total.

Maharashtra

With 29% of the total installations in Q1 2025, Maharashtra led solar open access capacity additions. However, installations dropped 37% from the previous quarter. About 35% of the large-scale solar projects installed in the state in Q1 were in the open access mode.

The state increased electricity tariffs for commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers in the financial year 2025. Compared to the state’s electricity tariffs, solar open access continues to provide C&I consumers with substantial savings while enabling them to meet their targets for green energy use.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu was second on the list, accounting for 22% of the total installed solar open access capacity during the quarter, up 66% from the previous quarter. Solar open access accounted for 37% of the state’s large-scale solar installations in Q1.

Although the growth is fueled by high electricity tariffs, delayed approvals, regulatory obstacles, including complex scheduling, late payments, and restrictions on evacuation infrastructure, hinder the pace of growth.

Karnataka

Karnataka ranked third in new solar open access capacity additions in Q1 2025, accounting for 17%, a 189% increase from Q4 2024. Solar open access represented 100% of the large-scale solar projects installed in the state during the year.

The lack of transmission infrastructure has hindered the growth of solar open access projects in Karnataka. The state distribution companies, however, have been known to provide approvals on time. The regulatory and policy framework continues to support solar open access.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh ranked fourth on the list for installations in Q1, accounting for over 11% of the total capacity additions, up 8% QoQ. Open access installations comprised 35% of the large-scale solar installations in the state during the quarter.

The state has issued the Renewable Energy Policy 2025, aiming to achieve 50% of annual power consumption from renewable energy resources by 2030. The policy offers various incentives and waivers for open access projects. DISCOMs also offer prompt project approvals.

Gujarat

Gujarat shared the fourth position with Madhya Pradesh. The state accounted for under 11% of the total capacity additions, down 71% QoQ. Open access installations comprised 7% of the large-scale solar installations.

The state has demonstrated policy continuity, offering various incentives for open access projects. The state’s DISCOMs are also known to approve projects promptly.

Mercom’s solar open access tracker provides all vital project details for installed and pipeline captive, group captive, third-party, and projects under solar parks in the country.

For the complete report, visit: https://www.mercomindia.com/product/q1-2025-mercom-india-solar-open-access-market-report