India installed 6.9 GW of solar open access capacity in the calendar year 2024, 77% more than the 3.9 GW installed in 2023, a record for annual capacity additions, according to Mercom’s Q4 & Annual 2024 India Solar Open Access Market Report.

While capacity additions in 2024 were driven by the availability of low-cost Chinese modules imported before the reimposition of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers, state policies and consumer demand have added to the rise in open access solar transactions.

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh led solar open access installations in 2024, contributing to 72% of the total.

Maharashtra
With 18% of the total installations in 2024, Maharashtra led solar open access capacity additions, increasing 86% from 2023. About 66% of the large-scale solar projects installed in 2024 were in the open access mode.

The state increased electricity tariffs for commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers in FY25. 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.

Rajasthan
Rajasthan was second on the list, accounting for 15% of the solar open access installations in 2024, a 291% growth from 2023—solar open access made up for 15% of the large-scale solar installed in the state in 2024.

The state unveiled its investment promotion program and an integrated clean energy policy in the fourth quarter of 2024. The program and policy offer significant incentives to support solar open access and other renewable energy projects.

Karnataka
Karnataka was a close third in new solar open access capacity additions in 2024, accounting for 14% additions, up 6% YoY from 2023. Solar open access represented 60% of the large-scale solar projects installed in Karnataka during the year.

The lack of transmission infrastructure has hindered the growth of solar open access projects in Karnataka. However, state distribution companies (DISCOMs) are known to expedite the approval process, and the regulatory and policy framework continues to support solar open access.

Gujarat

Gujarat ranked fourth on the list for installations in 2024, accounting for 13% of the total capacity additions, down 16% YoY from 2023. In 2024, 15% of the large-scale solar installations in Gujarat were under the open access model.

The state is likely to continue supporting capacity additions through its wind-solar hybrid power policy, which offers various incentives and waivers for open access projects. DISCOMs also offer prompt project approvals.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh stood fifth on the list for solar open access installations in 2024, accounting for 12% of the total capacity, which rose by 446 % YoY from 2023.

Solar open access installations in Uttar Pradesh accounted for 85% of the large-scale solar projects commissioned in 2024.

Attractive government policies and accelerated licensing approvals have driven solar open access installations in Uttar Pradesh. The growing demand for solar open access by C&I consumers in the state has resulted in competitive power purchase agreement prices compared to retail electricity tariffs.

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/q4-2024-mercom-india-solar-open-access-market-report