India has added 14.5 GW of utility-scale solar in the first nine months (9M) of 2024, according to Mercom India Research’s latest available data.

India’s cumulative utility-scale solar installations stood at about 77 GW at the end of September 2024.

The full-year installation numbers for 2024 will be released in February 2025.

Here is a look at India’s top five states for utility-scale solar installations as of 9M 2024.

Gujarat led utility-scale solar installations with 27% of the country’s total installations in 9M 2024.

Gujarat’s renewable energy share in its power mix continued to grow, with solar energy making a notable contribution. There were challenges in solar capacity additions due to delays in grid connectivity, monsoon-related challenges, and the stalling of several projects awarded under a government auction. However, the year-over-year (YoY) growth in solar installations remained strong, driven by significant contributions from large standalone projects.

Rajasthan had the country’s second-largest operational utility-scale solar project portfolio, with 26.5% of the country’s total installations in 9M 2024.

Rajasthan saw a dip in large-scale solar capacity additions in early 2024 due to connectivity challenges, limited transmission infrastructure, high domestic module costs, and delays in projects within the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitat. However, YoY growth was strong, driven by the commissioning of delayed projects, many in the GIB region. The state has a robust solar pipeline, including initiatives from renewable energy agencies, projects awaiting GIB habitat approval, and those using domestically approved components. The project pipeline features standalone solar, hybrid power, and open access power, reflecting diverse growth opportunities.

Karnataka’s contribution to the country’s operational utility-scale solar capacity was 10% of the country’s total installations in 9M 2024.

Open access solar projects played a major role in the state’s renewable energy development, accounting for the majority of the installations. Many of these projects had been delayed from previous years but were gradually commissioned, driving capacity additions in 2024. The state’s solar development pipeline remains substantial, dominated by open access projects, standalone solar installations, and wind-solar hybrid power projects. Hybrid power projects, including those with storage solutions, represent a growing share of the pipeline, reflecting Karnataka’s diversified approach to renewable energy development.

Madhya Pradesh was fourth among the states with an installed utility-scale solar capacity, representing 8.9% of the country’s installations in 9M 2024.

Large-scale solar installations in the state experienced remarkable growth, driven primarily by projects awarded under the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar initiative. The state saw substantial installation increases over the previous quarter and year, with major contributions from solar parks and floating solar projects. Madhya Pradesh also had a substantial pipeline of projects under development, including standalone solar, wind-solar hybrid, floating solar, and solar projects with round-the-clock power requirements.

Maharashtra was the fifth largest state for installed utility-scale solar capacity, representing 8.9% of the country’s installations in 9M 2024.

Maharashtra’s renewable energy contribution to its power mix continued to grow in 2024, with solar energy dominating. Despite challenges such as delays caused by transmission infrastructure limitations, monsoon-related disruptions, and postponed construction activities, the state added substantial solar capacity. Key drivers of installations included projects under government programs, open access, and installations awarded by the state’s electricity distribution company. The rising cost of electricity has encouraged commercial and industrial consumers to adopt solar open access solutions to manage energy expenses.