Between January and September 2025, India added nearly 6.1 GW of solar capacity through open access, marking a significant 13% increase from the 5.4 GW added in the same period in 2024. This sustained growth reflects the rising demand from commercial and industrial consumers for reliable, cost-effective solar energy.
Strong Growth in India solar open access
India’s solar sector saw the addition of nearly 6.1 GW of India open access solar capacity in the first nine months of 2025. This impressive performance brings the country’s cumulative installed solar open access capacity to a substantial 27.9 GW by the end of September 2025, according to data from Mercom India Research.
The third quarter of 2025 was particularly strong, with 2.2 GW of new capacity installed, making it one of the best quarters on record for the Indian solar open access sector. This growth highlights the increasing preference for open access as a key channel for businesses to procure renewable energy, allowing them to source power directly from producers.
Regional Highlights and Market Dynamics
While the original report highlighted Uttar Pradesh, the latest data reveals that Karnataka has dominated regional capacity additions. The state accounted for nearly 38% of all installations in Q3 2025 and leads in cumulative capacity with a 25% share of the national total. Following Karnataka are Rajasthan and Gujarat, which have also shown strong performance in the sector.
A key driver of this expansion is the rising popularity of the group captive model. This arrangement, which accounted for 60% of capacity added in Q3 2025, allows multiple consumers to jointly invest in a solar project and share the electricity generated. This collaborative approach offers significant cost-effectiveness, regulatory advantages, and flexibility, making it an increasingly attractive option for businesses looking to transition to green energy.
Outlook for India solar open access
Despite the recent impressive growth, the future of solar open access in India faces potential headwinds. The sector’s momentum could be impacted by new regulations, increased grid availability charges, and infrastructure constraints. Issues such as delays in grid connectivity approvals, restricted substation access, and limited transmission capacity in some states pose significant challenges to new project development.
However, this growth is part of a much larger national energy transition. The overall India solar capacity 2025 has surged to an incredible 129 GW, a monumental leap from just 3 GW in 2014. This expansion is not limited to open access; other areas like India rooftop solar are also booming. The country’s focus on renewables is a core part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions, with non-fossil fuel sources now making up over 50% of India’s total power capacity.
India’s solar open access market is clearly on a strong growth trajectory, with 6.1 GW of capacity added in the first three quarters of 2025. Karnataka is leading the charge, and the group captive model is proving to be a powerful mechanism for adoption. While regulatory and grid-related challenges remain, the open access segment will continue to play a crucial role in helping India meet its ambitious energy needs and sustainability goals.
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