India installed around 3.8 GW of open-access solar (off-site commercial solar) capacity in the first half (H1) of calendar year (CY) 2025, a decline of over 4% year-on-year, according to Mercom India’s Q2 2025 Solar Open Access Market Report.
The report attributed the higher installations in H1 2024 to developers fast-tracking projects ahead of the reimposition of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) mandate.
In comparison, H1 2025 saw a slight decline with project execution constrained by delays in connectivity approvals and limited transmission infrastructure in Q1. However, installations rebounded sharply in Q2 2025, with developers rushing to commission projects before the expiration of the ISTS (Inter-State Transmission System) charges waiver in June. Many projects were partially commissioned to secure eligibility for the waiver.
“There is unprecedented demand for green energy via the open access model, but the installation numbers have been subdued due to evacuation infrastructure, supply chain, and policy restrictions. We will find more wind-solar hybrid power projects and battery energy storage integration in the future to circumvent issues including transmission congestion, curtailment, and energy banking restrictions,” commented Priya Sanjay, Managing Director at Mercom India.
In Q2 2025, Maharashtra led solar open access capacity additions, accounting for over 30% of installations.
As of June 30, 2025, the cumulative installed solar open access capacity stood at 24.6 GW.
Karnataka retained its top rank in cumulative installations, accounting for around 24% of solar open access capacity at the end of Q2 2025. Maharashtra and Gujarat ranked second and third, contributing more than 18% and nearly 12% to cumulative installations as of June 2025.
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