India added 6.1 GW of open-access (off-site commercial and industrial) solar capacity in the first nine months (9M) of calendar year (CY) 2025, up around 13% from the 5.4 GW installed during 9M 2024, according to the Q3 2025 Mercom India Solar Open Access Market Report. The growth in installations was driven by steady demand from commercial and industrial consumers.
Cumulative installed solar open access capacity reached 27.9 GW as of Sep. 30, 2025. Karnataka leads with nearly 25% of total installations. Maharashtra and Gujarat rank second and third, with 17% and 12%, respectively.
In Q3 2025, India added 2.2 GW of solar open access capacity—21% lower than the 2.8 GW added in Q2 2025 but 100% higher than the 1.1 GW added in Q3 2024.
Capacity additions in Q3 were hampered by delays in grid connectivity approvals, restricted substation access, and limited transmission evacuation capacity in states with weaker grid infrastructure.
Karnataka led capacity additions in Q3 2025, accounting for nearly 38% of the quarterely installations. It was followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat with around 25% and 11% of Q3 additions, respectively.
“Even with supply-chain pressures, rising module prices, and inconsistent policies slowing momentum, the cost advantage of open access is proving strong enough to break through these barriers. Without the headwinds, open access renewables could be a significant contributor towards India’s green targets,” said Priya Sanjay, Managing Director at Mercom India.
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