In Q1 2026, India achieved a significant milestone, generating approximately 52 billion units (BU) of solar power, registering a 24.3% year-over-year (YoY) increase, as reported by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Solar generation also recorded a 27% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) increase from 41.1 BU, highlighting positive momentum. Solar installations in the country increased by 48.8% YoY between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026.

A key driver behind this surge was higher installations YoY and the onset of the summer season, which increased solar irradiance levels, particularly in the country’s southern and western regions, further boosting power generation. Furthermore, a record quarter in large-scale solar capacity additions further accentuated the generation capabilities.

Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra dominated the solar power generation landscape in India. Rajasthan continued to be the frontrunner in solar power generation, contributing 16 BU, reflecting an 18.2% QoQ increase.

Following closely, Gujarat generated 10.5 BU, maintaining its strong position due to a growing installed capacity and a strategic push in both utility-scale and distributed solar segments. Tamil Nadu also performed well, contributing 5.6 BU, supported by a growing base of rooftop and ground-mounted installations. The state remains a significant player, particularly in the southern grid.

Karnataka, which has been aggressively expanding its solar base in recent years, contributed 5.2 BU in Q1 2026, solidifying its place among the top solar-generating states. Maharashtra, with its mix of utility-scale and rooftop solar, generated 3.3 BU during the same period, making it one of the top contributors to the national solar power generation.

Solar power accounted for 28.4% of total installed power capacity and 55% of total installed renewable energy capacity as of March 2026, up from 26.5% and 52.7%, respectively, in the previous quarter, according to the data from CEA, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and Mercom’s India Solar Project Tracker.

The northern region generated the highest amount of solar power during Q1 2026, with 18.5 BU, accounting for 35.4% of the country’s total. The western region generated 16.7 BU, and the southern region generated 16.4 BU, accounting for 32.1% and 31.4%, respectively. The eastern and northeastern regions accounted for 0.9% and 0.2%. Generation for the northern, western, southern, eastern, and northeastern regions rose 18.1%, 42.5%, 23.6%, 15.6%, and 3.7% QoQ, respectively.

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