Q1 2026 MERCOM INDIA SOLAR OPEN ACCESS MARKET REPORT - 2.7 GW INSTALLED IN Q1 2026
In the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, India added 2.7 gigawatts (GW) of solar open access capacity, up 55% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) compared to 1.7 GW in Q4 2025, marking the second-highest quarterly additions on record, according to the Q1 2026 Mercom India Solar Open Access Market report.
Installations were also up 160% year-over-year (YoY) compared to 1 GW in Q1 2025
The strong installation activity during the quarter was driven by a combination of regulatory and market factors. The upcoming transition to ALMM List-II-compliant solar cells and modules pushed developers to accelerate project execution to meet new requirements, amid concerns over supply shortages and rising procurement costs. Additional growth drivers included supportive state policies, shorter approval timelines, and stronger market outreach.
In Q1 2026, Rajasthan led solar open access capacity additions, accounting for 39% of installations. The top five states accounted for 84% of the country’s total installations, highlighting the continued concentration of activity in a few high-demand markets.
As of March 2026, cumulative installed solar open access capacity stood at 32.9 GW.
Karnataka retained its leading position, accounting for 23% of cumulative installed capacity as of March 2026. cumulative installations each. The top five states accounted for 77% of India’s cumulative installed solar open access capacity.
In Q4 2025, Adani Green Energy was the leading seller in the Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM), accounting for 34% of electricity sold. Odisha was the leading procurer from G-DAM, followed by Damodar Valley Corporation and Gujarat.
The cleared volume of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) traded on the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) rose 285% QoQ.
The volume traded in the Green Term-Ahead Market (G-TAM) on IEX decreased 40% QoQ.
Key Highlights from Mercom’s Q1 2026 India Solar Open Access Market Report
- In Q1 2026, 2.7 GW of solar open access was added, an increase of 55% QoQ and 160% YoY
- Rajasthan was the leading state, accounting for 39% of solar capacity additions in Q1 2026
- The top five states accounted for 84% of installations in Q1 2026
- As of March 2026, cumulative installed solar open access capacity was 32.9 GW
- The top five states contributed 86% of the solar open access project pipeline
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MERCOM INDIA RESEARCH
Mercom India Research is a leading research and consulting firm at the forefront of India’s clean energy transformation delivering timely, relevant market intelligence and advisory for India’s energy markets.
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