India's Top 5 States Leading Solar Open Access Growth in 2025

India's Top 5 States Leading Solar Open Access Growth in 2025

December 22, 2025

India added close to 6.1 GW of solar open access capacity in the first nine months of 2025, double-digit growth compared to the same period last year. A large share of these installations came from just five states that together accounted for roughly 85% of all new solar open access capacity in the country, sources said.

India’s solar open access segment, wherein large commercial and industrial users procure solar power directly, remains one of the fastest-expanding in the country on the back of rising grid tariffs, supportive policies, and growing demand from industries. The leading state in this regard was Karnataka, contributing approximately 27% of all new open access solar capacity during the period and thereby retaining the largest share of cumulative installations nationally. In the process, the portfolio developed by Karnataka also includes standalone solar, wind-solar hybrid projects, and systems paired with battery storage that evince a strategic move toward more flexible renewable generation.

After Karnataka, Maharashtra came second, adding approximately 21% of the country’s new capacity, although recent regulatory uncertainty has caused some slowdown in quarter-on-quarter installations. Rajasthan came third, contributing 19%, supported by transmission upgrades and incentives that helped bridge delayed projects to completion. Coming in fourth was Gujarat with 10% of new open access capacity, with the help of changes in tariffs that made open access more cost-competitive for large power consumers. Tamil Nadu completed the top five with approximately 8% of additions, despite a modest reduction from the previous year.

Together, these five states dominate India’s solar open access landscape, reflecting differences in policy environments, grid infrastructure, and industrial demand that are influencing where large scale solar power is being deployed. Continued growth in this segment is likely as businesses pursue cleaner energy and states refine regulatory frameworks to encourage investment.