India commissioned 18 GW of solar projects in the first half of 2025, marking a 31 per cent increase from the same period in 2024, according to Mercom India Research’s latest Q2 2025 India Solar Market Update. Large-scale additions rose 20 per cent year on year, up from 12.6 GW in H1 2024.

The surge was attributed to regulatory deadlines, with developers rushing to achieve partial commissioning before June 2025 to qualify for a full waiver on interstate transmission charges. Rising demand from distribution companies for round-the-clock renewable power also supported the growth.

Of the 18 GW added, 11.3 GW was installed in Q2 alone – a 145.4 per cent jump compared with 4.6 GW in the same quarter of 2024. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra led the way, accounting for 33.7 per cent, 27 per cent and 17.4 per cent of new capacity additions, respectively.

“India’s solar installations surged in Q2 with over 11 GW added, making it one of the strongest quarters to date,” said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group. “Developers continue to face shortages of DCR-compliant modules, transmission and substation bottlenecks, and delays in PPA signings. Without stronger domestic manufacturing output and balanced policy interventions, installations will remain under pressure and lag behind the expanding pipeline.”

By 30 June 2025, India’s cumulative installed solar capacity stood at 116.4 GW. Large-scale projects contributed nearly 86 per cent of the total, with rooftop systems making up around 14 per cent. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka remained the top three states for cumulative large-scale capacity, with shares of roughly 29 per cent, 18 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively.

As of June 2025, India’s large-scale solar pipeline reached nearly 191 GW, including more than 131 GW of projects tendered and awaiting auction.

News source: PV Magazine