The solar shine continues in Q1

INDIA’S CLEAN ENERGY sector has kicked off the cur­rent fiscal year on a robust note, with a record-breaking capacity addition in the first quarter (April–June 2025), led by the solar segment. This marks the second time in two years that the country has added over 10 GW of solar power capacity in a single quarter.

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According to data from the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, a total of 12.3 GW of new renew­able energy capacity was added to the national grid in Q1 FY26. Of this, solar power contributed a significant 10.6 GW, including ground-mounted, rooftop, hybrid, and off-grid systems. A similar performance of over 10 GW capacity addition was recorded in Q4 FY24.

The wind sector also registered solid growth, adding 1.6 GW of new capacity during the same period.

As of June 2025, India’s total installed renewable en­ergy capacity stood at 184 GW, with solar leading the mix at 116 GW. This includes 89 GW from ground-mounted projects, 19 GW from rooftop installations, 3 GW from hybrid systems, and 5 GW from off-grid solar. Wind power capacity reached 52 GW, while biomass-based cogeneration contributed a combined 10.7 GW (9.8 GW from bagasse and 0.9 GW from non-bagasse sources). Small hydro accounted for 5 GW, and waste-to-energy projects made up the remainder.

Including large hy­droelectric projects (49 GW), India’s total clean energy capacity reached 234 GW as of June 2025.

STATE-WISE LEADERS

In the solar segment, Rajasthan continues to lead with 32 GW of installed capacity, followed by Gujarat (21.5 GW) and Maharashtra (12.6 GW). These three states collectively account for 56% of the country’s total solar capacity. In wind energy, Gujarat again leads with 14 GW, followed by Tamil Nadu (12 GW) and Karnataka (8 GW).

OUTLOOK

The momentum is expected to continue. According to JMK Research, India is projected to add another 16–17 GW of solar and wind capacity over the next two quar­ters, reflecting the country’s accelerated push toward its renewable energy targets.

Meanwhile, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) recently executed over 60 GW of Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) for renewable energy.

“The signing of 60 GW worth of Power Sale Agree­ments marks a pivotal moment in SECI’s journey. SECI continues to be at the forefront of ensuring that India stays on track to meet its am­bitious clean energy targets,” said Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Chair­man and Managing Director, SECI.

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