Open Access Solar Surges 160% YoY to 2.7 GW in Q1 2026
Open Access Comes of Age
Open access solar installations in India surged 160% year-on-year to reach 2.7 GW in Q1 2026, according to Mercom India. This segment, which allows commercial and industrial consumers to procure solar power from offsite generators through the transmission and distribution network, has been the fastest-growing procurement model for large electricity users.
The growth is driven by multiple factors: cross-subsidy surcharge waivers in several states, falling solar tariffs that create a widening gap with grid tariffs, and improved regulatory clarity following CERC's Green Energy Open Access Rules. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have seen the highest adoption, particularly among manufacturing, IT, and data centre operators.
Regulatory Tailwinds
The central government's directive to streamline open access approvals to a 15-day timeline has meaningfully reduced bureaucratic friction. State electricity regulatory commissions (SERCs) have also been lowering additional surcharges, making the effective cost of open access solar increasingly competitive against DISCOM supply, especially for high-tension industrial consumers.
For Buyers
Industrial and commercial consumers paying above INR 7-8 per kWh to DISCOMs should seriously evaluate open access solar. Current open access tariffs range from INR 3.5-5.0 per kWh depending on state, voltage level, and contract structure, representing savings of 30-50% on electricity costs. Engaging an experienced open access developer or aggregator is advisable for navigating state-specific regulatory requirements.