11 September 2025 at 04:29 pm IST
India added 3.8 GW of solar open access capacity in the first half of 2025, reflecting strong momentum in decentralized renewable energy adoption. The open access framework allows industries, businesses, and large consumers to procure solar power directly from generators, offering flexibility and cost savings. Policy support such as incentives on charges, net metering, and banking has further encouraged this shift toward sustainable energy solutions. The adoption is primarily led by commercial and industrial sectors responding to rising electricity costs and sustainability targets. Many organizations are aligning with global ESG standards, seeking cleaner alternatives to meet their energy needs. This approach not only helps reduce carbon footprints but also supports India’s renewable energy targets by promoting distributed solar generation and reducing reliance on conventional fuels. Technological advancements, including improved photovoltaic efficiency, energy storage solutions, and smarter grid systems, have made solar open access more reliable and efficient. Financial institutions are also offering favorable financing options to accelerate deployment. However, challenges like grid integration, regulatory frameworks, and billing transparency remain, prompting ongoing efforts from policymakers to ensure continued growth in the sector.