India recorded its strongest-ever quarterly solar performance in the first quarter of 2026, adding a record 15.3 GW of new solar capacity, according to a report released by Mercom India.

The installation volume marked a sharp 143 per cent year-on-year increase compared with 6.3 GW installed during Q1 2025 and a 49 per cent rise over Q4 2025, highlighting the rapid acceleration of India’s renewable energy sector.

By the end of March 2026, India’s cumulative installed solar capacity reached approximately 152 GW. Large-scale utility projects continued to dominate the sector, accounting for nearly 85 per cent of total installed capacity, while rooftop solar contributed around 15 per cent.

Utility-scale installations alone added 12.6 GW during the quarter, representing nearly 82 per cent of total new solar additions. Strong momentum in open-access solar projects also contributed significantly to overall growth.

The report attributed the surge primarily to accelerated project commissioning ahead of the implementation of ALMM List-II regulations scheduled for June 2026. Developers also rushed to complete projects amid concerns regarding domestic DCR solar cell availability and rising module costs.

Additional factors supporting the strong growth included improved transmission infrastructure readiness, faster project execution under the PM-KUSUM programme, and policy changes related to inter-state transmission charge waivers.

Raj Prabhu said Q1 2026 represented India’s strongest solar quarter ever, reflecting robust execution momentum across utility-scale, commercial, and distributed solar segments.

India’s renewable energy sector continues to expand rapidly as the country scales investments in solar manufacturing, transmission infrastructure, energy storage, and grid modernisation to support long-term climate and energy security goals.