India’s rooftop solar surges in 2023

In the first half of 2023, India’s rooftop solar capacity increased by 3.2% to reach 872 MW, and during the second quarter, an additional capacity 387 MW was added, marking a 20 percent increase compared to January-March 2023.

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During the first half of 2023, rooftop solar installations in India increased by 3.2 percent to 872 MW, according to Mercom India. In the same period in 2022, 845 MW of the capacity was installed. As of June 2023, India’s cumulative rooftop solar capacity stood at 9.6 GW, as reported in the ‘Mercom India Rooftop Solar Market Report.’

During the second quarter, an additional capacity of 387 MW was added. This represents a 20 percent increase compared to January-March 2023 but a marginal 0.5 percent decrease compared to April-June 2022.

Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group, said “Rooftop solar did not meet expectations in H1, even with falling component prices and growing demand. We see a much stronger second half as installers holding out for better margins start ramping up installations and meeting demand at a much quicker pace.” 

Capacity additions by residential consumers accounted for 54 percent, with industrial consumers contributing 25 percent, and commercial consumers making up the remaining 21 percent. Among the industrial installations, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), automobiles, and auto components were prominent. Gujarat led the states in cumulative rooftop solar installations, followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan.