India’s Top Solar States in 2026: Which States Are Leading the Solar Revolution?

Solar energy growth in India is no longer just about big goals; it’s about delivering results at scale. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), by March 2026, India had crossed 150 GW of installed solar capacity, making it rank third globally in renewable energy installed capacity.

Behind this achievement, however, is a deeper story: a few states are driving most of the solar energy growth in India, while several others are rapidly expanding and preparing to play a bigger role in the years ahead, with Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra ranking in the top three, respectively.

This guide talks about the top solar states in India in 2026. Whether you are a homeowner considering rooftop solar, an investor following sustainable energy trends, or simply interested in where India’s energy future is headed, this guide will help you understand the country’s growing solar sector.

Top Solar States in India- 2026 Ranking

While the growth is national, the geography of solar revolution in India is deeply uneven. This ranking is based on cumulative, location-based solar power capacity installed in each state, rather than new capacity added during the year. The figures include the solar capacity categories reported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and the states are ranked from highest to lowest based on their total installed solar capacity as of 31 July 2026. MNRE’s state-wise data covers ground-mounted solar, grid-connected rooftop solar, hybrid projects’ solar component and other reported solar categories.

This table takes you through the top 10 states by installed solar capacity in India in 2026:

The numbers speak for themselves. According to Mercom India’s Q1 2026 Solar Market Update, India added 15.3 GW of solar capacity in Q1 2026 alone. There was a 143% jump compared to the same period last year, and the highest quarterly addition the country has ever recorded.

A Closer Look at India’s Top and Emerging Solar States

Solar energy growth in India isn’t spread evenly across the map. Some states have spent years building the infrastructure, policy environment, and grid capacity to dominate installed capacity rankings, while others are only now hitting their stride.

Here’s a closer look at the solar power generation by states defining India’s solar revolution in 2026, starting with the top five India’s solar leaders in charge and followed by the five emerging players quietly closing the gap.

The Top 5 Solar States in India

These five states collectively account for the highest share of India’s installed solar capacity. From Rajasthan’s sun-drenched desert terrain to Karnataka’s aggressive renewable targets, each has a distinct story behind its rise, and a different set of lessons for the rest of the country.

1. Rajasthan – India’s Undisputed Solar Capital

Ask any energy analyst which state anchors India’s solar revolution, and the answer is almost always Rajasthan. Rajasthan holds the highest cumulative installed large-scale solar capacity at ~32% of India’s total PV installations, a commanding lead that reflects years of deliberate policy choices and geographic advantage.

As of 12 June 2026, SolarSquare has also contributed to this growth by installing 3,891 kWp of rooftop solar across 836 properties in the entire state of Rajasthan, as listed on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana National Portal.

Why Rajasthan Leads?

The fundamentals are straightforward: vast tracts of arid, low-value land in Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Barmer, combined with some of the highest solar irradiation levels anywhere in the country. The state also benefits from the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, which has created a relatively streamlined land acquisition and grid connectivity framework for large developers.

Major Solar Hubs in Rajasthan

• Jaisalmer
• Bikaner
• Jodhpur
• Barmer

Key Projects Driving Energy Growth in Rajasthan

• In September 2023, the state government published the Rajasthan Energy Policy 2050, setting a target of developing 90 GW of combined wind and solar capacity by 2030. The BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) Regulations 2026 released by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) further signal that the state is building the storage infrastructure needed to back up its intermittent solar generation.
• In Q1 2026, Rajasthan and Gujarat together dominated large-scale solar additions. Rajasthan accounted for roughly 39% of quarterly utility-scale capacity, while Gujarat contributed around 40%. Between the two, they’re where most of India’s new utility solar gets built.

1. Gujarat – The Rooftop and Utility-Scale Solar Leader

Gujarat has earned a reputation as India’s most execution-focused solar state. It ranked second in cumulative installed solar capacity with ~32.3 GW and has consistently punched above its weight in both utility-scale and rooftop solar deployment.

As of 12-June-2026, SolarSquare has installed 5,610 kWp of solar across 1,359 properties in the entire state of Gujarat, as listed on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana National Portal.

Solar Growth In Gujarat

Gujarat’s strength lies in the breadth of its solar ecosystem. Gujarat is a major hub for large solar parks, with significant installations across Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, and Surendranagar. The Charanka Solar Park in Patan district, with a 600 MW capacity, is among India’s most cited projects. But Gujarat’s solar story doesn’t stop at utility scale; the state also leads in residential and commercial rooftop adoption.

As of early 2026, Gujarat ranked consistently among the top three states for rooftop solar installations in India under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, competing closely with Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh month on month.

In January 2026 alone, Gujarat installed 150 MW of rooftop solar, second only to Maharashtra’s 226 MW.

Major Solar Regions in Gujarat

• Kutch
• Banaskantha
• Patan
• Surendranagar

Key Projects Driving Energy Growth in Gujarat

• The state’s Gujarat Renewable Energy Policy targets 50% renewable energy by 2030 and has historically provided net metering support that gives residential and commercial solar consumers a clear financial reason to go solar.
• In February 2026, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu together accounted for 84% of total utility-scale solar capacity additions for that month nationally.

1. Maharashtra – A Fast-Growing Solar Market

Maharashtra’s industrial base gives it a natural advantage. The state has both the electricity demand and the infrastructure needed to put large amounts of solar power to use, something most other states are still building towards.

With 20.2 GW of installed solar capacity, Maharashtra ranks third nationally, but recent data suggests it is the most dynamic market in the country right now. In January 2026, Maharashtra led all states in rooftop solar installations in India at 226 MW in a single month.

As of 12 June 2026, SolarSquare has installed 68,843 kWp of solar across 16,946 properties in the entire state of Maharashtra, as listed on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana National Portal.

Solar Growth In Maharashtra

Industrial and commercial electricity tariffs in Maharashtra are among the highest in India, creating a strong financial case for rooftop solar. Large manufacturers, data centers, and commercial establishments are leading adoption, particularly in the Pune-Mumbai industrial corridor and Vidarbha.

Key Projects Driving Energy Growth in Maharashtra

• Maharashtra approved its Renewable Energy & Storage Policy 2025–2035, which targets meeting 65% of the state’s electricity demand from green power by 2035.
• For households, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana solar subsidy scheme has gained significant traction, with Maharashtra consistently ranking first or second among states in monthly residential rooftop installations.
• The Maharashtra government has also built on this with supplementary support through its own nodal agency, MEDA (Maharashtra Energy Development Agency). MEDA is the state’s nodal body responsible for promoting and implementing renewable energy projects across Maharashtra.

1. Tamil Nadu- The 4th State Leading Solar Growth

Tamil Nadu has been in the top renewable energy states in India longer than most states, and it shows. Wind power still leads the state’s clean energy mix at over 46%, but solar has been steadily growing alongside it, bringing the total installed solar capacity to around 13.9 GW till 31, May 2026.

What drives this demand?

The textile hubs of Tirupur, the auto sector around Chennai, and the IT clusters across the state consume enormous amounts of electricity. High commercial tariffs have pushed many of these businesses towards rooftop solar, essentially setting up their own solar supply rather than depending entirely on the grid.

Tamil Nadu’s grid also has an advantage that newer solar markets don’t: years of experience managing variable renewable power. That experience makes it more reliable and resilient as solar capacity continues to grow.

As of 12 June 2026, SolarSquare has installed 3,535 kWp of solar across 837 properties in Tamil Nadu, as listed on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana National Portal.

1. Karnataka: Southern India’s Solar Powerhouse

Karnataka essentially wrote the playbook for large-scale solar in India. For much of the last decade, it was the state other markets looked to as proof that utility-scale solar could be built fast, at competitive costs, and without cutting corners. Solar parks in Bidar, Koppal, and Gadag remain textbook examples of well-executed solar projects.

What drives this demand?

Karnataka holds around 11.3 GW of installed solar capacity, placing it fifth in the national rankings. But solar is only part of the story. In February 2026, the state ranked second nationally for new wind power installations, signalling that it is building a well-rounded clean energy portfolio rather than betting everything on one technology.

The state’s recently introduced KERC Demand Flexibility & DSM Regulations 2026 also point toward something important: Karnataka is not just adding capacity; it’s investing in smarter grid management, which will matter a great deal as solar penetration deepens across the country.

As of 12-June-2026, SolarSquare has installed 4,645 kWp of solar across 1,259 properties in Karnataka, as listed on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana National Portal.

5 Emerging Solar States to Watch in 2026

Beyond the top five, a second tier of states is making serious moves. Backed by central schemes, improving grid infrastructure, and growing rooftop solar adoption, these states may not top the rankings yet, but their trajectory in 2026 suggests they won’t stay in the middle of the table for long.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh’s solar sector has gone through a difficult period following policy disruptions in 2019-20, but the state is rebuilding capacity with renewed urgency. Indeed, there is an actual need for renewable energy sources due to the existence of an industrial base of chemicals, cement, and food-processing industries.

In March 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) approved the procurement of 500 MW/1,000 MWh of battery energy storage capacity by the state’s DISCOMs under a 12-year arrangement. The move adds storage capacity that can help the state manage supply-demand fluctuations and integrate more variable renewable generation.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh does not make as many headlines as Rajasthan, but its central location, large available land, and steadily improving transmission infrastructure have made it a reliable host for utility-scale solar.

Madhya Pradesh has established itself as a significant renewable-energy market, with a large pipeline of solar parks and ongoing investment in transmission infrastructure. The state has nine solar parks with a combined sanctioned capacity of 4.21 GW, while it is also among the states covered by the Green Energy Corridor for renewable-power evacuation. Together with its growing wind capacity, these investments position Madhya Pradesh for continued renewable-energy expansion.

Telangana

Telangana’s commercial and IT-driven economy generates consistent demand for reliable, cost-effective electricity. The state has a growing solar market and a regulatory framework overseen by the Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (TGERC), attracting both utility-scale and commercial renewable-energy investment. In 2026, TGERC set the additional surcharge for applicable open-access consumers at ₹0.13/kWh for the first half of FY2026–27, while continuing to review open-access charges as part of its tariff framework.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of India’s strongest performers under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. By December 2025, the state had recorded more than 3.26 lakh rooftop solar installations, ranking third nationally. By February 2026, UP had crossed 1 GW of rooftop solar capacity under the scheme and emerged as the country’s leading state in daily rooftop-solar installations. The state’s growing adoption has been supported by the scheme’s online application and Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism, along with efforts by DISCOMs to streamline implementation.

Haryana

Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Haryana has set a target of installing 2.2 lakh rooftop solar systems by FY 2026–27. As of August 2025, more than 30,600 rooftop systems had already been installed, with the state DISCOMs planning booster schemes to accelerate adoption.

The state is also pursuing large-scale solarisation of public infrastructure. A survey of 4,523 government buildings identified a combined rooftop solar potential of 122 MW, with Haryana planning to solarise these buildings without relying on Central Financial Assistance. The programme has subsequently been framed as part of the state’s broader plan to solarise government buildings, autonomous educational institutions and registered gaushalas by FY 2026–27.

Haryana’s Draft Solar Power Policy, 2023 proposed a 6 GW solar-capacity target, comprising 3.2 GW of ground-mounted projects, 1.6 GW of rooftop solar and 1.2 GW from solarisation of irrigation pumps. Since HAREDA’s official website currently lists this as a draft policy, I would describe these figures as proposed targets under the 2023 draft, rather than presenting them as targets under a final notified policy.

So far, we’ve looked at total installed solar capacity, utility-scale parks, ground-mounted projects, and everything in between. But when it comes to rooftop solar specifically, the rankings shift. Not every state that dominates on overall capacity is leading on rooftop adoption, and vice versa.

Top Rooftop Solar States in India?

The rooftop solar landscape in 2026 is being shaped primarily by the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, though state-level factors, electricity tariffs, DISCOM efficiency, and awareness determine how that central push translates into actual installations.

How India Rewrote Its Own Solar Record in 2025–26?

India just had its biggest year ever for clean energy. According to a Press Information Bureau report from April 2026, the country added 55.3 GW of non-fossil capacity in FY 2025-26, nearly double the previous record of 29.5 GW set just a year earlier. With 44.61 GW added throughout the year, solar power led this charge.

The cumulative installed solar capacity as of 31 March 2026 stood at 150.26 GW, comprising:

Renewables now meet over 51.5% of India’s total electricity demand during peak generation periods, a milestone reached in July 2025. The country has officially moved past the halfway mark in its clean energy transition.

Under the flagship PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, more than 40 lakh households had benefited from rooftop solar by June 2026, with the government targeting one crore households by March 2027. As of 19 March 2026, ₹17,967.53 crore had been disbursed to beneficiaries as Central Financial Assistance (CFA).

The rooftop solar landscape in 2026 is being shaped primarily by the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, though state-level factors, electricity tariffs, DISCOM efficiency, and awareness determine how that central push translates into actual installations

Conclusion

India’s solar leaders in 2026 show both the depth of what has already been built and the breadth of what is still possible.

Rajasthan remains the undisputed capital of utility-scale solar, holding nearly a third of the country’s large-scale PV capacity. Gujarat leads in the combination of utility and rooftop solar deployment, with institutions and policies mature enough to sustain both. Maharashtra is the fastest-moving large market, driven by industrial demand and a rooftop surge that is outpacing most expectations.