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Rajasthan and Gujarat accounted for 53.2% of the country’s solar generation during the quarter
November 4, 2026
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India generated approximately 56.9 billion units (BU) of solar power in the third quarter (Q3) of calendar year (CY) 2026, up 48.6% year-over-year (YoY) from 38.3 BU in Q3 2025, according to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). However, generation declined 9.4% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) from 62.8 BU in Q2 2026.

Monthly generation increased through the quarter, from 18.1 BU in July to 18.6 BU in August and 20.2 BU in September.
Rajasthan remained India’s largest solar power-generating state, contributing 19.8 BU, equivalent to 34.8% of national generation. Generation in the state increased 2.1% QoQ and 37.7% YoY.
Gujarat followed with 10.5 BU, accounting for 18.4% of the total. While generation more than doubled YoY, increasing 116.6%, it declined 26.6% from the previous quarter. Together, Rajasthan and Gujarat contributed 30.3 BU, representing 53.2% of India’s solar generation.
Tamil Nadu generated 6.9 BU, representing 12.1% of the national output, an increase of  7.8% QoQ and 39.1% YoY.
Karnataka contributed 5.1 BU, accounting for 8.9% of the total. Generation fell 15% QoQ but increased 25.8% YoY.
Maharashtra generated 3.4 BU during the quarter, accounting for 6%. Generation declined 5.6% QoQ but rose 65.4% YoY.
The five leading states, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, together accounted for approximately 80% of the country’s solar power generation during the quarter.
Regional Solar Generation
The Northern region led solar power generation with 22.3 BU, accounting for 39.2% of the national total. The Southern region followed with 17.8 BU (31.3%), while the western region generated 16.3 BU (28.6%).
The Eastern and Northeastern regions contributed 0.35 BU and 0.13 BU, respectively.
Compared with the previous quarter, generation in the Northern region remained broadly unchanged, while the Southern region recorded a 4.3% decline.
The Western region experienced the sharpest quarterly decline, with generation falling 23% to 16.3 BU. Gujarat accounted for an estimated 78% of the regional reduction, reflecting its significant share of the region’s solar generation.
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh also recorded declines of 25.2% and 35.9%, respectively, while Maharashtra’s output fell during the quarter.
The decline coincided with the monsoon season, when cloud cover and reduced solar irradiation can affect generation. However, the available data does not establish how much of the reduction resulted from weather conditions, grid curtailment, or other operational factors.
Transmission Constraints and Seasonal Variations
Apart from seasonal changes in solar irradiation, transmission and evacuation constraints remain a concern for solar power generation in several states.
Industry surveys conducted by Mercom identified midday curtailment, limited availability of interstate transmission system bays, delays in transformer commissioning, and incomplete evacuation corridors as continuing challenges.
Industry participants also reported severe curtailment at certain substations in Rajasthan, while connectivity and evacuation constraints remained a concern in both Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Although these constraints can prevent available solar generation from reaching the grid, the reported generation data alone cannot quantify their contribution to the decline in Q3 output.
The Eastern and Northeastern regions continued to contribute a relatively small share of national solar generation, reflecting their smaller installed capacity base.
As of February 2026, the two regions together had approximately 2.43 GW of installed solar capacity, representing around 1.7% of India’s total at that time. Seasonal weather conditions may also have influenced generation during Q3.
Solar generation depends not only on installed capacity but also on irradiation levels, plant availability, and grid conditions. During an industry discussion in Andhra Pradesh in September 2026, participants highlighted how cloud cover, rainfall, mist, and other atmospheric conditions can affect solar output.
Separately, industry experts highlighted differences between satellite-derived and ground-measured solar irradiation, underscoring the importance of accurate resource assessments for generation forecasting and project planning.
Navyashree
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