India's solar power production in July and August 2023 faced a decline of over 4% due to a lack of network capacities and operational issues. According to a report by the Finnish Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), this decrease occurred due to a shortage of electricity access during these months.
Growth in Renewable Energy Production
According to CREA's analysis, solar power production accounted for 58% of the total increase in renewable energy production in the second quarter of India's fiscal year 2026/2027. Solar power production during this period increased by 39% compared to the previous year, which is more than the 29% increase in wind power production and the 26% increase in nuclear power production. Meanwhile, hydropower production faced a 20% decline.
Read more: Cuba is becoming a solar island
Significant Decrease in Power Production and Future Plans
On September 30, 2023, solar power production reached a daily record of 705 million units (MU), surpassing the previous record set in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026-27. However, despite unprecedented renewable energy production, a significant amount of renewable electricity has been curtailed due to network and operational constraints. In July and August, approximately 1.835 billion units (MU) of renewable energy production, mainly from solar, was reduced.
The total capacity of coal and lignite power plants in August was 231 gigawatts (GW), constituting 42% of the country's total power capacity. However, renewable energy, excluding large hydropower plants, has grown more rapidly to 243 gigawatts (44% of India's capacity) in August 2026, up from 193 gigawatts (39%) in August 2025.
The decrease in solar power production was due to increased demand between July and September, as well as a reduction in coal inventory at power plants. The number of power plants with coal inventory below 25% of normal needs increased from 32 plants on August 22 to 85 plants on October 1. To address the issues of reduced production and lack of flexibility in renewable energy sources, India has planned to implement regulations starting July 2027, requiring developers of solar and wind energy projects to install battery storage systems at project sites.
Read more: The war in Iran drives 25 countries towards new electrification policies · Transformation of European ports into multifunctional energy hubs
