Solar Accounts For Record 10.9% Of India's Power Generation In Q1 FY27

New Delhi, Aug 1 (KNN) Solar power accounted for 10.9 percent of India's total electricity generation during the April-June quarter of FY27, crossing the 10 percent mark for the first time, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Solar Crosses 10% Share In Power Generation

India generated a record 5,240 billion units (BU) of electricity during the quarter, up 9 percent from the corresponding period last year. Solar generation increased 37 percent year-on-year to 570 BU, contributing 36 percent of the net increase in electricity generation.

The share of solar in incremental power generation has increased sharply from 11 percent in Q1 FY25, indicating a growing contribution from renewable energy to meeting rising electricity demand, reported Economic Times.

Coal Still Accounts For 70% Of Generation

Coal and lignite continued to account for around 70 percent of overall electricity generation. However, their contribution to growth in generation declined to 68 percent in Q1 FY27 from 71 percent in the same quarter of FY25.

According to CREA's Quarterly Energy Snapshot, coal-based generation returned broadly to levels recorded two years earlier after a temporary decline, while solar generation continued to increase.

The report also noted that coal plant load factors remained below historical highs, suggesting that renewable energy sources are increasingly contributing to incremental power demand.

India's peak power demand reached a record 271 GW on May 21, 2026, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous year.

Solar Meets Peak Demand On 61 Days

CREA said daily peak power demand coincided with solar generation hours on 61 of the 91 days during the April-June quarter, highlighting the growing role of solar power in meeting periods of high electricity demand.

(KNN Bureau)