Karnataka’s large-scale solar market is set for another phase of capacity expansion, with nearly 11 GW of projects under development and in the pre-construction stage.

The pipeline adds to more than 15 GW of operational large-scale solar capacity, according to the Mercom India Renewable Energy Project Tracker dashboard.

More than 10.5 GW is currently under development, while about 300 MW plus is in pre-construction.

The scale of the pipeline is significant for a state that already ranks among India’s largest solar markets. Karnataka was an early leader in large-scale solar development and has also built the country’s largest solar open access market.

However, the pace of capacity additions in Rajasthan and Gujarat has pushed Karnataka to third place in cumulative large-scale solar installations.

According to Mercom India Research’s Q2 and 1H 2026 India Solar Market Update, Karnataka accounted for 11% of India’s cumulative large-scale solar capacity as of June 2026. Rajasthan led with 31%, followed by Gujarat with 22%.

The state’s project pipeline comes as solar installations across India are accelerating. India added a record 27 GW of solar capacity in the first half of 2026, a 49% year-over-year increase. As of June, cumulative solar installations stood at nearly 165 GW, with large-scale projects accounting for 83% of the total. The national large-scale solar development pipeline stood at 208 GW.

Open access has been a major driver of Karnataka’s solar market. The state remained India’s largest solar open access market as of June 2026, accounting for 21% of cumulative capacity, according to Mercom’s Q2 and 1H 2026 India Solar Open Access Market Report. Rajasthan and Maharashtra followed with 16% each.

Karnataka also had one of the country’s largest solar open access development pipelines, behind Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The state emerged as the leading seller in the Green Day-Ahead Market during the first two months of 2026, accounting for 35% of electricity sold.

The nearly 11 GW pipeline could substantially expand Karnataka’s large-scale solar base as projects move through development and construction, solidifying Karnataka’s position among India’s leading solar markets as installations continue to accelerate nationally.

For more detailed data and deeper insights on this market, explore Mercom View.