Archive · 29 Jul 2026
India Wasted 11% Solar Power Amid Summer Demand
During the hot summer months in India, the country's power grid couldn't handle all the solar energy being produced.
This led to about 11% of the solar power being wasted.
The grid had to shut down some solar power generators to keep the system stable and prevent blackouts.
This happened because the power lines and other infrastructure couldn't keep up with the rapid growth of solar and wind energy.
The government is trying to fix this by making coal plants work more flexibly and by investing in better grid infrastructure.
India aims to greatly increase its clean energy capacity by 2030 and 2036.
India wasted 11% of solar power during April-June 2026 due to grid limitations.
Over 8 billion kilowatt-hours of solar power were curtailed to ensure grid stability.
Peak curtailment occurred in May when electricity demand hit record highs.
Grid operators curtail solar power to prevent blackouts and protect equipment.
India plans to expand clean power capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030 and invest $83 billion in grid infrastructure by 2036.
- Who
- India's national grid, Deputy Minister for Renewable Energy and Power Shripad Yesso Naik
- What
- Wasted 11% of solar power due to grid limitations
- When
- April to June 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure reliable and secure operation of the grid
Grid Operators
Renewable Developers
Curtailment Necessity
Grid Operators
Curtailment is necessary to ensure grid stability and prevent blackouts.
Renewable Developers
Curtailment hurts earnings and threatens the energy transition.
- Wasted Solar Power
- 8 billion kilowatt-hours
- Total Solar Power Generated
- 63 billion kilowatt-hours
- Peak Curtailment Month
- May
- India's Clean Power Target by 2030
- 500 gigawatts
- Grid Capacity Investment by 2036
- 7.93 trillion rupees ($83 billion)