India Curtails 4% of Solar Output in July-August Despite Power Shortages

India wasted about 4% of its solar power generation in July and August, according to a report by ET EnergyWorld. The curtailment happened even as the country grappled with power shortages in several regions.

The wasted electricity, roughly 4% of total solar output, was enough to have powered millions of homes. Grid operators ordered solar plants to cut production because the network couldn't absorb the power, the report said.

Solar generation peaks during the middle of the day. But India's grid infrastructure often struggles to handle that midday surge. Transmission lines in high-generation states like Rajasthan and Gujarat are frequently congested. And without enough storage or flexible demand, the excess power has nowhere to go.

"The curtailment is a symptom of a deeper problem," said an industry analyst who asked not to be named. "We're building solar faster than we're building the grid to carry it."

The wasted power comes at a bad time. In July and August, several states reported electricity deficits during evening peak hours. Coal plants ramped up to fill the gap. That pushed up power prices on exchanges and increased emissions.

Solar curtailment isn't new in India. But the scale, 4% over two critical months, has raised fresh concerns. The Central Electricity Authority has flagged grid constraints as a growing risk. In some states, solar plants were asked to back down for hours at a time.

Industry groups say the fix requires faster transmission upgrades and more energy storage. "We need to move from a system that treats solar as a problem to one that treats it as a resource," said a spokesperson for a renewable energy trade body. "That means investing in grid flexibility, not just generation."

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set ambitious targets for solar capacity. But without matching grid investment, more power could be wasted. The report notes that curtailment varies by region. In some solar-rich states, the figure was higher than 4%.

For now, the numbers paint a clear picture: India is throwing away clean electricity while still burning coal to keep the lights on. The report calls for urgent action to align grid planning with renewable growth.