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Kerala's Solar Surge: On Track to Outshine Hydropower Capacity by 2025

Kerala is experiencing a significant expansion in solar energy capacity, adding approximately 30-35 MW of on-grid installations each month. As of November 2024, the state's total solar capacity reached 1,350 MW, generating an average of 5 to 5.4 million units daily.
This growth is largely due to subsidy schemes from both state and Union governments, encouraging over 170,000 consumers to become 'prosumers'—simultaneously producing and consuming electricity through rooftop solar installations.
Kerala's solar capacity is projected to surpass the combined installed capacity of its four major hydroelectric power stations—Idukki (780 MW), Sabarigiri (340 MW), Kuttiyadi (225 MW), and Lower Periyar (180 MW), totaling 1,525 MW—by mid-2025. Within the next one to two years, solar energy capacity is expected to exceed the state's total hydroelectric capacity of 2,090.30 MW.
A challenge accompanying this rapid growth is the mismatch between peak solar energy production during the day and peak consumption at night.
To address this, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is exploring energy storage solutions, such as large-scale batteries, to store excess daytime energy for nighttime use.
Additionally, KSEB encourages prosumers to adjust their energy consumption patterns—such as scheduling washing, vehicle charging, and cooking during daylight hours—to better align with solar production and alleviate grid strain.