Power Your Business with Open Access Solar India
Up to 50%
Reduction in electricity cost
Zero CapEx
Under the PPA or OPEX model
100% Green
Meets RPO and ESG targets
What Is Open Access Solar?
Open access solar is a scheme established by the Electricity Act 2003 of India, which enables large commercial and industrial customers to have direct access to the electricity generated by the generators through solar energy, which are off-site. With the help of a formal Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), eligible businesses can purchase open access renewable energy via the state or national grid, without relying solely on the local distribution companies (DISCOMs).
The solar power plant is constructed and run in a different location either a solar park or a specially ground mounted site. Energy produced therein is fed into the grid and measured at your plant. You are charged the units you use the generator, and other transmission, wheeling and grid fees. With such charges, the landed cost of open access solar power is usually 20 to 40 percent less than the industrial grid tariffs.
This model is particularly powerful for businesses that have high energy demand but cannot install enough on-site solar to cover it, or where rooftop installations are impractical due to space, structural, or operational constraints.
Is Open Access Solar Right for Your Business?
Open access solar is ideally suited for medium to large commercial and industrial consumers with a connected load of 1 MW or more. The Green Energy Open Access Rules introduced in 2022 have extended eligibility to consumers with a contracted demand of 100 kW or above, opening the door for small and medium enterprises as well.
Businesses best positioned to benefit from open access solar include:
- Manufacturing units, factories, and process industries
- Warehouses, logistics parks, and cold storage facilities
- Data centres and IT parks with 24x7 power requirements
- Textile, cement, steel, chemicals, and other energy-intensive industries
- Multi-location commercial enterprises and retail chains
- Institutions, hospitals, and educational campuses
- Businesses with Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets or RE100 commitments
- Companies with limited rooftop space or structural constraints on on-site solar
How Open Access Solar Power Works: Step by Step
Step 1. Energy Audit and Feasibility Assessment |
We begin with a detailed review of your electricity consumption data covering at least 12 months. This helps us understand your load profile, sanctioned demand, tariff category, and RPO obligations, and model what open access solar can deliver in real savings. |
Step 2. Identify and Develop the Solar Power Plant |
We identify a suitable site for the open access solar power plant within the appropriate grid zone, ensuring optimal irradiation, proximity to substation infrastructure, and alignment with state-specific solar open access policy requirements. |
Step 3. Structure the Power Purchase Agreement |
We design a PPA tailored to your load profile, risk appetite, and growth plans. The agreement typically runs between 15 and 25 years, locking in a solar tariff that provides cost certainty for the entire term and protects your business from future grid tariff escalations. |
Step 4. Regulatory Approvals and Grid Connectivity |
We manage all filings with the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC), DISCOM, and State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), including open access applications, banking agreements, and scheduling permissions. |
Step 5. Plant Construction and Commissioning |
Our EPC team develops and commissions the open access solar power plant using high-quality modules, inverters, and mounting systems. Robotic panel cleaning, remote monitoring, and preventive maintenance are built in from day one. |
Step 6. Power Scheduling, Wheeling, and Billing |
Once commissioned, power generated at the plant is scheduled and wheeled to your facility through the state grid. You receive energy invoices from the generator. Your conventional DISCOM bill reduces proportionately. GSE Renewables supports metering reconciliation, scheduling compliance, and periodic performance reviews throughout the contract term. |
Explore our ground-mounted solar development capabilities:Ground Mounted Solar for Offtakers
Three Open Access Solar Procurement Models
| Model | Who It Suits | Key Advantage |
| Captive Open Access | Large single consumer with 1 MW+ load. Company invests 100% and owns the plant. | Full control over power cost. No surcharges on captive power. Accelerated depreciation benefit. |
| Group Captive Solar | Multiple C&I consumers pooling investment. Each must hold at least 26% equity and consume 51% of output. | Lower landed cost vs third-party. Shared CapEx and reduced surcharge liability for qualifying participants. |
| Third Party Open Access (PPA) | Businesses seeking zero upfront investment. Long-term PPA with an Independent Power Producer (IPP) like GSE Renewables. | No CapEx required. Immediate savings from day one. Ideal for businesses prioritising cash flow over asset ownership. |
Inter-State Open Access: Power is transmitted across state boundaries governed by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). This model gives businesses access to solar resources in high-irradiation states regardless of where their facility is located.
Intra-State Open Access: Both the generator and the consumer are within the same state. Governed by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC), this is typically the faster and simpler route for most C&I consumers.
Key Benefits of Open Access Solar for Industries
| Financial Benefits | Strategic and Operational Benefits |
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Solar Open Access Policy in India: The Regulatory Framework
Electricity Act 2003
This landmark legislation introduced the concept of open access in the power sector, enabling competition and reducing dependence on monopolistic utility services. It forms the legal foundation for all open access renewable energy transactions in India.
CERC and SERC Regulations
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission governs inter-state open access. State Electricity Regulatory Commissions govern intra-state transactions. These bodies set wheeling charges, transmission charges, cross-subsidy surcharges, and banking policies that collectively determine the landed cost of open access solar power.
Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022
The Ministry of Power introduced the Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Rules in June 2022, a landmark policy reform that reduced the minimum eligibility threshold from 1 MW to 100 kW. This opened the door for MSMEs and smaller commercial consumers to access open access renewable energy. The rules also mandated a 15-day approval timeline, introduced energy banking provisions, and created a stronger framework for green power certificates.
Nationally Determined Contributions and RPO Targets
India’s updated NDCs commit the country to meeting 50 percent of installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2070. Open access solar is one of the primary mechanisms enabling large consumers to contribute directly to these targets while reducing their own energy costs.
Learn more about the policy in our guide: Open Access Solar Explained
Understanding the Real Landed Cost of Open Access Solar Power
| Charge Type | What It Covers |
| Solar Generation Tariff | The price agreed in the PPA with the solar plant developer for the energy generated. |
| Transmission Charges | Fees for using the high-voltage transmission network to wheel power from the plant to your facility. |
| Wheeling Charges | Fees charged by the DISCOM for using the distribution network for the final leg of delivery. |
| Cross-Subsidy Surcharge (CSS) | A charge that may apply under third-party open access to compensate the DISCOM for reduced revenue. Exempt or reduced under captive and group captive structures in many states. |
| Additional Surcharge | Applicable in some states where the DISCOM has stranded costs. Varies considerably and is one of the key state-selection factors. |
| SLDC and Scheduling Charges | Fees for scheduling and dispatch through the State Load Despatch Centre. |
Why Businesses Choose GSE Renewables for Open Access Solar
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250+ Years of Combined Expertise Our leadership team brings experience from JSW, L&T, McKinsey and leading investment banks, giving you access to finance, engineering, and regulatory knowledge under one roof. |
100-Year GSE Group Legacy GSE Renewables is backed by the century-old GSE Group, providing financial credibility, institutional backing, and long-term project continuity that a PPA counterparty must have. |
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End-to-End Project Management From feasibility and commercial structuring to EPC, regulatory approvals, scheduling, and long-term asset management, one coordinated team handles your entire open access solar journey. |
Flexible Commercial Structures We offer CAPEX, deferred CAPEX, OPEX, and third-party PPA structures. You choose the model that best fits your capital strategy and balance sheet priorities. |
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Technology and Performance Focus Our open access solar power plants use high-efficiency modules and robotic cleaning systems to maximise generation and protect your contracted tariff over the long term. |
Recognised Industry Leader Named Best Solar Developer at SolarQuarter Business Meet: Maharashtra 2024. Our track record includes 30 MW managed and a growing portfolio of C&I clients across India. |
Our Open Access Solar Development Process
- Energy Assessment: Review of your 12-month consumption data, tariff category, sanctioned demand, and RPO compliance status.
- Feasibility and Savings Modelling: State-specific analysis of all applicable charges, landed cost projection, and a detailed savings estimate over the PPA term.
- Commercial Structuring: Selection of the most suitable procurement model (captive, group captive, or third-party PPA) and negotiation of commercial terms.
- Plant Development and EPC: Site identification, engineering design, procurement of tier-one equipment, and construction of the open access solar power plant.
- Regulatory Approvals: Filing and obtaining all SERC, SLDC, and DISCOM approvals including open access permissions, banking agreements, and connectivity sanctions.
- Commissioning and Handover: Plant testing, metering setup, scheduling activation, and formal commencement of power supply under the PPA.
- Long-Term Operations and Asset Management: Ongoing performance monitoring, preventive maintenance, scheduling compliance, and invoice reconciliation for the full PPA term.
Open Access Solar Projects by GSE Renewables
GSE Renewables has developed and managed open access solar and C&I rooftop projects for some of India’s most respected commercial and industrial names, including Nippon Paint India, Parksons Packaging, and Birla Education Trust. Our projects span manufacturing plants, packaging facilities, educational campuses, and more.
Our open access solar pipeline targets 40 MW across key states, with active development across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Explore case studies and completed installations: View Our Project Portfolio
Explore Related Solar Solutions
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Industrial Rooftop Solar On-site generation from your factory or warehouse roof. Fastest path to solar with immediate savings on self-consumption. |
Commercial Rooftop Solar Tailored rooftop solutions for offices, malls, hotels, and commercial complexes seeking to reduce operating costs and improve green ratings. |
Ground Mounted Solar (Offtaker) Large-scale ground-mounted solar parks developed specifically for offtakers requiring significant capacity beyond what rooftop can provide. |
Frequently Asked Questions: Open Access Solar
What is the minimum load required to access open access solar power?
Under the Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022, the minimum eligibility has been reduced from 1 MW to 100 kW contracted demand. However, the economics of open access solar are typically most compelling for consumers with a connected load of 1 MW or above.
How much can my business save with open access solar?
Most commercial and industrial consumers achieve a reduction of 20 to 50 percent on their electricity cost compared to prevailing DISCOM tariffs. Actual savings depend on the state, applicable charges, the structure chosen, and your consumption profile. GSE Renewables provides a detailed savings projection before any commercial commitment.
What charges apply in addition to the solar generation tariff?
Applicable charges typically include transmission charges, wheeling charges, cross-subsidy surcharge, and SLDC scheduling fees. These vary by state and procurement structure. Captive and group captive models often attract reduced surcharges compared to third-party open access.
How long does the approval and commissioning process take?
The timeline varies by state and project size. The Green Energy Open Access Rules mandate a 15-day approval window at the central level. Intra-state approvals can take 30 to 90 days depending on the state regulator. Project commissioning typically follows within 6 to 12 months of financial close.
What is group captive solar?
Group captive open access is a structure where multiple commercial or industrial consumers collectively invest in a solar plant. Each must own at least 26 percent of the equity and consume at least 51 percent of the power generated. This model allows mid-sized consumers to access the financial advantages of captive power without needing to fund an entire plant alone.
Do I need rooftop space for open access solar?
No. This is one of the key advantages of open access solar. The solar plant is built off-site, typically on land in a high-irradiation region. Power is wheeled to your facility through the existing grid. No rooftop space, structural modifications, or on-site construction is required at your premises.
Is open access solar power available across all states in India?
Open access solar is available across India, but the regulatory environment, charges, and processing timelines vary significantly by state. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh currently offer the most favourable conditions for C&I consumers.
What happens if my consumption changes over the PPA term?
PPA terms are typically structured with flexibility provisions including scheduled capacity adjustments, backstop tariff arrangements, and banking mechanisms to handle seasonal variation. GSE Renewables designs the PPA structure to accommodate your business growth and operational changes within the regulatory framework.
Ready to Reduce Your Electricity Bill with Open Access Solar?
You can also write to us at info@gserenewables.com or call our advisory team to schedule a no-obligation consultation.