Andhra Pradesh is rapidly advancing toward becoming India's rooftop solar powerhouse as the state government pushes distribution companies to accelerate implementation of the Solar Rooftop Investment Program (SRIP) supported by NABARD and the Asian Development Bank.
Government Directs Fast-Track Implementation
Chief Secretary K Vijayanand has issued clear instructions to officials from APSPDCL, APEPDCL, and APCPDCL to speed up rooftop solar projects under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY). The initiative is being implemented through the Utility-Led Aggregator (ULA) model, which streamlines the process for consumers.
During a progress review meeting on Tuesday, Vijayanand emphasized that NABARD has been appointed as the financial intermediary to provide concessional financing to distribution companies. This move is expected to make solar installations more affordable for consumers across residential, institutional, and government sectors.
Ambitious Plan for Kuppam Constituency
The state government has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop Kuppam constituency as a 100% solar and net zero area. This groundbreaking initiative will see all schools, government buildings, agricultural feeders, and institutions equipped with rooftop solar systems.
The Kuppam project will be supported by a substantial 50/100 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to ensure reliable power supply. Approximately 4 MW of solar capacity has been reserved specifically for SC and ST households, demonstrating the government's commitment to inclusive energy access.
In a significant incentive for participants, the government has committed to purchasing surplus power from beneficiaries at ₹2.09 per unit. The chief secretary has asked discoms and ADB to create a dedicated repayment mechanism and explore separate loan arrangements for the Kuppam initiative to ensure timely execution.
Substantial Progress Already Achieved
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has already cleared the first tranche of 3.88 lakh rooftop installations under the ULA model. Tenders have been floated to onboard EPC partners, and Letters of Award (LOAs) have been issued for 804 MW of capacity, with another 200 MW in finalization stages.
The finance department has provided crucial state government guarantee for implementation under the ULA model, while APEPDCL has confirmed acceptance of the NABARD-ADB loan offer and requested a price revision under the NIDA loan.
During the meeting, ADB director Dr Sujata Gupta presented the progress and financial structure of SRIP, with both ADB and NABARD officials assuring continued support for Andhra Pradesh's clean energy transition. Chief Secretary Vijayanand described rooftop solar as a cornerstone of Andhra Pradesh's renewable energy vision under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's leadership.
"Rooftop solar will reduce dependence on conventional power and empower citizens through decentralized generation. Andhra Pradesh aims to lead the nation in rooftop solar implementation with ADB and NABARD's partnership," Vijayanand stated, highlighting the transformative potential of the program.
