Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh Dominate India's Rooftop Solar Revolution
Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have firmly established themselves as the leading states in rooftop solar installations across India. This surge comes as the country witnesses a remarkable acceleration in the adoption of residential solar power systems under the ambitious PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Massive National Rollout with Significant Subsidies
Officially launched on February 13, 2024, the PM Surya Ghar scheme represents a monumental government initiative with a financial outlay of Rs 75,021 crore. Its primary objective is to facilitate the installation of rooftop solar (RTS) systems in one crore households by March 2027. To make this transition affordable, the Central government provides a substantial one-time financial assistance of up to Rs 78,000 per eligible household. Furthermore, numerous state governments have bolstered this effort by offering additional subsidy packages, creating a powerful incentive structure for consumers.
Impressive Installation Figures and Financial Support
According to the latest data from the national portal, a total of 23,68,383 rooftop solar systems have been successfully installed across the country as of February 13 this year. These installations collectively represent an aggregate capacity of approximately 8,691 megawatts (MW). To support this widespread adoption, the government has disbursed a significant sum of Rs 16,932.4 crore in subsidies directly to beneficiaries, easing the financial burden on households.
Tangible Benefits for Consumers
The scheme delivers concrete economic benefits to participating households. A standard 3-kilowatt (kW) solar plant installed under the program is capable of generating around 300 units of electricity per month. For families whose monthly consumption remains within this limit, this can effectively reduce their electricity bill to zero. The success of this model is evident, with more than 12.5 lakh consumers having received a zero-electricity bill for at least one month since the scheme's inception.
When installations from state-level subsidy programs are included alongside the national figures, the total number of rooftop solar systems is estimated to be close to three million, highlighting the scheme's extensive reach and popularity.
State-Wise Performance Breakdown
The distribution of installations reveals a clear geographical concentration among top-performing states:
- Gujarat leads the nation with nearly 5.6 lakh installations.
- Maharashtra follows closely with approximately 4.5 lakh installations.
- Uttar Pradesh holds the third position with around 3.7 lakh installations.
- Kerala has also shown strong adoption with about 1.9 lakh installations.
Regions with Lower Adoption Rates
In contrast, adoption remains notably low in several regions. The Northeastern states—including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura—collectively account for only 4,174 installations. Other regions with modest numbers include:
- Delhi: 6,209 installations
- Goa: 1,721 installations
- West Bengal: 1,265 installations
- Chandigarh: 1,050 installations
Government Acknowledgment and Challenges
The government has acknowledged that nearly three-fourths of all installations are concentrated in just 10-11 states, indicating a need for broader geographical penetration. A key challenge identified is that many states have yet to notify virtual net-metering guidelines. These guidelines are crucial as they allow consumers to feed any surplus solar power they generate back into the electricity grid and receive payment for it, enhancing the scheme's economic viability.
JVN Subramanyam, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, emphasized the program's success, stating, "This is a model with a customer-first approach. It has become immensely popular among households seeking energy independence and cost savings." The scheme continues to be a cornerstone of India's renewable energy strategy, aiming to empower millions of households with clean, affordable electricity.
