Kanpur has become a significant force in Uttar Pradesh's renewable energy landscape. The city now generates approximately 64 megawatts of electricity through rooftop solar installations under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana. This achievement places Kanpur third in the state for rooftop solar capacity.
Impressive Installation Numbers
Official data reveals that Kanpur district has installed 20,756 rooftop solar systems so far. The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) confirmed these figures. Energy Minister AK Sharma personally congratulated Kanpur residents for their contribution to the state's green energy goals.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Energy experts calculate that the current 64 MW generation produces nearly 96 million units of clean electricity each year. This output carries an estimated economic value between Rs 340 million and Rs 380 million at current market rates. Consumers who installed these systems report substantial reductions in their electricity bills.
Experts emphasize another crucial benefit: sourcing equivalent power from conventional sources would cost the government, institutions, and consumers significantly more annually. The solar installations also help the environment tremendously.
Steady Growth Since Launch
The installation pace has remained consistent since the PM Surya Ghar Yojana launched in February 2024. Currently, Kanpur sees 80 to 90 new rooftop solar systems installed every single day. These installations appear not just on individual homes but also in common areas of multi-storey buildings and housing societies.
This widespread adoption strengthens decentralized power generation across urban areas. It makes the city's energy infrastructure more resilient and sustainable.
Major Environmental Impact
The 64 MW solar capacity reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 80,000 tonnes annually. Environmentally, this benefit equals the positive effect of about 35 lakh trees. Each kilowatt of rooftop solar capacity generates around five units of electricity daily on average.
This daily output can meet the power needs of 30,000 to 35,000 urban households. It represents a substantial shift toward cleaner urban energy consumption.
Government Support and Financing
UPNEDA project official Rakesh Kumar Pandey highlighted solar energy's advantages. He called it a cost-effective, pollution-free, and sustainable alternative to coal-based power. The installation cost ranges from Rs 60,000 to Rs 65,000 per kilowatt.
Subsidies under the scheme reach up to Rs 45,000 per kilowatt, with a maximum cap of Rs 1.08 lakh. Banks support these installations by offering loans at attractive interest rates of 6 to 7 percent.
Administrative Focus
District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh stated that the scheme ranks among the chief minister's priority programs. Special emphasis ensures its effective implementation throughout Kanpur. This administrative focus helps explain the district's strong performance in renewable energy adoption.
The combination of government support, financial incentives, and public participation makes Kanpur a model for urban solar energy adoption in Uttar Pradesh.
