Gujarat Achieves Major Milestone with 9.08 Lakh Rooftop Solar Systems Installed

Gandhinagar, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : The state of Gujarat has made significant strides in renewable energy, having installed 9.08 lakh rooftop solar systems under the central government’s “PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme.” This achievement represents 90% of the state’s target to install 10 lakh solar systems by March 2027.

The total capacity of these solar systems stands at 3,408 megawatts, positioning Gujarat as the leading state in the country for rooftop solar capacity. The state’s contribution accounts for 18.21% of the total rooftop solar capacity installed nationwide. This milestone comes as Gujarat intensifies efforts to enhance renewable energy production and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal for India to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, while the country aims to fulfill 50% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government is committed to achieving its target of 10 lakh rooftop solar systems by March 2027.

To encourage the installation of solar panels on residential rooftops, the state government offers financial assistance and regulatory incentives. Consumers installing systems up to six kilowatts receive a subsidy of ₹2,950 to cover regulatory fees. Additionally, the government has waived the “network strengthening fee” and removed the requirement for a “net metering agreement,” making it even more affordable for small household consumers to adopt solar systems.

Scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) families are required to contribute only 5% of the cost for rooftop solar systems with a capacity of up to 2.18 kilowatts peak, while other consumers must contribute 10%. After factoring in the central government’s financial assistance and the consumer’s contribution, the remaining costs are covered by the state government.

Gujarat’s solar policy allows homeowners to utilize net metering, which keeps track of both electricity consumed from the grid and any excess electricity fed back into it. There are no limits on the “connected load” for installing rooftop solar systems, and homeowners can sell any surplus electricity generated. The government has also announced that “domestic consumers are exempt from banking charges.”

In addition to rooftop solar initiatives, Gujarat has achieved substantial renewable energy capacity statewide. As of September 30 this year, the total renewable energy capacity in the state reached 55,511.46 megawatts, accounting for 18.55% of India’s total renewable energy capacity. Solar power contributes 36,234.55 megawatts, representing 21.2% of the nation’s solar capacity, while wind energy capacity stands at 17,043.76 megawatts, making up 28.8% of India’s total wind energy capacity.