Uttar Pradesh Achieves Major Milestone with Over 900,000 Rooftop Solar Plants Established

Lucknow, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in the domestic rooftop solar sector through the Prime Minister Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. The state has successfully established over 900,000 rooftop solar plants, contributing more than 3,000 megawatts (3 gigawatts) of solar energy capacity. This achievement marks a crucial step towards expanding clean energy, reducing household electricity bills, protecting the environment, and creating jobs.

As of 2026, data shows that Australia installed approximately 1.89 gigawatts of rooftop solar capacity from January to June, averaging about 10.4 megawatts per day. In the United States, the residential solar installation rate was around 13.1 megawatts per day in the first quarter and about 10.9 megawatts in the second quarter. Germany also saw an increase in installed solar capacity, averaging around 17.5 megawatts per day in the first half of the year. In this international context, Uttar Pradesh’s consistent addition of approximately 9 to 10 megawatts of domestic rooftop solar capacity daily reflects the scale of the state’s solar energy initiative, aligning closely with Australia’s average growth in its extensive rooftop market.

Under the Prime Minister Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, the central and Uttar Pradesh governments are offering eligible beneficiaries subsidies of up to ₹1.08 lakh, in accordance with established guidelines. Interested consumers can apply for this financial assistance until March 31, 2027, which helps reduce the initial costs for setting up rooftop solar plants.

Ravinder Singh, Director of UP NEDA, noted that the establishment of solar plants through a network of over 9,500 vendors is expected to create more than 100,000 direct job opportunities. The expansion of the solar sector is increasing employment and self-employment opportunities for youth while promoting local economic activities.

Based on the 3,000 megawatts of installed rooftop solar capacity, if each kilowatt produces an average of 4.5 units of electricity daily, the total clean electricity production capacity amounts to approximately 13.5 million units per day. At a nominal rate of ₹6.50 per unit, the estimated economic value of this electricity is around ₹87.8 million daily, totaling approximately ₹32.02 billion annually. Actual production and economic value may vary based on sunlight, weather, plant efficiency, and applicable electricity rates.

The expansion of rooftop solar encourages the supply and manufacturing of solar modules, inverters, batteries, cables, mounting structures, and other equipment. Local enterprises involved in installation and maintenance also gain new opportunities. The Prime Minister Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme plays a vital role in promoting savings on electricity costs, environmental protection, local job creation, and energy self-sufficiency. The continued growth of rooftop solar can significantly propel the state’s green economy and clean energy-based development.