Gujarat Shines as National Leader in Rooftop Solar Adoption Under PM’s Surya Ghar Scheme

India is undergoing a major transformation in its energy landscape with a growing emphasis on clean and sustainable power. A flagship initiative powering this change is the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in early 2024. This scheme aims to revolutionize electricity access across the country by promoting rooftop solar installations in one crore households. Among all the Indian states, Gujarat has surged ahead, registering the highest coverage and most effective implementation of this solar mission.

This article explores Gujarat’s success, contrasts it with the slower uptake in other states like West Bengal and Jharkhand, and assesses the broader implications for India’s solar journey.

Understanding the PM Surya Ghar Scheme

The PM Surya Ghar Yojana was designed to empower Indian households with 300 units of free electricity per month by leveraging solar energy generated from rooftop panels. The central government earmarked ₹75,021 crore for this mission, providing substantial subsidies (up to ₹78,000) for households to install solar systems. A simplified online application, coupled with concessional loans, was created to attract rapid adoption, particularly among middle-class and lower-income families.

The government’s goal is to install solar panels on one crore residential rooftops by 2027, enabling families to lower their electricity bills, reduce dependence on conventional sources, and contribute to national climate goals.

Gujarat’s Leading Role: Key Metrics and Momentum

Gujarat stands tall as the most successful state under the rooftop solar scheme. The state has consistently led in the number of household installations, thanks to its robust administrative coordination, strong political will, and citizen-friendly approach.

Previously, Gujarat had already proven its commitment to solar energy with other initiatives. By November 2024, over 5 lakh homes in the state had installed solar panels through earlier programs, saving citizens collectively more than ₹2,000 crore in power bills.

In the latest rollout under the Surya Ghar scheme, Gujarat once again outpaced all other states. Several districts—especially Banaskantha, where villages like Masli became models for “solar villages”—demonstrate how community-level adoption can drive national progress.

What Makes Gujarat a Solar Success Story?

Several unique factors have worked in Gujarat’s favor:

1. Strong Institutional Support

State authorities ensured close collaboration between power distribution companies (DISCOMs), solar installation vendors, and financial institutions. This helped in speedy processing of applications and smoother disbursement of subsidies.

2. Public Engagement and Awareness

Mass awareness campaigns, community outreach, and live demonstration projects played a crucial role. For instance, Masli village became India’s first solar-powered village on the border, generating more electricity than it consumed—earning national attention and inspiring others.

3. Policy Continuity and Earlier Experience

Gujarat’s rooftop solar policy dates back to 2019, when the state launched its own incentive program. By 2023, it had already processed over 2.3 lakh rooftop installations, creating a strong foundation for future expansion.

4. Utilizing Public Buildings

The state has focused on government infrastructure as well. In 2024–25 alone, 48 MW of solar capacity was installed on public buildings. These efforts helped reduce the carbon footprint of government operations and provided a consistent demand base for solar providers.

5. Geography and Infrastructure Readiness

Gujarat’s sunny climate, flat rooftop designs, and good power grid connectivity have made installations technically and economically feasible on a wide scale.

Lagging Behind: West Bengal and Jharkhand

While Gujarat set the bar high, other states like West Bengal and Jharkhand have lagged considerably in implementing the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Factors behind their weak performance include:

  • Limited awareness among residents.
  • Slower coordination between state authorities and central agencies.
  • Weak promotional efforts from local DISCOMs.
  • Delays in application processing and subsidy approvals.

This divergence shows a sharp inter-state inequality in solar adoption, with some states racing ahead while others are stuck in planning phases.

Gujarat’s Solar Vision: Bigger Than Rooftop Installations

Gujarat’s efforts in rooftop solar are part of a much larger vision. The state is home to some of the largest renewable energy projects in India, including:

  • Charanka Solar Park – among the earliest and most significant solar parks in the country.
  • Khavda Renewable Energy Park – an ambitious project targeting 30 GW capacity through hybrid (solar and wind) power.

As of April 2024, Gujarat had installed more than 3,450 MW of rooftop solar capacity, and by June 2024, the state’s total solar generation had crossed 14,000 MW.

Benefits for Citizens and the Nation

The rapid adoption of rooftop solar in Gujarat has brought several direct and indirect benefits:

• Household Savings

Families who installed rooftop panels are witnessing electricity bill reductions ranging from ₹1,000–₹2,000 monthly, improving their disposable income.

• Energy Independence

With localized solar generation, rural and remote areas are becoming less dependent on unreliable grid power.

• Job Creation

The growth of the rooftop solar sector has spurred employment across supply chains—from panel manufacturing to installations and maintenance.

• Climate Impact

Each megawatt of solar installed avoids hundreds of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. Gujarat’s leadership contributes meaningfully to India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Challenges That Remain

Despite success stories, rooftop solar adoption in India still faces several challenges:

  • Upfront Costs: Even with subsidies, low-income families may struggle to pay installation costs upfront.
  • Ownership Issues: Shared roofs in apartment complexes and rented homes complicate eligibility and installation rights.
  • Revenue Concerns of DISCOMs: Local power utilities worry about reduced billing revenue due to self-consumption by solar users.
  • Disparity Across States: Without a uniform push, states like Bengal and Jharkhand risk falling far behind.

Way Forward: Lessons from Gujarat

Gujarat’s model shows what’s possible when policy, public participation, and implementation align. For other states to catch up:

  • Simplified Approval Processes must be introduced with minimal paperwork.
  • Awareness Campaigns should focus on rural and low-income urban populations.
  • More Financial Tools such as microloans and EMI options should be promoted.
  • Incentives for DISCOMs can align their interests with solar adoption.
  • Community Solar Models (shared systems for multi-family dwellings) can solve roof-ownership issues.

Conclusion: A Brighter Future Begins on the Rooftop

India’s push for energy sustainability through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana is off to a strong start—thanks largely to the leadership shown by Gujarat. The state’s comprehensive, community-driven approach has transformed it into a model for solar-powered development. Yet, true nationwide success will depend on replicating this success in other parts of India.

If states like West Bengal and Jharkhand can learn from Gujarat’s experience and accelerate their own efforts, India could very well achieve the target of one crore rooftop solar homes—lighting the way toward a cleaner, more equitable energy future.

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