In the bustling city of Mumbai, the shift towards renewable energy is becoming increasingly evident, as states across India strive to harness the power of the sun. Recently, Uttar Pradesh has made headlines by surpassing the significant milestone of 1 gigawatt (GW) of residential rooftop solar power capacity under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojana’ (PMSG: MBY). This achievement places Uttar Pradesh as the third state in the nation to reach this remarkable feat, joining the ranks of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
With the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of approximately 2.90 lakh houses, Uttar Pradesh has successfully generated 1,003.64 megawatts (MW) of solar power. This initiative will directly benefit around 2.93 lakh families, providing them with access to affordable or even free electricity each month. The Uttar Pradesh government highlighted that the scheme not only reduces dependence on traditional energy sources but also plays a vital role in environmental protection by conserving roughly 4,000 acres of land that would otherwise be required for conventional energy generation.
In the fiscal year 2025, the state has added an impressive 640 MW of residential rooftop solar capacity, covering a total of 1.62 lakh systems. The progress is evident from the substantial number of applications received, exceeding 9,72,886 so far. The financial support provided by the central government, amounting to ₹1,999.26 crore, alongside the state government’s contribution of approximately ₹600 crore, has significantly alleviated the financial burden on consumers, making solar energy more accessible.
Uttar Pradesh’s subsidy structure is particularly attractive, offering ₹15,000 per kilowatt for up to 2 kW, and a total subsidy of ₹1.08 lakh for 3 kW systems, which includes the central government’s share. Notably, the payback period for subsidies in Uttar Pradesh stands at 20 months for a 3 kW system, significantly lower than the national average of 30 months and around 54 months without any subsidy. This allows families to receive up to 300 units of electricity free each month, dramatically lowering their electricity expenses.
The effective implementation of the PM Surya Ghar scheme has also catalyzed growth in the technical and business sectors associated with solar energy. The number of registered vendors has skyrocketed from 81 in the initial phase to an impressive 4,200, resulting in the creation of approximately 50,000 jobs in related fields. This development not only strengthens the local economy but also lays a strong foundation for future advancements in renewable energy in Uttar Pradesh.