Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Regional Cities Drive India's Rooftop Solar Rush
India is seeing a big increase in rooftop solar installations, especially in regional cities like Lucknow and Nagpur.
These cities have more installations than the big metros.
The government has given out a lot of money in subsidies to help people install solar panels on their roofs.
This has led to nearly 49 lakh households having solar power, which is good for the environment and saves money on electricity bills.
The top states for solar installations are Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
The government wants to reach 75 lakh households by the end of 2026.
Regional cities like Lucknow and Nagpur lead in rooftop solar installations, surpassing major metros.
Over 40 lakh installations have been completed, covering nearly 49 lakh households and adding 14,416.51 MW of decentralized solar capacity.
The government has disbursed ₹27,343.9 crore in subsidies for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra account for over 53% of the national total installations.
The programme aims to solarize one crore households, with more than 65 lakh applications in the pipeline.
- Who
- Regional cities like Lucknow, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot
- What
- Rooftop solar installations
- When
- As of the latest data
- Where
- Across India, with a focus on regional cities and states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra
- Why
- To promote decentralized solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Pro-Solar Advocates
Skeptics
Economic Benefits
Pro-Solar Advocates
Pro-solar advocates highlight the economic benefits, including job creation and reduced electricity bills for households.
Skeptics
Skeptics argue that the initial installation costs are high and may not be affordable for all households.
Environmental Impact
Pro-Solar Advocates
Pro-solar supporters emphasize the positive environmental impact, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Skeptics
Skeptics question the long-term environmental benefits, citing the energy and resources required for manufacturing and installing solar panels.
- Total Installations
- 40,45,298
- Total Households Covered
- 48,63,278
- Total Subsidy Disbursed
- ₹27,343.9 crore
- Installation Capacity
- 14,416.51 MW
- Top States by Installations
- Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan
- Top Districts by Installations
- Lucknow, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad, Rajkot
- Programme Milestone
- 50-lakh beneficiary milestone
- Applications in Pipeline
- More than 65 lakh