Far-sighted policies and well-targeted subsidies have spurred widespread adoption of rooftop solar energy among homes across the state of Gujarat, establishing the state as the leader in the sector
With 82 percent of the country's rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat has emerged as the overwhelming leader of India's solar energy sector. The dramatic expansion of rooftop solar installations across Gujarat started when its chief minister, Narendra Modi, championed the "Green Gujarat, Clean Gujarat" initiative. Over the years, Gujarat has cemented its position at the top of India's solar energy sweepstakes.
The driver of this surge is the "Surya-Gujarat Yojana," launched in August 2019, offering subsidies for rooftop solar panel installations ranging from 1 kW to 10 kW. In just a single district of Banaskantha, 3,559 residents have availed of subsidies totaling nearly Rs 20 crores, testifying to the programme's success.
Despite widespread power disruptions, the unwavering efforts of the electricity workers facilitated swift restoration, exemplifying their commitment. Notably, 7,280 electricity consumers in Kutch received solar subsidies amounting to Rs. 33.71 crore.
The state recently unveiled its Renewable Energy Policy 2023, targeting 50 percent power generation from renewables by 2030. This ambitious goal involves harnessing an impressive 36 GW of solar and 143 GW of wind capacity, which would call for an estimated investment of Rs 5 lakh crore.