Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a national leader in India’s solar energy transformation, securing the third position in the country in rooftop solar installations. Under the ambitious Solar Rooftop Scheme of the Yogi Adityanath government, the state has received 13.46 lakh applications and successfully installed over 2.81 lakh rooftop solar plants so far. With a total installed rooftop capacity of 976.21 MW, Uttar Pradesh is now behind only Maharashtra and Gujarat in solar adoption.
This unprecedented growth has brought significant economic relief to 2.85 lakh consumers, created over 54,000 direct jobs, and enabled the production of more than 40 lakh units of green electricity every day, marking a major leap in energy sustainability, environmental protection, and livelihood generation.
A Solar Transformation Across Rural and Urban UP
Once known for frequent power cuts and unpredictable supply, many villages in Uttar Pradesh today shine with the glow of solar power. Rooftops that once remained unused are now equipped with solar panels powering homes, farms, small shops, and local industries. The initiative has emerged as a model of sustainable development, community empowerment, and smart energy management.
What began as a modest scheme unexpectedly received massive public support. In just 18 months, Uttar Pradesh installed 2.81 lakh solar rooftop systems, including a record 1.3 lakh systems in the last 4.5 months alone—evidence of an enthusiastic and rapidly expanding clean energy movement across the state.
Big Savings for Households and Small Businesses
The rooftop solar scheme has delivered substantial monthly savings to ordinary families. Households that earlier paid electricity bills of up to ₹1,500 per month are now saving a major portion of their expenses. Rural families are using these savings to support agriculture, while in urban areas, solar energy has become a lifeline for small businesses that previously struggled with high electricity costs.
Residents like Dr. S.K. Srivastava of Varanasi, who installed a solar rooftop system under PM Surya Ghar Yojana, said the government’s subsidy along with reduced power bills has been a “double advantage,” making solar adoption financially feasible. Another beneficiary, Imtiaz Ahmed of Danialpur, said that without the subsidy, installing a solar system would have been “very difficult.”
Employment Boost and Green Economy Expansion
The solar revolution has not only illuminated homes but also opened large-scale employment opportunities. More than 54,000 youths in Uttar Pradesh have secured direct jobs in installation, electrical work, module manufacturing, wiring, logistics, and maintenance services linked to solar projects. Across India, the rooftop solar ecosystem has created lakhs of jobs, strengthening both the green economy and the startup ecosystem.
Major Contribution to GDP and Environmental Benefits
Based on current growth, the scheme is projected to contribute thousands of crores to Uttar Pradesh’s GDP over the next 25 years through cost reduction, energy resilience, and industrial competitiveness. The state now generates 40 lakh units of electricity per day, dramatically reducing dependence on traditional power sources.
The environmental impact is equally significant. The reduction in carbon emissions achieved through solar adoption is equivalent to planting millions of trees, offering long-term benefits for public health. Clean energy is expected to reduce respiratory illnesses and improve air quality across the state.
Balanced Development Without Land Burden
The state government has also protected 4,000 acres of land that would otherwise have been required for solar parks, ensuring that land remains available for agriculture, water conservation, public use, and future infrastructure.
A Model for India’s Sustainable Energy Future
Uttar Pradesh’s rooftop solar success has set a national benchmark in sustainable energy, livelihood creation, and public participation. The initiative demonstrates how thoughtful planning, public awareness, and effective policy implementation can transform energy landscapes while strengthening economic stability for millions.
As solar panels continue to brighten rooftops from Noida to Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh stands as a leading example of how renewable energy can redefine prosperity, health, and resilience in the years to come.
