India completes 223,446 rooftop solar installations through utility-led programme

India’s utility-led rooftop solar programme has completed 223,446 installations across five states and Union territories through a model designed to reach low-income and vulnerable households.

Government figures show that ₹525.69 crore in subsidies has been released. Andhra Pradesh accounts for 141,242 installations, followed by Odisha with 73,867 and Telangana with 7,442. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has approved the model in 12 states and Union territories for about 1.66 million installations.

Known as Utility-Led Aggregation, the approach shifts financing, vendor selection and installation management from individual households to electricity distribution companies and state agencies. By combining demand from thousands of homes, utilities can use bulk tenders that may lower equipment costs and simplify participation.

Under one option, the utility funds, owns and maintains the system for at least five years before transferring it to the homeowner. Under another, the household owns it from the outset, with its contribution capped at about 10%, or roughly ₹5,000 per kilowatt. Developers must provide five years of free comprehensive maintenance.

India is aiming for three million installations through this mechanism by March 2027, contributing to the broader PM Surya Ghar target of 10 million rooftop systems.