UTs Symbolic Image – Symbolic Image (Image Credit: AP) New Delhi: To accelerate the adoption of renewable energy among low-income and vulnerable households, the government has approved the installation of over 13 lakh rooftop solar systems under the utility-based aggregation (ULA) model in 10 states/UTs. The move is part of the Centre’s broader focus on expanding solar power capacity as a clean and green alternative to fossil fuel-based power generation. Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu have already started installation, while Bihar, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi have sent proposals to the Centre, officials said.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set a target to install one crore rooftop solar systems across the country by March 2027 under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, of which 30 lakh will be installed under the ULA model. According to the scheme, more than 60% of rooftop installations are in the 3-4 kW category, highlighting the low participation of poor households with low power demand.

Officials said the ULA model seeks to bridge this gap through utility-based deployment, efficient scale-up and financing support. More than 31 lakh rooftop solar systems with a total capacity of 11.

4 GW have been installed so far under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme.