Govt Approves Over 1.3 Million Rooftop Solar Installations Under ULA Model

The Government of India has approved the installation of more than 1.3 million rooftop solar systems across ten states and Union Territories under the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model, a major initiative aimed at expanding access to clean energy among low-income and vulnerable households.

The programme forms part of the Centre’s broader renewable energy strategy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft  Bijli Yojana, which seeks to accelerate rooftop solar adoption and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity generation.

According to officials, rooftop solar installations have already commenced in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Meanwhile, proposals seeking participation in the programme have been submitted by Bihar, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has fixed a target of installing one crore rooftop solar systems nationwide by March 2027 under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Out of the total target, nearly 30 lakh systems are expected to be deployed through the ULA model.

Officials said that the initiative has been designed to improve participation among economically weaker households, which have so far shown limited adoption of rooftop solar due to financial constraints and lower electricity consumption levels. Currently, more than 60 per cent of rooftop solar installations in the country fall within the 3-4 kW category, indicating that the segment has largely benefited middle-income households with relatively higher power demand.

Under the ULA model, power utilities will aggregate households, coordinate installations, and facilitate financing support, thereby reducing upfront costs and simplifying the adoption process for consumers. The government believes the approach will help bridge the gap in solar access and support wider decentralised renewable energy generation.

Data released by the government shows that more than 3.1 million rooftop solar systems with a cumulative installed capacity of 11.4 GW have already been deployed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

The rooftop solar expansion is expected to contribute significantly to India’s clean energy transition by lowering household electricity expenses, strengthening energy security, and reducing carbon emissions from conventional power generation sources.