MNRE Hosts ‘Run for Sun’ Marathon as Rooftop Solar Installations Hit 2.7 Lakh Record

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy marked International Sun Day with the ‘Run for Sun’ marathon, celebrating India’s rapid solar expansion and growing public participation in clean energy initiatives.

The event highlighted a major milestone under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with a record 2.7 lakh rooftop solar installations completed in April 2026, taking total installations to 30 lakh and benefiting over 45 lakh households nationwide.

India’s solar capacity has reached 150 GW as of March 2026, rising sharply from 2.82 GW in 2014, marking a 53-fold increase. Notably, the latest 50 GW was added in just 15 months, the fastest pace recorded so far. Around 50 percent of the country’s installed power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources, achieved well ahead of the 2030 target.

The marathon, held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, featured 2 km and 5 km runs and saw strong participation across age groups, reflecting increasing public engagement in India’s clean energy transition.

Speaking at the event, MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said that the initiative symbolises a collective push towards sustainability and energy self-reliance, with continued focus on expanding rooftop solar access across households.

India currently ranks third globally in renewable energy capacity, with solar playing a central role in its transition towards a cleaner and more resilient energy system.