Ahmedabad Leads Gujarat Solar Rooftop Revolution
Gujarat has solidified its position as India’s solar powerhouse, achieving an unprecedented 1,000 megawatts (MW) of residential solar rooftop installations within a year under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. With over 2.70 lakh households embracing solar power in this period, the state’s cumulative residential solar capacity now stands at 3,400 MW. Ahmedabad leads this green revolution, with 1.22 lakh homes outfitted with solar panels, followed closely by Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot—each surpassing the one-lakh mark. The expansion is not confined to urban hubs; adoption has spread across all districts, reflecting the success of state-led policies and financial incentives designed to make solar power more accessible. This rapid transition underscores Gujarat’s commitment to decentralised renewable energy, positioning residents as both consumers and producers of electricity.
A key driver behind this acceleration has been policy clarity and seamless execution. Jai Prakash Shivahare, Managing Director of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL), attributes the surge to the PM Surya Ghar scheme’s fast-tracked approval system and financial mechanisms that ensure timely vendor payments. “The government envisions empowering consumers to become power producers, and the scheme has enabled a smooth, automated process for rooftop solar adoption,” he stated. The introduction of a rolling fund mechanism in previous state initiatives has played a pivotal role in positioning Gujarat as a leader in residential solar adoption. Additionally, the state boasts a robust ecosystem of over 1,100 solar vendors and a local manufacturing base, ensuring competitive pricing and easier access to solar technology for residents. The availability of subsidies up to ₹78,000, introduced in February last year by the central government, has further propelled adoption, making solar power a financially viable option for households.
While Ahmedabad leads the charge, an urban planning perspective highlights an interesting contrast in adoption patterns. Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s most populous city, naturally has the highest installations. However, an industry expert noted that a significant portion of Ahmedabad’s residential landscape consists of apartment buildings, making rooftop solar installation comparatively more challenging. In contrast, Vadodara and Rajkot—where independent houses and tenements are more common—have witnessed higher per-capita adoption. This variation suggests a need for customised policy interventions, such as collective solar solutions for high-rise buildings, to ensure equitable access to rooftop solar across different urban typologies. Moreover, with urban electricity demand rising, integrating solar rooftops with battery storage and net metering could further enhance Gujarat’s renewable energy security.
From a sustainability standpoint, Gujarat’s solar transition has immense environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on conventional power sources, the expansion of solar rooftops contributes significantly to lowering carbon emissions and reducing grid dependency. The decentralised nature of rooftop solar minimises transmission losses, making it an efficient and sustainable energy solution. Additionally, widespread adoption can ease pressure on Gujarat’s power infrastructure, especially during peak summer months when electricity demand surges. As cities continue to expand, a proactive solar policy—combined with innovations in energy storage and smart grid solutions—can ensure a cleaner, more resilient urban power system. Gujarat’s leadership in residential solar adoption serves as a model for other states, demonstrating how strategic policies, local manufacturing, and consumer awareness can drive a large-scale renewable energy transition.
