JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant increase in rooftop solar installations under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with 2,772 rooftop solar plants installed across the region, generating a combined capacity of 10.38 megawatts. Of these, 2,489 plants are fully operational, with the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) commissioning 1,389 and the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) activating 1,100 solar rooftop systems.
The initiative has seen strong participation from domestic consumers, with JPDCL receiving 19,076 applications, amounting to 66.77 MW of solar capacity, while KPDCL has recorded 17,746 applications, totalling 56.787 MW. As of now, 14,961 applicants have selected vendors for their solar setups, with 9,410 under JPDCL and 5,551 under KPDCL. The scheme has also led to financial benefits, with subsidies disbursed to 1,144 consumers—294 in JPDCL areas and 850 in KPDCL areas.
Managing Director, JPDCL, Choudhary Yasin, highlighted the scheme’s impact, revealing that 1,438 consumers had received zero electricity bills due to the rooftop solar installations. On an average, 47 systems are installed daily, with 54 commissioned per day. Additionally, district-wise data shows Budgam leading in Kashmir with 16.07 per cent progress, while in Jammu, Kishtwar has recorded the highest number of installations at 88.
Financially, the scheme has provided robust support, with JPDCL disbursing Rs 2,654.38 lakh across Jammu districts between October 31, 2024 and March 21, 2025. In Kashmir, KPDCL has released Rs 1,847.19 lakh by March 10, 2025.
Beyond residential installations, the scheme is also driving solarisation of government buildings. Commissioner Secretary, IT Department, Saurabh Bhagat, revealed that out of 22,494 government buildings proposed for solar upgrades, 12,994 are being addressed under the Capex model, with 4,673 already completed, adding 39.6 MW of capacity. An additional 9,500 buildings are targeted under the RESCO model, with a tentative capacity of 200 MW. The responsibility is split between NHPC, which is handling 35 MW across 1,500 buildings, and JAKEDA, which is overseeing 175 MW for 8,000 buildings.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who chaired the UT Level Coordination Committee meeting on the scheme, stressed the need for greater public awareness to maximise benefits. He urged power distribution companies to assist consumers in completing agreements, making payments, and installing rooftop solar plants through registered vendors. He also directed officials to publicise success stories and reduce waiting periods for applicants.
Additionally, efforts are underway to develop Model Solar Villages, with one village per district being solarised to promote 24×7 renewable energy access. These villages will have solar-powered home lighting, water systems, agricultural pumps, and streetlights, reducing reliance on external electricity sources.
