In recent years, people of Assam have shown a remarkable shift towards sustainability, with solar energy emerging as a popular and practical choice for clean power. From urban centres like Guwahati to the nook and cranny of the State, residents are increasingly turning to rooftop solar systems as an eco-friendly solution. This green transformation is being driven by the growing awareness on environmental issues, rising electricity costs, and the proactive efforts of the Government of Assam and the Centre for schemes like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Citizens across income levels are embracing rooftop solar panels. Accessibility of Government subsidies and simplified installation processes, facilitated by Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), has made solar energy more approachable than ever before.
Informing Asom Barta about the progress of solar installation, Bijay Sankar Baruah, CGM (NER) APDCL said, “In 2024-25, 10,723 rooftop solar plants were installed against the target of 5,000. However, 14,815 rooftop solar plants have been installed so far against the set target of 30,000 for 2025-2026. Cumulatively, 25,538 rooftop solar power plants have been installed with a total capacity of 84 MW.”
According to Baruah, in the light of various sustainable methods adopted by people in daily life, rooftop solar power arrangements have become a natural choice for them. With the vision of enabling lakhs of households to harness clean solar energy, APDCL has taken a lead role in facilitating widespread awareness and seamless implementation of the scheme across urban and rural areas of the State.
“One of the primary motivators for consumers is the tangible benefit of substantial reduction in electricity bills, with many roof top solar beneficiaries even achieving net-zero bills through the implementation of net metering arrangement,” Baruah added.
APDCL has actively facilitated the installation of net meters for residential consumers, waived off technical feasibility approval for installations up to 10 KW capacity, ensured timely inspection and commissioning, thereby streamlining the overall consumer experience.
Mentioning about the challenges, Barua told this newsletter, “Minor yet notable challenges have been identified during the implementation of residential rooftop solar installations across Assam such as lack of readily accessible bank loans and compliances of various banking facilities during loan procurement, resulting in delays and uncertainty for prospective applicants. Another challenge lies in the absence of solar panel and component manufacturing units within and nearby Assam, relying on procurement from other parts of the country. This adds significantly to the overall project cost as well as delay in the project completion timeline.”
He said that adequate infrastructural development in the State will expedite the progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna.
Sarat Chutiya of Dhakuakhana in North Lakhimpur is pleasantly surprised to see his electricity bill, “I installed the rooftop solar in January 2025 and since then my bill is net zero, even in this peak summer season. I feel the installation has been a wise decision.”
Similarly, Amrit Chandra Das of Guwahati is witnessing over 50% cut in his electricity bill post the installation in March 2025, “Earlier, our monthly bill used to be around ₹6,000- ₹7,000. It is now around ₹2000-₹3000.”
The State’s renewable energy journey is not limited to household rooftops. Large-scale solar projects are underway across the State, laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant and cleaner energy grid. Some key projects include:
70 MW Ground-Mounted Solar Power Project at Khudigaon Pt-II in Dhubri district.
50 MW Ground-Mounted Solar Power Project at Borsola in Sonitpur district.
Grid-interactive rooftop solar systems with battery backup in selected hospitals under the National Health Mission, Assam.
On-Grid and Off-Grid solar systems in various PM-SHRI schools under Samagra Shiksha, Assam.
Grid-connected rooftop solar systems installed at key Government establishments like Janata Bhawan and Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), with a combined capacity of 3.9 MW, being funded through State Budget.
