Patna, September 15: Bihar’s rooftop solarisation drive has gathered significant pace in 2026, with monthly installations increasing nearly four-fold in eight months, according to data provided by the state Energy Department.
The number of rooftop solar systems installed across the state increased from 768 in January to 3,068 in August. The sharp rise has come amid increased financial assistance from the Centre and the Bihar government under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The momentum has continued into September. A total of 1,699 rooftop solar systems were installed in the first 13 days of September, and at the current pace, the number could reach around 4,000 by the end of the month.
The figures cover installations under the service areas of South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL).
Rooftop Solar Installations Rise Every Month
Energy Department data shows a steady increase in installations since January.
Bihar recorded 987 rooftop solar installations in February, followed by 1,166 in March. The number rose to 1,400 in April, 1,776 in May and 1,887 in June.
The pace accelerated further in the following months, with 2,736 systems installed in July and 3,068 in August.
The August figure was around four times the January level, highlighting the rapid expansion of rooftop solar adoption within the state.
The government is seeking to sustain this momentum by combining central assistance with additional state support and access to low-interest loans.
2.5 Lakh BPL Households To Get Free Solar Systems
A major part of Bihar’s solarisation programme is focused on economically weaker households.
The two distribution companies have rolled out a scheme to install 1.1 kW-capacity rooftop solar systems free of cost for Kutir Jyoti, or BPL, consumers.
Under the programme, rooftop solar systems are being installed in 2.5 lakh BPL households, with the work targeted for completion by the end of November.
The state government is providing 100 per cent subsidy for eligible BPL families covered under the initiative.
The programme is intended to increase access to renewable energy among low-income households while helping them generate electricity for their own consumption.
Centre And Bihar Offer Up To Rs 98,000 Subsidy
Financial assistance is also available to general domestic electricity consumers who want to install rooftop solar systems.
According to the Energy Department, a 1 kW rooftop solar system normally costs around Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000. Under the subsidy arrangement, an eligible consumer can receive assistance of up to Rs 40,000.
For a 1 kW system, the Centre provides Rs 30,000, while the Bihar government provides an additional Rs 10,000.
For a 2 kW system, the total subsidy increases to Rs 80,000, comprising Rs 60,000 from the Centre and Rs 20,000 from the state government.
For a 3 kW system, consumers can receive a maximum subsidy of Rs 98,000. This includes Rs 78,000 in central assistance and Rs 20,000 from Bihar.
The provision for additional state assistance of up to Rs 20,000 will remain in effect until March 31, 2027.
Low-Interest Loans Available For Solar Installation
Consumers who require additional financial support can also obtain loans under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
A collateral-free bank loan of up to Rs 2 lakh is available for installing rooftop solar systems of up to 3 kW capacity.
The loan is available at an interest rate of 5.75 per cent, helping reduce the immediate financial burden on households opting for rooftop solar.
The state government believes that the combination of subsidies and low-cost financing can encourage more consumers to shift towards renewable energy.
Bihar Pushes Household Energy Self-Reliance
The rooftop solar initiative is part of Bihar’s wider push to increase the use of clean and renewable energy.
The state government has been promoting solar power as a way to reduce dependence on conventional electricity while allowing households to generate part of their own power.
The government had also emphasised green energy while announcing 125 units of free electricity for power consumers in July 2025.
The policy focus has been on reducing the use of conventional energy and increasing the adoption of non-conventional sources.
Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal said the rooftop solar programme was intended to make consumers more self-reliant in meeting their energy requirements while supporting environmental protection.
“The move to install rooftop solar panels is intended to make consumers self-reliant in securing energy for their consumption for next 25 years besides ensuring environmental protection,” Kumar said.
He added that the initiative would help promote clean and green energy across the state.
State Says Financial Support Will Drive Adoption
Energy Department Secretary Ajay Yadav said the additional financial assistance provided by the state, together with low-interest loans, would make rooftop solar more accessible.
“With additional financial assistance from the state government and the availability of loans at low interest rates, it will become easier for consumers to bear the initial cost of installing a solar plant,” Yadav said.
He said the measures reflected the state government’s efforts to promote green energy, reduce the use of conventional energy and increase the adoption of non-conventional sources.
The combination of subsidies, financing and targeted support for BPL households is expected to expand rooftop solar adoption among domestic consumers.
Solarisation Gains Momentum Across Bihar
The installation figures indicate that rooftop solar adoption has moved beyond the early stages of the programme.
From fewer than 800 installations in January, the state crossed 3,000 installations in August. The installation of another 1,699 systems in just 13 days of September suggests that the pace has continued to strengthen.
The government’s focus now includes expanding coverage among BPL households while encouraging other domestic consumers to take advantage of available financial assistance.
With the 2.5 lakh-household BPL target, subsidies of up to Rs 98,000 and loans of up to Rs 2 lakh, Bihar is seeking to accelerate the shift towards decentralised solar power.
How Consumers Can Access The Scheme
Consumers interested in installing rooftop solar systems can obtain information through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana portal, call the toll-free number 15555 or contact their nearest electricity office.
Eligible households can check the applicable subsidy and financing provisions before installing a rooftop solar system.
The state government is also continuing the separate programme for eligible Kutir Jyoti BPL households, under which 1.1 kW solar systems are being installed free of cost.
