Rooftop solarisation gains momentum in J&K under PM Surya Ghar Yojana

16,799 households solarised, 62.11 MW added under PM Surya Ghar scheme across Jammu | Photo Credit: NISSAR AHMAD

Jammu and Kashmir has made notable progress in expanding its solar energy footprint, with 130.87 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity installed so far, the Economic Survey 2025-26 revealed, highlighting renewable energy as a key pillar of the Union Territory’s energy transition.

A major driver of this expansion is the PM Surya Ghar–Muft Bijli Yojana, launched on February 29, 2024, aimed at expanding rooftop solar capacity. The scheme focuses on reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and lowering electricity costs through decentralised solar power generation.

As part of the initiative, the government has undertaken large-scale rooftop solarisation of government buildings, covering 22,494 buildings with a total planned capacity of 270 MW. Of these, 12,994 buildings (70 MW) are being solarised under the CAPEX model, while 9,500 buildings (200 MW) are covered under the RESCO model, with priority accorded to the education and health sectors.

According to the survey, 7,125 government buildings have already been solarised under the CAPEX budget, adding 68.76 MW to Jammu and Kashmir’s renewable energy capacity. Over 25 years , these installations are projected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 8.3 million tonnes, contributing significantly to the Union Territory’s climate commitments.

The project also incorporates bi-directional smart meters and Virtual Net Metering (VNM) through power distribution companies, enabling efficient energy management and optimal utilisation of renewable power across the grid.

Residential rooftop solar adoption has also gathered pace across the regions served by the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL). Out of a targeted 83,550 households —including 39,500 in the JPDCL area and 44,000 in the KPDCL region — 16,799 households have been solarised under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana so far.

These household installations have resulted in a cumulative capacity of 62.11 MW, with KPDCL contributing 34.60 MW and JPDCL adding 27.51 MW, the survey said.

In addition, 4,000 households in the Union Territory have been covered under the Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Power Plant Scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Taking the initiative further, the Economic Survey noted that, on the recommendation of the Jammu and Kashmir government, the MNRE has approved a project to provide 200 free units of electricity to 2.21 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families under the Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) model of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The implementation of the project is expected to begin shortly.

The survey said the solar initiatives span domestic, institutional, social, and government sectors, reinforcing Jammu and Kashmir’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, enhance energy security, and transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Published on February 10, 2026