Patna: Bihar is witnessing a sharp rise in rooftop solar installations, with the number of panels installed across the state increasing nearly four-fold in eight months under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The state government is also offering additional financial assistance to encourage households to shift towards clean and renewable energy.
According to data from the Energy Department, Bihar installed 768 rooftop solar panels in January 2026. By August, monthly installations had climbed to 3,068, reflecting the accelerating pace of solarisation across the state.
The momentum has continued into September. As many as 1,699 rooftop solar panels were installed during the first 13 days of September alone. At the current pace, installations could reach around 4,000 during the month.
The installations are being carried out across the service areas of both state power distribution companies — South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL) and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (NBPDCL).
Rooftop Solar Installations Rise Month After Month
The monthly figures show a consistent increase in rooftop solar adoption in Bihar.
Installations stood at 768 in January and rose to 987 in February and 1,166 in March. The number then increased to 1,400 in April, 1,776 in May, 1,887 in June and 2,736 in July before reaching 3,068 in August.
The sharp rise comes as the Centre and Bihar government provide financial support to domestic consumers installing rooftop solar systems.
The combined assistance can significantly reduce the upfront cost for households and make solar power more accessible to ordinary electricity consumers.
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Up to ₹98,000 Subsidy for Rooftop Solar
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, domestic consumers can receive central and state subsidies for installing rooftop solar plants.
For a 1 kW rooftop solar system, consumers can receive assistance of up to ₹40,000, comprising ₹30,000 from the Centre and ₹10,000 from the Bihar government.
For a 2 kW system, the total subsidy rises to ₹80,000, with ₹60,000 provided by the Centre and ₹20,000 by the state.
For a 3 kW system, consumers can receive a maximum combined subsidy of ₹98,000, including ₹78,000 from the Centre and ₹20,000 from the state government.
Normally, installing a 1 kW rooftop solar system can cost around ₹60,000–₹70,000. The available financial assistance therefore substantially reduces the amount consumers need to pay from their own pocket.
The additional state subsidy of up to ₹20,000 will remain available until March 31, 2027.
Free 1.1 kW Solar Panels for BPL Families
Bihar is providing 100% subsidy for free 1.1 kW rooftop solar systems for Kutir Jyoti/BPL households.
SBPDCL and NBPDCL aim to install systems in 2.5 lakh low-income households by November 2026, supporting renewable energy use and reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
Low-Interest Loan Available for Solar Installation
For households that want to install rooftop solar systems but need financial support beyond the subsidy, the PM Surya Ghar scheme also provides access to low-interest loans.
Consumers can obtain a collateral-free loan of up to ₹2 lakh at an interest rate of 5.75 per cent for installing solar systems of up to 3 kW capacity.
This financing option is intended to make the initial investment more manageable for households, particularly when combined with central and state subsidies.
A 1 kW rooftop system can generate around 120 units of electricity, helping households meet a portion of their electricity requirements through their own solar generation.
Solar Push Aims to Make Consumers More Self-Reliant
The Bihar government’s rooftop solar programme is being positioned not only as an energy initiative but also as a long-term measure to reduce household dependence on conventional electricity sources.
Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal said the installation of rooftop solar panels aims to make consumers self-reliant in meeting their energy requirements over the next 25 years while also supporting environmental protection.
Energy Department Secretary Ajay Yadav said additional financial assistance from the state government, combined with low-interest loans, would make it easier for consumers to manage the initial cost of installing rooftop solar systems.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote green energy, reduce conventional energy use and increase the adoption of renewable sources.
How Consumers Can Apply
Consumers interested in installing rooftop solar panels can get more information and apply through the official PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana portal.
They can visit pmsuryaghar.gov.in, call the toll-free number 15555, or contact their nearest electricity office for assistance.
With installations rising sharply, targeted support for BPL households, subsidies of up to ₹98,000 and affordable financing, Bihar is steadily expanding rooftop solar access. The initiative could help households reduce their dependence on conventional power while strengthening the state’s wider transition towards cleaner energy.
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