Odisha Tops Nation in Rooftop Solar Push, Wins Multiple PM Surya Ghar Excellence Awards

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as a national leader in renewable energy adoption, securing top honours at the PM Surya Ghar Excellence Awards for its outstanding performance under the Centre’s flagship rooftop solar programme.

The state was recognised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for its achievements during the “Month of Solar” campaign conducted in May 2026. The recognition highlights Odisha’s rapid progress in promoting rooftop solar installations and expanding access to clean energy under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

Odisha achieved a clean sweep in major award categories, securing first place for the highest number of consumer applications, first place for maximum solar installations, and first place for maximum DISCOM inspections. The state also secured third place for the highest number of vendor registrations, reflecting the growth of its solar ecosystem.

The awards were presented by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and senior MNRE officials. Additional Secretary of Odisha’s Energy Department, Saidutta Biplab Keshari Pradhan, along with officials from the state’s power distribution companies, received the awards on behalf of Odisha.

Congratulating the teams involved in the achievement, Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the recognition was a result of coordinated efforts by various government agencies and the dedication of field-level officials.

“Odisha is setting a shining example for the country in solar energy adoption. This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainable development and strengthens our vision of building an energy-secure and self-reliant Odisha,” he said.

Officials said the state’s success has been driven by proactive policy measures and financial support aimed at encouraging rooftop solar adoption. The government has introduced several initiatives to make solar energy more accessible to households, including innovative implementation models that reduce upfront costs and simplify the installation process.

The Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model introduced in the state has played a key role in accelerating adoption by making rooftop solar systems more affordable for residential consumers. The initiative has enabled thousands of households to move towards significantly reduced or even zero electricity bills.

The state government has also earmarked dedicated budgetary support for rooftop solar projects, helping expand infrastructure and improve service delivery. Transparent inspection mechanisms and a growing network of registered vendors have further strengthened consumer confidence in the programme.

With an ambitious target of covering three lakh households by 2027, Odisha plans to further scale up rooftop solar installations across urban and rural areas. Officials said the focus will remain on ensuring that the benefits of clean and affordable energy reach households across the state while contributing to India’s broader renewable energy and climate goals.

The latest national recognition reinforces Odisha’s position as one of the country’s fastest-growing renewable energy destinations and highlights its contribution to India’s transition towards a sustainable energy future.