Bihar Targets 25 Lakh Rooftop Solar Homes Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme by 2027

Bihar has set an ambitious target to expand rooftop solar adoption across the state, with plans to cover 25 lakh households under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana by November

The initiative is expected to accelerate the state's clean energy transition while reducing electricity costs for consumers.

The roadmap was outlined by Samrat Choudhary during the launch of rooftop solar installation work for 2.5 lakh Kutir Jyoti beneficiary households in Patna. The first phase of the programme will be implemented at an estimated cost of ₹1,512 crore.

Launching the project at Vidyut Bhawan, Choudhary directed power sector officials to complete rooftop solar installations on 2.5 lakh Kutir Jyoti consumer homes by November

He also asked departments to prepare the necessary infrastructure and implementation framework to significantly scale up the programme over the next two years.

The state government aims to use the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to bring solar energy access to economically weaker households while promoting wider adoption of renewable energy across Bihar.

Highlighting the economic benefits of rooftop solar systems, Choudhary said the government would purchase surplus electricity generated by households beyond the 125 units provided under the scheme. The move is intended to create an additional source of income for participating families while encouraging greater adoption of distributed renewable energy.

According to the state government, the scheme seeks to deliver clean, affordable and sustainable electricity to households while reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

Alongside the rooftop solar initiative, Choudhary inaugurated energy sector development projects worth ₹1,278 crore through a remote unveiling ceremony. The projects are expected to strengthen Bihar's power infrastructure and support the state's growing electricity demand.

Choudhary also highlighted the transformation of Bihar's electricity sector over the past two decades. He noted that the state had around 17 lakh electricity connections before 2005, a figure that has now grown to approximately 2.22 crore connections.

He also pointed out that Bihar's peak electricity consumption has increased from around 400–500 MW before 2005 to nearly 9,000 MW today, reflecting rising access to power and growing economic activity.

The Deputy Chief Minister said Bihar currently provides 125 units of free electricity to domestic consumers, describing it as a major welfare initiative that emerged from the Mahila Samvad programme launched by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

He further stated that Bihar offers one of the highest levels of electricity subsidy support in the country, with annual subsidy expenditure of around ₹23,000 crore.