JNM | Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Jammu and Kashmir has established a strong presence nationwide, creating history in the field of clean and green energy. The Union Territory secured second place in the country in the implementation of rooftop solar projects under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMGSY) during May 2026. This achievement not only reflects the state’s growing potential in the energy sector but also marks an important step towards reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, presented this honor to Jammu and Kashmir during a national program held in New Delhi. The award was received on behalf of the state by Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Managing Director of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
Solar energy adoption accelerates in one year
Although ground-level implementation of the PMGSY in Jammu and Kashmir began in July 2024, public interest has increased rapidly since then. A total of 98,601 applications have been filed on the national portal so far. These include 29,402 from the Jammu region and 69,184 from the Kashmir region.
Based on these applications, rooftop solar systems have been successfully installed in 33,987 homes. This includes 12,730 installations in the Jammu division and 21,255 in the Kashmir division. A significant increase of 77 percent was recorded in the number of solar installations in May 2026 compared to May 2025.
Energy capacity increased by more than 121 megawatts
The expansion of rooftop solar projects has increased Jammu and Kashmir’s renewable energy capacity by 121.61 megawatts. Of this, the Jammu region contributed 44.68 megawatts and the Kashmir region contributed 76.92 megawatts.
According to energy experts, this increase will not only meet future electricity demand but will also play a significant role in environmental protection and reducing carbon emissions. This is also expected to provide relief to consumers on their electricity bills.
Crores in Assistance Reached Beneficiaries
Under the scheme, central financial assistance of ₹258.18 crore has been transferred directly to the accounts of beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, an additional subsidy of ₹10 crore has been provided by the Union Territory administration.
Another important feature of the scheme is the low-interest loan facility. Bank loans are being made available to beneficiaries at an interest rate of up to 6 percent. Jammu and Kashmir Bank has emerged as the key financial partner in this initiative.
Over 45,000 Loan Applications
The growing interest in installing rooftop solar systems in the state can be gauged from the fact that 45,321 loan applications have been received so far. Of these, 27,075 applications have been approved or loans have been disbursed.
Collective Efforts Achieve Result
According to officials, this achievement is the result of collective efforts by the Power Development Department, the district administration, listed vendors, banking institutions, and consumers. The government’s goal is to make power generation self-sufficient and environmentally friendly by providing solar energy to as many homes as possible.
This achievement in Jammu and Kashmir is not only a major success for the state’s energy sector, but also proves that steps taken towards clean energy can take the state to new heights of energy self-sufficiency in the coming years.
