Punjab installs 34 MW of rooftop solar panels in over 4,000 government buildings

The Punjab Government has made a significant stride in decarbonising the power sector by installing rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on 4,474 government buildings.

The state also plans to add 20 MW of solar power in the fiscal year 2025-26 by installing more rooftop solar PV panels on government buildings.

As of December 2024, Punjab’s New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister, Aman Arora, said that rooftop solar PV panels with a total capacity of 34 MW have been installed across these buildings. These solar panels are generating over 4.9 crore units of electricity annually.

The grid-connected rooftop solar PV panels generate electricity at the consumer point, helping reduce network losses in the distribution system.

Additionally, the electricity generated helps bridge the demand-supply gap and allows PSPCL to meet its renewable purchase obligation targets as set by the Electricity Regulatory Commissions. These systems produce power during the day and feed excess electricity back into the grid.

The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has been focused on enhancing the state’s clean energy infrastructure, aiming to provide a cleaner environment for residents.

This ambitious initiative will play a vital role in decarbonising the power sector, with solar PV technology being the most popular renewable energy source due to its numerous advantages.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, solar PV systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change.

By harnessing solar energy, the state government is reducing reliance on fossil fuels, fostering sustainable energy practices, improving energy efficiency, and achieving significant cost savings on electricity bills. The initiative also supports local economies by generating job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.