Gujarat Targets 65 MW Solar Boost Across 15,000 Govt Buildings

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat is set for a major expansion of rooftop solar on government buildings, with the state planning installations across 15,000 more facilities during 2026-27, adding around 65 MW of renewable energy capacity to the existing 95 MW generated through the programme.

The initiative, implemented by the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) under the Climate Change Department since 2011-12, has so far covered 6,014 government buildings across the state.

Climate Change Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the programme had gained significant momentum during 2025-26, when rooftop solar systems were installed on 1,377 government buildings, adding 17.1 MW of capacity.

“With this expansion, the cumulative number of government buildings equipped with rooftop solar systems reached 6,014 by March 2026, taking the total installed capacity under the initiative to 95 MW,” Modhwadia said.

The government has now planned the biggest expansion of the programme in 2026-27. “We plan to install rooftop solar systems on 15,000 government buildings this year. The proposed expansion is expected to add around 65 MW of solar capacity, further strengthening the use of renewable energy across the state’s public infrastructure,” Modhwadia said.

The programme is aimed at reducing government offices’ dependence on conventional electricity, lowering power expenditure and cutting pollution associated with conventional power generation.

Minister of State for Climate Change Pravin Mali said the solar installations would provide both environmental and economic benefits.

“The solar installations are expected to generate multiple environmental and economic benefits, including reduced consumption of conventional electricity, lower electricity expenditure for government offices and a reduction in pollution associated with conventional power generation,” Mali said.

The state has earmarked ₹314 crore for the programme in 2026-27. Of this, ₹278 crore has been allocated for general government buildings, ₹3 crore for buildings under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department and ₹33 crore for buildings managed by the Tribal Development Department.

According to GEDA Director Dharmendra Patel, the rooftop solar systems are being installed with 100% capital-cost support from the annual budget allocation of the Climate Change Department.

Gujarat has also introduced an IIoT-based Renewable Energy Monitoring System to digitally track renewable energy installations on government buildings. The system integrates smart meters, sensors and IoT gateways using GPRS, 4G and Ethernet connectivity.

Modhwadia said the platform generates performance data every 15 minutes, providing up to 96 readings a day and enabling automated remote alerts.

The monitoring interface currently tracks significant renewable energy capacities, including 142.5 MW of solar and 68.3 MW of wind generation, marking another step towards technology-driven renewable energy management in the state.