Tata Power and its renewable energy arm Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) on Thursday launched a fresh push to expand rooftop solar adoption in Bihar, with a target of reaching five lakh households over the next three years.
The initiative, ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’, is aimed at increasing awareness and adoption of rooftop solar systems in a state that has so far lagged behind several other states in the segment.
Tata Power CEO and Managing Director Praveer Sinha said Bihar had recorded around 25,000 rooftop solar installations over the past year, compared with some states achieving a similar number in a much shorter period.
“Ghar Ghar Solar, a massive initiative, is backed by the state government. Working together, we can usher in a solar revolution in the state, and make a big difference to people's lives,” Sinha said at the launch event.
Bihar has about three crore households and a population of around 13 crore, but rooftop solar penetration remains relatively low. Sinha said the company’s share of solar consumers stood at about 14% nationally and 15% in Bihar.
“With this initiative, as part of shared responsibility, we can take things forward,” he said, highlighting the need for greater public awareness around rooftop solar.
Bihar expands rooftop solar subsidy support
The Bihar government has recently approved additional financial support for rooftop solar systems under the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar scheme.
According to Tata Power, the state has announced an additional subsidy of Rs 10,000 per kW for eligible installations. Combined central and state support is expected to take the total subsidy to Rs 40,000 for a 1 kW system, Rs 80,000 for 2 kW and Rs 98,000 for systems of 3 kW and above.
TPREL CEO and Managing Director Sanjay Banga said Bihar’s relatively high electricity tariffs should make rooftop solar an attractive proposition for consumers.
“The question in Bihar is not of affordability, but awareness. The Ghar Ghar Solar initiative launched today is an effort to drive awareness. If solar power reaches every village, Bihar will never face an energy deficit,” Banga said.
He added that Bihar has an estimated rooftop solar potential of 32 GW, while peak electricity demand across residential, commercial and industrial consumers is around 9 GW.
Tata Power has also tied up with 18 banks to provide financing options and plans to work with around 100 partners and retailers for equipment and services. The company said consumers can access rooftop solar installations through financing schemes starting at Rs 999 under Tata Power Solaroof.
Village solar programme and battery storage
Alongside Ghar Ghar Solar, Tata Power launched ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Solar’, a CSR-backed programme under which solar installations will be facilitated across 100 households in a village.
The company also introduced its Mysine battery storage system in Bihar for households and businesses. The system is designed to store surplus solar generation and provide backup during power supply interruptions, potentially reducing reliance on diesel generators.
Banga said battery storage could be particularly useful for consumers who otherwise depend on diesel generators during electricity outages.
Tata Power said its integrated offering covers solar installation, energy storage, electric vehicle charging and operation and maintenance services.
The initiatives were launched in the presence of Bihar Energy Department Secretary Ajay Yadav and other state and company officials.
Sinha said the programme could also contribute to electric vehicle adoption and climate action by enabling consumers to use cleaner, locally generated electricity.
“People should see our initiative in terms of climate action, energy independence for consumers, and a lifelong earning opportunity,” he said.
