Residential Rooftop Solar Capacity Surpasses 17,500 MW in India
As of September 2026, India's residential rooftop solar capacity has reached over 17,500 MW, with UP, Maharashtra, and Gujarat leading the way.
Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat account for 45% of India's rooftop solar capacity.
Uttar Pradesh topped installations in September with 234.46 MW added.
The total applications under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana reached 88,42,231 nationwide.
India's residential rooftop solar power capacity has exceeded 17,500 megawatts (MW) as of September 2026, driven significantly by Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, which collectively represent 45% of the total installed capacity. This growth is part of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY), which aims to enhance solar energy adoption across the nation.
According to data from JMK Research & Analytics, Uttar Pradesh led the way in new installations for September, adding 234.46 MW. Maharashtra followed closely with an increase of 208.04 MW, while Gujarat contributed 165.6 MW. The month also saw a substantial number of applications for new rooftop solar units, with Uttar Pradesh receiving 93,437 applications, Maharashtra 60,453, and Gujarat 1,52,642.
Despite the impressive figures, the cumulative monthly capacity under the PMSG: MBY saw a decline of 2.2% month-over-month, totaling 1,357.52 MW in September. This marks the third consecutive month of reduced capacity additions, down from 1,592 MW in July and 1,407.32 MW in August. Overall, there were 6,02,376 applications submitted across India last month, compared to 3,57,100 installations.
The total installed capacity under the PMSG: MBY now stands at 17,794.16 MW, with a significant subsidy of Rs 33,642.39 crore allocated so far. Uttar Pradesh leads with a total capacity of 2,942.02 MW, while Maharashtra and Gujarat have 3,044.43 MW and 3,287.39 MW, respectively. This growth reflects a broader trend towards solar energy adoption, even in states with traditionally lower economic viability for such projects.
Looking ahead, the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has noted an 'Affordability Effect' in its recent report, indicating that solar rooftop adoption is expanding beyond economically favorable states. The report emphasizes that while high-tariff states like Maharashtra see quicker payback periods, installations are rapidly increasing in states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, where the PMSG: MBY scheme is helping to bridge the payback gap. This trend suggests a promising future for solar energy in India, as more households gain access to affordable solar solutions.
