Lucknow Crosses 87,000 Rooftop Solar Installations, Becomes India’s No.1 City Overtaking Surat

Lucknow has reached an important milestone in renewable energy by becoming the top city in India for rooftop solar installations, moving ahead of Surat. As per official data shared by Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency in mid-April 2026, the city now leads the country in residential solar adoption.

The growth has been largely supported by the central government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to promote clean energy use at the household level. In the first few months of 2026 alone, Lucknow added 3,133 new rooftop solar systems. This has taken the total number of installations in the city to more than 87,000, the highest recorded in any district across the country.

Several reasons have contributed to this rapid increase. Electricity demand in urban households has been rising steadily due to the growing use of appliances such as air conditioners, induction cooktops, and electric vehicles. At the same time, rising power tariffs have pushed residents to look for cost-effective alternatives. Rooftop solar systems have emerged as a practical solution, helping households reduce their monthly electricity bills.

Officials have also pointed out that financial support has played a major role. Subsidies provided by both central and state governments have made solar installations more affordable for homeowners. In addition, the process of applying for rooftop solar has been simplified, making it easier for people to adopt the technology without facing delays or complex procedures.

Better coordination between power distribution companies and implementing agencies has further improved the situation. This has helped speed up approvals and installations, ensuring that projects are completed in a timely manner. As a result, more households are now willing to invest in solar energy.

Following Lucknow’s progress, other cities in Uttar Pradesh are also witnessing steady growth in rooftop solar adoption. The trend shows increasing awareness among people about clean energy and its long-term benefits. By shifting towards solar power, residents are not only cutting costs but also contributing to environmental protection. Lucknow’s achievement is now being seen as a model for other cities aiming to expand renewable energy use.