THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BALESHWAR, JUNE 17, 2026

Strengthening Odisha’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy, Baleshwar has emerged as a frontrunner in rooftop solar adoption by surpassing 10,000 installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Becoming only the second district in the state after Khordha to achieve this milestone, Baleshwar has recorded 10,052 rooftop solar installations with a cumulative capacity of nearly 22 MW, reflecting growing consumer confidence in renewable energy and the success of collaborative efforts to accelerate solar adoption.

Baleshwar has become the second district in Odisha, after Khordha, to cross the landmark figure of 10,000 rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, marking a significant milestone in the state’s clean energy journey. With 10,052 installations and an installed capacity of nearly 22 MW, the district continues to lead Odisha in rooftop solar adoption.

Within the Balasore Electrical Circle, all five divisions have demonstrated strong participation under the scheme. Soro Division recorded the highest number of installations at 3,089, followed by Central Division with 2,175, Jaleswar with 1,840, Basta with 1,601, and Balasore Division with 1,347. The installations include both ULA and Non-ULA categories under the programme.

Odisha has emerged as one of the leading states in rooftop solar deployment, supported by one of the country’s most attractive subsidy structures. Eligible consumers can avail themselves of combined Central and State Government subsidies of up to ₹1,38,000, depending on the installed capacity and applicable guidelines. This has significantly reduced upfront costs and made clean energy adoption more accessible for households across both urban and rural areas.

To facilitate adoption, TP Northern Odisha Distribution Ltd. (TPNODL) has implemented several consumer-friendly measures under the scheme, including the timely availability of net meters, streamlined inspections and commissioning processes, simplified vendor registration, and enhanced inter-departmental convergence for the solarisation of consumer households. The “Mo Chhata, Mo Sanchaya” campaign has further strengthened outreach efforts, raising awareness and encouraging consumers to adopt solar energy to reduce electricity costs while contributing to a greener future.

Baleshwar’s achievement reflects strong participation from both urban and rural consumers, proactive support from the local administration and stakeholders, and sustained engagement initiatives undertaken by TPNODL. Across the utility’s licensed area, Baripada has recorded 5,839 installations, followed by Jajpur with 4,843, Keonjhar with 3,410, and Bhadrak with 3,404, taking the total number of installations to 27,548. Of these, 11,459 are under the ULA category and 16,089 under the Non-ULA category.

Speaking on the occasion, TPNODL CEO Dushyant Kumar Tyagi said that Baleshwar’s achievement demonstrated growing consumer confidence in clean energy and the strength of collaborative efforts with the administration and local communities. He added that through the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, TPNODL remained committed to making solar energy accessible and affordable while advancing Odisha’s energy transition and sustainability goals.

Odisha’s rooftop solar programme has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two years, with 1.08 lakh installations commissioned across the state. As per the PM Surya Ghar portal, Odisha currently ranks ninth nationally in rooftop solar deployment. During the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s “Month of Solar” campaign held in May 2026, Odisha secured the top position among medium-category states in consumer applications, rooftop installations, and DISCOM inspections, earning recognition from the Ministry of Power, Government of India.