TPNODL powers rooftop solar revolution in Northern Odisha

TPNODL powers rooftop solar revolution in Northern Odisha

With 75,944 applications, 42,702 rooftop solar installations and 92.03 MW of cumulative capacity, TPNODL is turning the vision of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana into a strong grassroots movement, writes Priyabrat Biswal

The transition towards clean, affordable and sustainable energy is gaining strong momentum in Northern Odisha, with TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL) emerging as a key driver of rooftop solar adoption across its area of operation.

Under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, TPNODL has received 75,944 applications and facilitated 42,702 rooftop solar installations — an application-to-installation ratio of more than 56 per cent. The installations have already achieved a cumulative capacity of 92.03 MW, reflecting the utility’s strong execution capabilities and growing consumer confidence in rooftop solar.

For TPNODL, however, the success of the programme goes beyond numbers. The company has adopted a consumer-centric approach that combines awareness, accessibility and last-mile support to encourage households to make the shift to solar.

Recognising that informed consumers are more likely to embrace new technology, TPNODL has undertaken extensive awareness initiatives through digital platforms, print and electronic media, community outreach programmes, consumer camps, village-level engagements and door-to-door interactions. These efforts have helped consumers understand eligibility criteria, application procedures, financial assistance and the practical benefits of rooftop solar, making the adoption journey simpler and more accessible.

The Discom’s “Mo Chhata, Mo Sanchaya” campaign has added further momentum to this effort by presenting rooftops as productive energy assets. Through simple and relatable communication, the campaign highlights the potential for households to reduce electricity expenditure while contributing to a cleaner energy future. It also draws attention to the benefits of grid-connected rooftop solar, including low maintenance, durability and the potential to save up to 300 units of electricity.

A standout feature of TPNODL’s outreach strategy has been the Solar Rath campaign, which has taken the message of rooftop solar directly to rural communities. Travelling across villages within TPNODL’s operational area, the Solar Rath has functioned as a mobile awareness platform, bringing information to consumers at their doorstep.

Through direct interaction, the campaign has helped simplify aspects of the PM Surya Ghar scheme, including subsidies, financing options, the application process and the benefits of rooftop solar. Equally importantly, it has helped address consumer concerns and dispel misconceptions, building greater confidence among rural households considering the transition to solar energy.

TPNODL’s Surya Ghar Gram Sabhas have further strengthened this grassroots engagement. These community-level platforms provide consumers with an opportunity to interact directly with representatives, seek clarifications and understand how they can benefit from the scheme. Such face-to-face engagement is particularly valuable in rural areas, where accessible information and personal interaction can play an important role in building trust in emerging technologies.

The strength of TPNODL’s approach lies in its ability to connect policy with people. Instead of viewing rooftop solar adoption merely as an administrative or installation exercise, the utility has built an ecosystem around awareness, community mobilisation, consumer engagement and last-mile facilitation.

This approach is helping bridge the crucial gap between knowing about rooftop solar and actually adopting it. By bringing information and assistance closer to consumers, TPNODL is making the transition more understandable, practical and achievable for households across Northern Odisha.

As thousands of consumers increasingly embrace rooftop solar, TPNODL is helping translate the vision of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana into a visible grassroots movement. Its initiatives — from Mo Chhata, Mo Sanchaya and Surya Ghar Gram Sabhas to the Solar Rath — reflect a broader commitment to empowering consumers while advancing the region’s clean-energy transition.

With strong implementation, sustained public engagement and a clear focus on consumer needs, TPNODL is not merely facilitating rooftop solar installations; it is helping build a more sustainable, energy-conscious and resilient Northern Odisha.