“The Gujarat government’s new solar energy scheme, launched on 15 June 2025, is transforming rural villages by providing sustainable power. Targeting over 1,000 villages, it aims to enhance electricity access, boost local economies, and promote eco-friendly energy. With solar panels and subsidies, the initiative empowers communities, reduces dependency on fossil fuels, and sets a model for renewable energy adoption across India.”
Gujarat’s Solar Revolution Brightens Rural Lives
On 15 June 2025, the Gujarat government unveiled a transformative solar energy scheme aimed at electrifying rural areas, marking a significant step toward sustainable development. The initiative, launched in Gandhinagar, targets over 1,000 villages, providing them with reliable and eco-friendly electricity through solar power installations. This ambitious program is designed to bridge the urban-rural energy divide, ensuring that even remote households gain access to consistent power.
The scheme offers subsidized solar panels to rural households, with the government covering up to 60% of installation costs for eligible families. Each household receives a solar kit, including panels, batteries, and inverters, capable of powering basic appliances like lights, fans, and mobile chargers. The initiative also includes setting up microgrids in villages with populations exceeding 500, enabling shared electricity access for community centers, schools, and small businesses.
Data from the Gujarat Energy Department indicates that the state has already installed solar systems in 300 villages, benefiting over 50,000 households since the program’s pilot phase began in early 2025. The government aims to cover all targeted villages by 2027, with an investment of ₹2,500 crore allocated for the project. This aligns with India’s broader goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with Gujarat contributing significantly through its solar-friendly policies.
The scheme is also creating economic opportunities. Local youth are being trained as solar technicians, with over 2,000 individuals certified in the past six months. These technicians handle installation and maintenance, fostering job creation in rural areas. Additionally, the initiative has spurred small-scale entrepreneurship, with villagers using solar power to run micro-enterprises like tailoring units and food processing centers.
Environmental benefits are a cornerstone of the program. By reducing reliance on coal-based electricity, the scheme is projected to cut carbon emissions by 1.2 million tonnes annually once fully implemented. Villages previously dependent on kerosene lamps now enjoy cleaner, safer lighting, improving health outcomes and reducing fire hazards.
The Gujarat model is gaining attention as a replicable framework for other states. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, speaking at the launch, emphasized the scheme’s role in empowering rural communities while advancing India’s green energy goals. Beneficiaries, like Anita Parmar from a village in Banaskantha, shared how solar power has transformed daily life, enabling her children to study at night and her family to save on electricity costs.
Challenges remain, including the need for robust maintenance systems and awareness campaigns to ensure optimal use of solar kits. However, with partnerships between the state, private solar companies, and NGOs, the scheme is poised to redefine rural electrification in Gujarat.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from the Gujarat Energy Department, statements from government officials, and field insights from rural beneficiaries as of 15 June 2025. Data is sourced from official releases and may be subject to updates.