The Gujarat government is significantly enhancing its clean energy programme by implementing rooftop solar systems on 15,000 additional government buildings. Climate Change Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced this initiative, which is expected to add around 65 MW to the state’s renewable energy capacity during the current financial year.

This initiative is managed by the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), operating under the Climate Change Department since 2011-12. The programme seeks to bolster the adoption of renewable energy, decrease reliance on traditional electricity sources, and lower power costs for government offices.

In the 2025-26 financial year alone, 1,377 government buildings were equipped with rooftop solar systems, leading to an increase of 17.1 MW in renewable energy capacity. As a result, the cumulative number of government buildings with solar installations has reached 6,014, contributing to a total capacity of 95 MW as of March 2026.

Financial Outlay and Specific Allocations

For the financial year 2026-27, the Gujarat government has allocated Rs 314 crore for the expansion of solar installations across government buildings. Out of this budget, Rs 278 crore has been designated for general government structures, while Rs 3 crore has been set aside for the buildings under the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, and Rs 33 crore for those managed by the Tribal Development Department.

Under this programme, the state provides 100 per cent capital cost support for the installation of rooftop solar systems on government properties. GEDA Director Dharmendra Patel confirmed that this initiative aims to address energy consumption and contribute to the state’s overall renewable energy goals.

The government is focusing not only on installation but also on improving overall energy efficiency. The introduction of an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)-based Renewable Energy Monitoring System marks a technical advancement for monitoring the performance of renewable energy installations.

Digital Monitoring Enhancements

The new monitoring system integrates smart meters, sensors, and IoT gateways that operate via GPRS, 4G, and Ethernet connections. This system enables automated remote alerts and captures performance data every 15 minutes, potentially generating up to 96 readings daily, according to Minister Modhwadia.

Currently, the monitoring interface focuses on a significant renewable energy capacity, encompassing 142.5 MW from solar sources and 68.3 MW from wind energy. This will allow for better oversight and management of the state’s renewable energy generation.

Gujarat’s broader push for renewable energy adoption includes the rooftop solar programme and the digital monitoring initiatives. The state has emerged as a national leader in renewable energy capacity, boasting an installed capacity of 47,178 MW, as reported by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Solar and wind energy represent a substantial portion of Gujarat’s renewable energy portfolio, with the government committed to advancing clean energy infrastructure to support local and national environmental goals. The planned expansion not only aims to enhance energy efficiency but also strengthens the transition towards a cleaner energy framework throughout the state.

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