Andhra Pradesh is taking major steps toward becoming one of India’s leading states in rooftop solar power generation. The government has directed state power distribution companies to expedite the rollout of the Solar Rooftop Investment Program (SRIP), supported jointly by NABARD and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
This program is part of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), a central initiative that aims to promote affordable solar power for households and communities across India.
Expanding Clean and Affordable Energy Access
Under the new directive, Andhra Pradesh’s distribution companies APSPDCL, APEPDCL, and APCPDCL are responsible for implementing the project through the Utility-Led Aggregator (ULA) model.
The ULA framework ensures that rooftop solar adoption is streamlined, transparent, and accessible to both urban and rural consumers. By simplifying technical and financial processes, the initiative is expected to make solar energy a household reality for thousands of families.
Partnership With NABARD and ADB
The collaboration with NABARD and ADB provides the financial and technical support required for large-scale adoption of rooftop solar systems. NABARD’s involvement brings localised financing options for rural and semi-urban areas, while ADB contributes to capacity building, technology transfer, and monitoring frameworks.
This partnership highlights the growing synergy between international institutions and Indian states to advance the clean energy transition.
Utility-Led Aggregator Model: A Scalable Approach
The Utility-Led Aggregator (ULA) model is key to the success of the program. Instead of individual consumers navigating complex installations, power distribution companies act as facilitators — aggregating demand, managing vendor partnerships, and ensuring grid integration.
This approach allows for better quality control, cost optimisation, and faster rollout, especially across large housing clusters and government buildings.
Supporting India’s Renewable Energy Targets
The Andhra Pradesh government’s efforts align with India’s national goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Rooftop solar is seen as a crucial component of this target, contributing to decentralised generation and reducing transmission losses.
By promoting household-level generation, the state not only enhances energy independence but also empowers citizens to contribute to climate action.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The Solar Rooftop Investment Program is expected to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits. Reduction in carbon emissions, lower household electricity bills, and job creation in installation and maintenance sectors are among the projected outcomes.
Moreover, the shift toward decentralised energy strengthens grid resilience and supports rural development through cleaner, sustainable power access.