PANAJI
The Goa government has set an ambitious target to install 11,365 rooftop solar units across the State in 2026-27 under the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as part of its push to expand renewable energy generation.
Minister for New and Renewable Energy Ramakrishna Dhavalikar told the State Legislative Assembly that the government has also initiated the process of installing solar systems on around 383 additional government buildings.
As per the data placed in the House, in the last three years, total 2,961 solar rooftops have been commissioned across Goa with Salcete taluka leading with 1,054 rooftops.
Bardez ranks second with 693 rooftop installations followed by 333 in Tiswadi. Talukas like Ponda (286), Mormugao (234) and Bicholim (124) also have substantial numbers of rooftops.
Further, the Minister informed that for the current financial year, till January end, the State generated over 19.88 MW of green energy.
Dhavalikar further informed the House that the State is also expanding solar installations on government infrastructure alongside promoting rooftop solar adoption among households.
“As part of the initiative, the government has already solarised 50 government buildings and is in the process of installing solar systems on around 383 additional government buildings with a total capacity of about 30 MW,” Dhavalikar said.
The minister said the government has simultaneously undertaken studies on new and innovative solar photovoltaic projects in the State. These include an Agri-Photovoltaic Project at Goa College of Agriculture with a capacity of 294 kW, a Floating Photovoltaic Project at Panaji backwaters with a capacity of 4.22 MWp, and urban photovoltaic installations such as solar trees, solar walking sheds and solar carports in Panaji city with a combined capacity of 254 kW.
To support farmers, the government has also notified implementation of Component B of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, under which off-grid solar pumps are provided free of cost.
Officials said 182 solar pumps have already been installed and commissioned, while 18 more are currently in the process of installation.
Dhavalikar added that the State is also exploring wind energy generation, with a proposal under process for generating 100 MW through vertical axis wind turbines.
