Patna, Aug 20: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) on Thursday launched its ‘Har Ghar Solar’ initiative in Bihar, targeting rooftop solar installations in five lakh homes over the next three years as the company seeks to accelerate clean energy adoption in the state.
The initiative, launched in cooperation with the Bihar government, is aimed at expanding rooftop solar use, promoting energy independence and delivering long-term economic benefits to consumers.
Tata Power CEO and Managing Director Praveer Sinha said the programme could help accelerate Bihar’s transition towards renewable energy.
“Har Ghar Solar, a massive initiative, is backed by the state government. Working together, we can usher in a solar revolution in the state, and make a big difference to people’s lives,” Sinha said.
The Bihar Cabinet has recently approved an additional state subsidy of ₹10,000 per kW under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana. With the central and state subsidies combined, consumers are eligible for a subsidy of ₹40,000 for a 1-kW system, ₹80,000 for a 2-kW system and ₹98,000 for a 3-kW system or above.
Sinha said Bihar had yet to match the pace of rooftop solar adoption seen in several other states.
“A movement of sorts is happening across the country, but Bihar is yet to catch pace. With this initiative, as part of shared responsibility, we can take things forward,” he said.
TPREL CEO and Managing Director Sanjay Banga said the key challenge in expanding solar adoption in Bihar was awareness rather than affordability.
“The question in Bihar is not of affordability, but awareness. The Har Ghar Solar initiative launched today is an effort to drive awareness,” Banga said.
He said Bihar has an estimated 32 GW rooftop solar potential, while its peak electricity demand across residential, commercial and industrial segments is around 9 GW.
“If solar power reaches every village, Bihar will never face an energy deficit,” Banga said.
The initiative is also being positioned as a climate-action measure, with Tata Power highlighting the potential of rooftop solar to reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and help consumers achieve greater energy independence.
“People should see our initiative in terms of climate action, energy independence for consumers, and a lifelong earning opportunity,” Sinha said.
Alongside ‘Har Ghar Solar’, Tata Power also launched its Mysine battery storage system in Bihar. The system is designed to store surplus solar power and provide backup during interruptions in electricity supply.
“The battery storage system addresses situations where excess solar is generated, or where DISCOM supply interruptions force the use of diesel generators,” Banga said.
He claimed that consumers relying on diesel generators could recover their investment in a battery storage system within two years if the generator was being used for even an hour a day.
The company also highlighted ‘Mera Gaon, Mera Solar’, a CSR-funded component of the programme under which solar installations would be facilitated for every 100 households in a village.
Tata Power said its rooftop solar initiatives have also supported electric vehicle charging in states such as Rajasthan.
Bihar Energy Department Secretary Ajay Yadav, Sinha and Banga were among those present at the launch.
The initiative comes as Bihar seeks to bridge the gap in rooftop solar adoption and tap its substantial renewable-energy potential through a combination of government subsidies, consumer awareness and private-sector participation.:::
