In a significant push towards clean energy adoption, Varanasi (Kashi) has secured the 10th position nationally in rooftop solar installations, outperforming several major cities and emerging as a model for sustainable urban development.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the city has witnessed rapid progress in solar energy deployment. A total of 39,018 rooftop solar systems have been successfully installed so far.
According to Chief Development Officer Prakhar Kumar Singh, 62,964 applications were received under the scheme, out of which nearly 39,018 installations have been completed.
The district has achieved an installed capacity of 1,32,096.31 kW, consistently ranking second in Uttar Pradesh after Lucknow for several months.
The rooftop solar systems are generating approximately 6,60,482 units of electricity daily, leading to savings of nearly ₹39.6 lakh per day. This translates into an annual saving of about ₹144.65 crore.
As per UPNEDA officials, subsidies worth ₹251.49 crore have already been disbursed to around 33,332 beneficiaries, significantly reducing electricity costs and enabling many households to access near-free power.
Beyond financial gains, the initiative is delivering substantial environmental benefits. The installed solar capacity is expected to reduce approximately 1.58 lakh metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, contributing to cleaner air and a greener urban ecosystem.
Additionally, the rooftop model has helped conserve nearly 660 acres of agricultural land, eliminating the need for large-scale land acquisition for power generation.
The solar expansion has also boosted employment in the region. With 310 active vendors, the sector is generating:
Opportunities span installation, maintenance, logistics, and technical services, benefiting thousands of youth.
The success of rooftop solar adoption in Varanasi highlights the effective implementation of central and state government policies. Officials attribute the achievement to coordinated efforts between administration and citizens.
“Due to the collective efforts of the people and the department, Varanasi has achieved the tenth position in the country and continues to hold the second rank in the state,” said Prakhar Kumar Singh.
With strong momentum, the city is expected to further improve its national ranking and strengthen its position as a leader in India’s clean energy transition.

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