Just a few years ago, solar panels were a rare sight in most parts of India. Today, they shine proudly on rooftops from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu, turning small towns and villages into power producers. India is quietly living through a clean energy revolution and it's happening not just in big cities but in the heart of rural India.

At the centre of this change is the "PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana", launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. The scheme aims to bring solar power to one crore homes across India by 2027. As of March 2025, more than 10 lakh homes have reportedly gone solar, and nearly Rs 4,770 crore has been given in subsidies to families. With easy loans and quick online approvals, solar energy has now become a real option for ordinary people, not just a dream for the rich.

Families that install rooftop solar panels can generate up to 300 units of free power each month. Many have even brought their electricity bills down to zero. Some households are earning extra money by selling unused power back to the grid. The savings are helping families spend more on education, health, and small businesses -- proving that solar energy is not just about the environment, it is about empowerment.

The impact is visible in small towns across the country. In Modhera, Gujarat, India's first solar-powered village, every house, school, and even the ancient Sun Temple reportedly now runs on solar energy. Residents enjoy 24x7 electricity and even earn from selling surplus power. In Dharnai, Bihar, solar has replaced diesel generators, powering homes, shops, and water pumps. And in Masali, a border village in Gujarat, solar power has brought light and security to a once-remote area.

To encourage more such success stories, the government has launched the Model Solar Village program. Under this, one village in each district receives up to Rs 1 crore to become a model of self-reliant, solar-powered living. These villages are showing how clean energy can improve daily life, powering schools, irrigation pumps, and small factories without harming the environment.

But the change is not just about cheaper power. It is also about climate action. Every rooftop solar system helps reduce carbon emissions equal to planting 100 trees. Across India, these installations are cutting pollution and bringing the country closer to its clean energy goals. India already ranks third in the world for solar power generation, producing more than 1,08,000 GWh of solar energy - more than Japan. Renewables now make up over 50% of India's total power capacity, a target that was achieved five years ahead of schedule.

This revolution is also creating jobs. From making solar panels to installing them on rooftops, the industry is providing work to thousands of engineers, electricians, and technicians. Experts estimate that nearly 17 lakh jobs will be created in the coming years as India expands its solar capacity to add another 30 GW through rooftops alone.

India's small towns and villages are leading this silent but powerful transformation. With government support, financial access, and growing awareness, they are proving that going solar is not just good for the planet, it is good for people.

While India's progress is remarkable, the journey is far from complete. To make the solar movement truly inclusive, there is a need to strengthen local manufacturing, improve battery storage, and build awareness campaigns that reach every household. Encouraging community ownership of solar assets, training rural youth in solar installation and maintenance, and expanding research into affordable energy storage can ensure long-term success. With collaboration between government, industry, and civil society, India can turn its silent solar revolution into a lasting model for sustainable development and energy justice.

(Ankur Sharma is a media and communications professional with 16 years of experience. A Journalism graduate from IMS Dehradun, he has worked with DD News, Times Now, and as Media Advisor to Education Ministers of India, managing communications across diverse sectors).
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