Himachal Pradesh CM Pushes Rooftop Solar in Health Sector for Green Energy Drive

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has ordered the installation of rooftop solar systems across health department buildings. This phased initiative aims to advance green energy adoption while reducing operational costs for the state.

The CM emphasised the state government's ambition to transform Himachal Pradesh into a green energy state. 

Currently, the state’s annual energy consumption stands at 13,000 million units, with over 90 percent targeted to be met through renewables for self-reliance. To support this, the government plans 500 MW of solar projects within two years, alongside the promotion of green hydrogen, compressed biogas (CBG), and other alternatives.

Solar Projects: Operational and in Pipeline

The official statement highlights that the key projects already contribute significantly, noting that the 32 MW Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una district, operational since April 15, 2024, has generated 79.03 million units and earned INR 22.91 crore so far. 

The 5 MW Bhanjal project, started November 30, 2024, also generated INR 3.1 crore revenue, while the 10 MW Aghlaur project, live since May 21, 2025, yielded 5.89 million units.

Gram Panchayats are also playing a central role in the green energy push through the Green Panchayat Programme, the statement said. It targets 500 kW ground-mounted solar projects in all panchayats, generating 150 MW total. Phase one approves 500 kW plants in 24 panchayats, with work already begun in 16.

Three 31 MW projects are under execution, and four, totalling 41 MW, are in tenders. In addition, a 200 MW plant is planned for Kangra's Damtal area. 

On a first-come, first-served basis, 547 investors secured 595.97 MW allotments, with PPAs signed for 403.09 MW; HIMURJA allotted 728.4 MW to HPSEBL, including 150.13 MW already operational.

Himachal’s Clean Energy Progress

The year 2025 ended for Himachal Pradesh with an installed capacity of 12.78 GW. The capacity comprises over 11.4 GW from large hydro power projects alone, indicating limited progress on mainstream solar energy.

Overall, solar contributed 346 MW in the state’s energy mix, with 245 MW coming from ground-mounted solar plants. While roughly 66 MW coming from the rooftop solar segment, off-grid solar contributed less than 35 MW.