Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa government has set a target of installing 11,365 rooftop solar systems across the state in 2026-27 under the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, as part of efforts to boost renewable energy generation.
Replying to a question in the Goa Legislative Assembly, New and Renewable Energy Minister Ramakrishna Dhavalikar said the state is simultaneously expanding solar installations on public infrastructure. The government has already solarised 50 government buildings and has initiated plans to install solar systems on around 383 additional government buildings, with a combined capacity of about 30 MW.
Data tabled in the House showed that 2,961 rooftop solar systems have been commissioned in Goa over the last three years. Among the talukas, Salcete leads with 1,054 installations, followed by Bardez with 693 and Tiswadi with 333. Other talukas with notable numbers include Ponda (286), Mormugao (234) and Bicholim (124).
The minister informed that during the current financial year up to January, Goa generated more than 19.88 MW of green energy through such initiatives.
Dhavalikar also said the government is studying several innovative solar photovoltaic projects. These include an agri-photovoltaic project at the Goa College of Agriculture with a capacity of 294 kW, a floating solar project in the Panaji backwaters capable of generating 4.22 MWp, and urban solar installations such as solar trees, solar walking sheds and solar carports in Panaji, together expected to produce 254 kW.
To support farmers, the state has also notified the 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, while 18 more are currently being set up.
The minister added that the government is also exploring wind energy potential, with a proposal under consideration to generate 100 MW of power using vertical axis wind turbines.
