Govt to enlist solar service providers to expand rooftop renewable energy

The government is moving to enlist eligible service providers on a district and geographical-area basis to expand rooftop solar across the country and build a nationwide renewable energy service network.

The Power Division today (31 August) issued a notification inviting applications for the enlistment of service providers, according to a press release.

The selected providers will offer technical assistance, investment and business packages, customer services, and operation and maintenance facilities for rooftop solar and other renewable energy technologies at the local level.

The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to implement the targets under the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy Paper 2026–2030.

Under the framework, local businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises, young people, women entrepreneurs and technology-based companies will have opportunities to enter the renewable energy sector.

Local firms will also be able to partner with experienced national-level companies and investors to strengthen their technical, financial and business capabilities.

The government will select service providers through a transparent and competitive process. Both individual companies and joint ventures will be eligible to apply, allowing new and local entrepreneurs to partner with experienced firms.

The initiative aims to prevent the rooftop solar market from becoming concentrated among a small number of large companies or being limited to major cities, while expanding services across all regions.

The government also expects the initiative to encourage providers to develop affordable and innovative investment and service packages for customers and promote competition in the sector.

According to the Power Division notification, the government is working to introduce or expand incentives, tax and duty benefits, easy and low-interest financing, and startup financing opportunities for new and innovative entrepreneurs.

Particular emphasis will be placed on bringing customers and entrepreneurs from rural and relatively remote areas into the initiative.

5,500MW rooftop solar target by 2030

Under the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy Paper 2026–2030, the government has set a target of raising renewable energy’s share of the country’s electricity generation to 20% by 2030.

Of this, 5,500MW is planned to come from rooftop solar.

The strategy aims to establish a secure, affordable, sustainable and low-carbon energy system while strengthening energy security, economic growth, industrialisation and climate-resilient development.

The government said developing skilled manpower, local entrepreneurs, investors and an effective service network across the country would be essential to achieving these targets.

It also expects the expansion of rooftop solar to create opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, local investment, skills development and employment.

The Power Division said it wants businesses, young people and women entrepreneurs from across the country, including rural and remote areas, to participate in the growing renewable energy market.