Himachal Pradesh Pushes Rooftop Solar in Health Sector to Boost Green Power Use

Himachal Pradesh Pushes Rooftop Solar in Health Sector to Boost Green Power Use

January 13, 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed that rooftop solar panels be installed on all buildings under the state health department as part of a wide-ranging effort to cut costs and promote renewable energy across the region. The move supports the government’s plan to make the state largely self-reliant on clean power and lower reliance on conventional energy.

Under the phased plan, solar systems will be set up at hospitals and other healthcare facilities to help reduce electricity expenses and increase the use of green power. The state currently uses about 13,000 million units of electricity annually and aims to meet more than 90 % of this demand from renewable sources, including solar, within the next few years. The government has set a target to install solar power projects with a total capacity of 500 megawatts over the next two years, while also supporting other clean technologies such as green hydrogen and compressed biogas. As part of this plan, the “Green Panchayat Program” will see 500 kilowatt ground-mounted solar plants set up in every Gram Panchayat, with the first phase already under way in many local bodies. Operational solar power stations in the state include the 32 MW Pekhubela project, which has generated significant energy and revenue since 2024, along with the 5 MW Bhanjal and 10 MW Aghlaur plants. Several additional projects with capacities totaling over 70 MW are under construction or in the tender process, and a large 200 MW plant is planned in Kangra district to further expand capacity.

The state electricity board will purchase power from solar projects allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, helping both public and private investors contribute to the renewable energy push. Officials say these efforts will support the broader goal of transforming Himachal Pradesh into a green energy leader while cutting energy costs for key public services.