Telangana is rapidly emerging as a leader in India’s clean energy revolution, pushing ahead with ambitious solar initiatives that empower rural communities and boost sustainable agriculture. On November 17, 2025, the state’s Energy Department issued a key administrative approval, releasing an extra â‚ą168.46 crore to expand solar power access across selected model solar villages and mandals. This move revises the total project cost to â‚ą943.47 crore and brings cutting-edge solar technology to over 40,000 households and 16,805 agricultural pumpsets.
Why Telangana Prioritizes Model Solar Villages and Mandals
Telangana enjoys abundant sunlight for most of the year, making solar energy a natural fit for reducing electricity bills, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring energy security in rural areas. The Model Solar Villages and Mandals initiative transforms entire communities into self-sufficient renewable energy hubs. Residents gain reliable, free daytime power, while farmers benefit from solar-powered irrigation that slashes diesel and electricity costs.
This program aligns perfectly with national schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM, as well as Telangana’s Clean and Green Energy Policy 2025. It targets full solarisation—installing rooftop panels on homes and high-efficiency solar systems on farm pumpsets—in carefully chosen villages across TGSPDCL (Southern Power Distribution Company) and TGNPDCL (Northern Power Distribution Company) regions.
Key model solar mandals include Kondangal in the south and Bonakal in the north. The project also added Laxmipuram village in Wyra Mandal, Khammam District, to maximize impact in underserved areas.
Key Highlights of the November 2025 Administrative Approval
The Energy Department reviewed proposals from TGREDCO (Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation) and finalized tenders through a transparent e-procurement process. Officials made smart upgrades based on bidder feedback and technical needs, ensuring better performance and value.
- Shift to 2 kW Rooftop Solar Systems: Engineers reduced capacity from the original 3 kW to 2 kW per household for optimal efficiency and cost savings, while maintaining strong output for typical rural homes.
- Upgrade to 7.5 kW Solar Pumpsets with High-Rise Structures: Systems now feature elevated ground-mounted panels that deliver shade-free performance and easier maintenance, up from the initial 5 kW plan.
- Advanced Grid Integration Features → Solar systems export surplus power when pumps are off, feed extra energy during operation, and prevent any grid import during daylight—turning farms into mini power plants that earn credits or income.
The revised breakdown looks like this:
| Component | Number of Units | Total Capacity (kWp) | Gross Cost (â‚ą Crore) | MNRE Subsidy (â‚ą Crore) | Net Cost After Subsidy (â‚ą Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Rooftop Solar | 40,349 | 80,698 | 548.75 | 242.09 | 306.66 |
| Agricultural Pumpsets | 16,805 | 126,038 | 831.85 | 195.04 | 636.81 |
| Total | 57,154 | 206,736 | 943.47 | 437.13 | 943.47 (overall) |
This additional â‚ą168.46 crore bridges the gap from the original â‚ą775.01 crore sanction, incorporating competitive tender prices and technical enhancements.
How Solar Rooftop Systems Transform Households in Model Solar Villages
Imagine waking up to free, clean electricity every day. In these model solar villages, every eligible household receives a grid-connected 2 kW rooftop solar PV system at little to no upfront cost, thanks to generous MNRE subsidies and state support.
- Zero Electricity Bills During the Day — Systems generate enough power for lights, fans, TVs, refrigerators, and even small appliances.
- Net Metering Benefits — Excess energy flows back to the grid, earning credits that offset nighttime usage.
- Long-Term Durability — High-quality mono PERC panels come with 25-30 year warranties and five years of comprehensive maintenance.
- Environmental Impact — Over 40,000 homes switching to solar will offset thousands of tons of CO2 annually.
For houses with unsuitable roofs (like GI sheets or thatch), TGREDCO deploys shared high-rise structures, ensuring no family gets left behind.
Revolutionizing Agriculture: 7.5 kW Solar Pumpsets with Smart Features
Farmers in Telangana often struggle with high power costs and unreliable supply for irrigation. This project changes that by solarising 16,805 existing grid-connected pumpsets with powerful 7.5 kW systems.
Key advantages include:
- Daytime Irrigation at Zero Cost → Solar power runs pumps directly during peak sunlight hours.
- Surplus Export Revenue → When pumps are off, the full 7.5 kW feeds into the grid. Even when running, excess power exports automatically.
- No Grid Dependency in Daylight → Advanced controllers block import from the grid, maximizing savings.
- High-Rise Ground-Mounted Design → Elevated structures avoid shading from crops or trees and resist damage from floods or animals.
This upgrade from 5 kW to 7.5 kW delivers more power for larger farms or multiple pumps, while high-rise setups improve efficiency in Telangana’s diverse terrain.
The Role of TGREDCO and Transparent Tendering Process
TGREDCO leads implementation with expertise in large-scale renewable projects. The corporation floated tenders in mid-2025, evaluated bids rigorously, and discovered competitive rates that justified the capacity enhancements.
By adopting e-procurement, Telangana ensured fairness, reduced costs, and selected vendors capable of delivering international-standard installations. The five-year CMC (Comprehensive Maintenance Contract) guarantees hassle-free operation for beneficiaries.
Broader Impact on Telangana’s Renewable Energy Targets
This initiative supports Telangana’s goal of adding 20 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030 under the Clean and Green Energy Policy 2025. It builds on successes like Kondareddypalli (India’s second fully solarised village after Modhera, Gujarat) and sets a replicable model for hundreds more villages.
- Economic Benefits: Farmers save ₹50,000–₹1 lakh annually on power/diesel; households cut bills by 70-100%.
- Job Creation: Thousands of local jobs in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing.
- Women Empowerment: Reliable power supports home-based enterprises and education.
- Climate Resilience: Reduced dependence on fossil fuels helps combat erratic monsoons and power shortages.
What’s Next for Residents and Farmers in Model Solar Areas
TGREDCO will soon roll out installations in phases, starting with Kondangal and Bonakal mandals, plus the newly included Laxmipuram village. Beneficiaries need only provide roof/farm space—no major paperwork or payments required.
District officials, along with DISCOM field staff, are conducting awareness drives to explain net metering, export benefits, and maintenance protocols.
Telangana Leading India’s Solar-Powered Rural Transformation
With this ₹943.47 crore investment—now fully funded after the latest ₹168.46 crore approval—Telangana demonstrates how targeted solar programs can deliver energy independence, agricultural prosperity, and environmental stewardship simultaneously.
As more villages light up with clean power, the state moves closer to its vision of 100% renewable-powered rural communities. Initiatives like Model Solar Mandals in Kondangal and Bonakal, combined with smart agricultural solarisation, position Telangana as a national benchmark for sustainable development.
Whether you’re a farmer eyeing lower irrigation costs or a homeowner dreaming of zero bills, Telangana’s solar push in 2025-26 opens exciting opportunities. Stay tuned as these model solar villages become shining examples of India’s green future.
