9,500+ Gkp homes adopt rooftop solar panels

UP eyes solar pushGorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh is accelerating its push to become a hub for clean energy investment, with solar adoption gaining momentum across districts. A pre-event awareness programme for the Uttar Pradesh Energy Expo (UPEX) 2026 was held at Vikas Bhawan in Gorakhpur on Friday.Organised by the UP State Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce along with First View, the event saw participation from UPNEDA, Invest UP and industry stakeholders. The focus remained on the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations.Addressing the gathering, Satish Kumar Singh, DDO and project officer (UPNEDA), said renewable energy is key to sustainable development. He noted that schemes like PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM are encouraging households, farmers and industries to shift to solar power.Singh said over 9,500 homes in Gorakhpur installed solar panels as of March 31 and stressed the need for continuous awareness drives. He identified end-users, vendors, banks and the power department as the four pillars of the green energy ecosystem.Pankaj Srivastava, conference co-convener, said UPEX 2026 will be held from May 7 to 9 at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, with over 150 exhibitors and 60 speakers expected.Bank officials highlighted easy credit and subsidies for solar adoption. Organisers said similar awareness programmes will continue, with the next event in Lucknow on April 24.