Assam Can Generate 1.8 Lakh Jobs via Solar Rooftop: iFOREST Report

Assam’s rooftop solar potential is more than ten times the state’s current target, according to a new study released by environmental think tank iFOREST. Titled ‘Rooftop Solar Potential in Assam’, the report offers the first district, ward, and city-level analysis of solar rooftop feasibility in the state and estimates a technical potential of 13,428 MW. This figure far exceeds the 1,900 MW target set under the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2025.

The report was released at an event in Guwahati titled: Sunrise Assam, Report Release and Workshop on Accelerating Solar Rooftop in Assam, organized in closecoordination with the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), the nodal agency for solar rooftop implementation in Assam. 

“This is a first-of-its-kind granular assessment combining satellite imagery, ward-level mapping, stakeholder consultations, and policy analysis,” said iFOREST Programme Director Mandvi Singh. “Rooftop solar is especially important for Assam because it is a land-neutral technology. Our recent project experience has shown that land scarcity and acquisition challenges are significant barriers to large-scale renewable energy deployment in the state. In contrast, the vast untapped rooftop area presents a massive opportunity. With the right policy push and targeted incentives, rooftop solar can scale rapidly and sustainably across Assam.”

The study reveals Assam has a total built-up area of 737.1 km², with 86% of it located in rural areas. Of the total rooftop solar potential, 95% is concentrated in residential and mixed-use buildings. Guwahati emerges as a key hotspot, with an estimated potential ranging from 625 MW to 984 MW. High-yield areas include Lokhra, Garbhanga, Sarusajai, Bor Sojai, and Sawkuchi.

According to the report, each megawatt of rooftop solar can generate up to 14 jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Unlocking the full 13,000 MW potential could therefore create as many as 1.8 lakh jobs, offering significant employment opportunities for Assam’s youth.

In his opening remarks at the event, Hirdesh Mishra, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Climate Change) & CEO, Assam Climate Change Management Society (ACCMS) said, “Assam is in a pivotal moment in his climate change and energy journey. Fossil fuel dependence isn’t going to go away soon. But we are making a determined push. Assam is one of the most climate vulnerable states in India. We urgently need a transition to clean, reliable and locally available sources of energy. But economics drives everything. Solar rooftop will flourish as costs come down.”

Baishali Talukdar, Deputy Manager - New and Renwable Energy Division, APDCL said, “Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme, Assam has made substantial progress. To date, 20,000 solar installations have been successfully completed, aggregating to a capacity of around 60 MW in the State. Key hurdles remain such as limited consumer awareness, less number of solar vendors with skilled technicians, high upfront costs to be paid by consumers despite subsidies, and prolonged delay in availing loans by interested consumers. However, APDCL is proactively addressing these issues through targeted awareness campaigns, streamlined vendor empanelment processes, and use of digital platforms for faster processing.” 

The Sunrise Assam event saw participation from senior officials of the state government, energy utilities, solar developers, technology partners, and policy experts. Discussions highlighted the state’s unique challenges—land scarcity, erratic grid integration, and limited financing options—as well as its strengths in decentralised, rooftop-driven solar growth.

The study recommends a combination of policy, financial, and institutional reforms:

•    Target high-potential zones like Guwahati’s mixed-use wards and Barak Valley, which offer strong solar potential but low uptake.

•    Implement PM-SGY in mission mode with district-level launches, local branding, digital tracking tools, and community engagement to boost adoption.

•    Build local manufacturing capacity to meet Assam’s 3 GW solar target, reduce costs by 10–15%, and create over 30,000 green jobs.

•    Strengthen policy and regulation by finalising virtual net metering, mandating RTS for new buildings, and incentivising the RESCO model with payment security.

•    Support inclusive business models like APDCL’s Utility-Based CAPEX Model (UBBM) to scale adoption in low-income residential areas.

•    Enable innovative financing through one-time incentives, concessional credit, and capital subsidies for rooftop solar plus storage.

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