Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually inaugurated a 500-kilowatt ground-mounted solar power project in Gram Panchayat Mamlig of Solan district under the Green Panchayat Scheme. The inauguration was conducted from Shimla.
Project Details and Cost
The solar power project was built at a cost of Rs 2 crore. According to Himachal Pradesh Government Press Release, construction of the project began on December 23, 2024, and it was connected to the electricity grid on February 24, 2026.
Clean Energy Generation and Revenue
The Chief Minister stated that the project is currently generating around 3,000 units of clean electricity every day. It is expected to produce nearly 8 lakh units annually. Under the power purchase agreement, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) would purchase the electricity at Rs 3.50 per unit.
"Under the power purchase agreement, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited would purchase the electricity at Rs 3.50 per unit, providing the state with clean energy as well as a stable source of long-term revenue." — Himachal Pradesh Government Press Release
Green Panchayat Scheme Initiative
The project was inaugurated under the Green Panchayat Scheme, which aims to promote renewable energy at the grassroots level. The initiative is part of the state's broader push toward clean energy adoption and sustainable development.
Our Take: A Step Toward Energy Self-Reliance
This solar power project in Solan is a practical example of how local communities can benefit from renewable energy. By generating clean electricity and selling it to the state board at a fixed rate, the project creates a steady income stream for the panchayat while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The Green Panchayat Scheme appears to be a smart model — it decentralizes energy production and puts revenue directly into the hands of local bodies. If scaled up, such projects could significantly boost Himachal's renewable energy capacity and set a template for other states to follow.
