Kanpur has become the first city in Uttar Pradesh to launch the City Accelerator Program (CAP) under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, marking a significant step toward accelerating rooftop solar adoption in urban areas.

The initiative is being organised by the National Solar Energy Federation of India and the Rocky Mountain Institute, in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency. It aims to create a structured ecosystem to promote solar energy adoption across households in cities.

The City Accelerator Program focuses on increasing awareness about rooftop solar, simplifying access for consumers, and encouraging widespread participation in clean energy initiatives. By enabling households to install rooftop solar systems, the program is expected to help reduce electricity bills while contributing to sustainable energy goals.

At the launch event, UP NEDA Project Officer Rakesh Pandey highlighted upcoming awareness campaigns designed to engage citizens and promote the benefits of solar power adoption. These initiatives will focus on educating urban consumers about cost savings, government incentives, and installation processes.

Chief guest Neelima Katiyar emphasised the importance of solar energy in addressing climate change challenges and ensuring access to affordable and sustainable power. She noted that initiatives like CAP play a crucial role in building cleaner and more energy-efficient cities.

Senior officials from the Kanpur Nagar administration, DISCOMs, and other departments were also present at the launch, reflecting strong institutional support for the initiative.

The launch of the City Accelerator Program aligns with the broader objectives of the PM Surya Ghar scheme, which aims to promote rooftop solar installations across India and empower households to generate their own electricity. By positioning Kanpur as a pilot city, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for scaling similar programs across other urban centres in the state and beyond.