Assam is an energy-deficient state. Long transmission lines from distant coal plants lead to transmission losses and grid stress. How can Assam build a cleaner, more resilient power system that serves its people equitably?

iFOREST research finds that Assam has a theoretical rooftop solar (RTS) potential of over 13,000 MW, much of it spread across residential and mixed-use buildings. If all of this capacity is deployed, it could cater to 100% of Assam’s energy needs, yet only a fraction has been tapped so far. With land constraints and rising power demand, rooftop solar is emerging as a strategic solution for Assam’s clean energy transition.

On June 20^th 2025, iFOREST hosted a stakeholder workshop in Guwahati and released the report ‘Rooftop Solar Potential in Assam’, presenting the state’s first district- and ward-level geospatial assessment. The study estimates a capacity of 7,321–13,428 MW (86% in rural areas) and identifies adoption trends, policy gaps, and strategies to scale RTS.

Recommendations included launching ward-level RTS drives in Guwahati, supporting apartment-based systems via group metering, expanding rural installations with viability gap funding, and implementing UBBM and RESCO models with payment security. Training programmes and innovative logistics solutions, like railway freight for solar components, were also proposed to enhance scalability and access.

The workshop was attended by key dignitaries, including Shri. Hirdesh Mishra, IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Climate Change) & CEO, Assam Climate Change Management Society, Smt. Baishali Talukdar, Deputy Manager – New and Renewable Energy Division, APDCL, stakeholders from state utility agencies, EPC firms, and think tanks to discuss Assam’s RTS landscape.