Rooftop solar adoption has surged across the Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited region, with 88,561 consumers having installed rooftop solar systems with a combined capacity of 475.33 megawatt (MW) as of June 30. APEPDCL supplies power to the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju, East Godavari, Kakinada, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Eluru and West Godavari. The chairman and managing director Immadi Prithvi Tej reported the figures as part of the utility's renewable energy update.

The utility recorded its highest-ever annual addition in 2025-26, when 51,583 rooftop systems with a combined capacity of 197.09 MW were connected to the grid. Installations have risen steadily over four financial years, with APEPDCL adding 17.39 MW through 864 installations in 2022-23, 30 MW through 980 installations in 2023-24 and 70.25 MW through 8,307 installations in 2024-25. The momentum in 2025-26 marked a significant acceleration of the programme.

The growth has been attributed to expanding public awareness of renewable energy and increased confidence in Central and State incentive schemes, alongside measures to streamline technical support, grid connectivity and net-metering procedures to speed implementation. Officials have focused on simplifying processes to ensure faster and more transparent connections and approvals. The utility views rooftop systems as a means for consumers to lower electricity bills while contributing to cleaner generation.

Highlighting the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the CMD outlined Centre subsidies of Rs30,000 for a one kilowatt (kW) system, Rs60,000 for a two kilowatt (kW) system and up to Rs78,000 for a three kilowatt rooftop installation. He added that two lakh eligible Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families are being provided free two kW rooftop solar systems under the scheme; two lakh equals 0.2 million (mn). APEPDCL expects continued uptake as awareness and incentives persist.