On the occasion of International Sun Day, 3rd May 2026, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organised the ‘Run for Sun’ Marathon — a tribute to the Saur Shakti that has brought light into millions of homes and lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.
The event celebrated over 150,000 MW of Solar Energy installed capacity and the transformative progress under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY), under which 30 lakh solar rooftop installations were done, with the highest single month being 2.7 lakh installations completed in April 2026, with rooftop solar benefiting more than 45 lakh households across the country.
In the context of deepening energy uncertainties in West Asia, India’s renewable energy sector — and solar energy in particular — has turned Atmanirbharata from aspiration into reality. As of March 31st this year, India’s cumulative solar capacity stands at 150 gigawatts, up from just 2.82 GW in 2014 — a 53-fold increase in twelve years. The last 50 GW alone was added in just 15 months, the fastest such addition in our history. Around 50% of India’s installed electricity capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources — a target achieved well ahead of the 2030 timeline, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in the clean energy transition.
The ‘Run for Sun’ featured 2 km and 5 km races at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, drawing enthusiastic participation from citizens across all age groups — reflecting the growing public ownership of India’s clean energy mission.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said “‘Run for Sun’ is not merely a marathon but a collective step towards a more sustainable and self-reliant India. He emphasised that as India strengthens its position as a global leader in renewable energy, the focus remains firmly on expanding access to solar energy through the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana — ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy transition reach every household.”
India is presently ranked third globally in terms of installed Renewable Energy capacity. The ‘Run for Sun’ event served as a platform to highlight the depth of India’s solar energy journey – and to build on this momentum to further accelerate solar deployment across the country.
The event stands as a collective affirmation of India’s commitment to advancing solar energy and promoting a citizen-centric clean energy transition under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana — one rooftop, one household, one Surya Ghar at a time.
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