More than 250 million people in India live in areas that still face unreliable electricity. Solar startups are solving this gap with microgrids, solar home systems, and pay-as-you-go models that deliver power where traditional grids can’t reach. Their work aligns with national initiatives like PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar Yojana, expanding rural livelihoods and clean energy access.

• Husk Power Systems – Deploying hybrid solar-biomass microgrids across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, serving small enterprises and rural homes with reliable power.
• Oorja Development Solutions – Empowering farmers through solar-powered irrigation, agro-processing and cold storage as part of sustainable agri-value chains.
• Simpa Energy – Pioneering pay-as-you-go solar home systems that bring clean lighting and phone charging to thousands of off-grid households.
• Selco Foundation – Supporting local entrepreneurs in Karnataka and Odisha with decentralized solar-powered livelihood tools.
• Mera Gao Power – Running small-scale solar microgrids to electrify underserved villages at ultra-low cost.

Together, these ventures are redefining rural empowerment — turning solar energy into a tool for economic inclusion, not just sustainability.

Recent policies encourage startup participation in MNRE and state solar missions, creating co-funding and pilot opportunities for rural electrification. In 2025, several state renewable agencies are onboarding startups to operate village-level microgrids and offer solar-agriculture-as-a-service models.

Financial institutions are also stepping in — NABARD and SIDBI have launched green credit lines for startups building last-mile clean energy infrastructure.

Despite success stories, rural solar startups still face challenges in logistics, financing, and scale. High upfront costs, inconsistent subsidies, and limited awareness among rural consumers remain hurdles. To overcome these, startups are embracing digital monitoring, AI-driven maintenance, and local entrepreneurship models to reduce costs and improve reliability.

If you’re a solar vendor, EPC, or startup looking to reach rural customers, showcase your products, or attract partners — SolSetu helps you connect with verified leads and national visibility.