Administrative Secretary, Power Development and New & Renewable Energy, Rudra Goud P.T., inaugurated the first commercial rooftop solar installation at Hotel Barath, Leh on April 7, marking a significant milestone in Ladakh’s journey towards clean energy adoption and sustainable development.

Commending the management of Hotel Barath for this pioneering initiative, the Administrative Secretary described the installation as an important step not only at the individual and institutional levels but also for the Union Territory and the nation as a whole. He stated that such initiatives contribute meaningfully to the vision of a carbon-neutral Ladakh while promoting the use of clean, renewable, and sustainable energy sources.

He highlighted that rooftop solar systems are both environmentally beneficial and economically viable, enabling consumers to reduce long-term electricity costs while contributing to the broader goal of a green energy transition.

The Administrative Secretary further noted that the tourism industry, a vital pillar of Ladakh’s economy, stands to benefit significantly from such initiatives. Solar-powered hospitality infrastructure, he said, would help hotels manage energy consumption more efficiently while strengthening Ladakh’s image as a sustainable tourism destination, thereby attracting environmentally conscious travellers.

Encouraging wider adoption, he urged hotels, entrepreneurs, and commercial establishments across Ladakh to take advantage of opportunities under rooftop solar initiatives. He also pointed out the availability of loan facilities, particularly through MSME-linked support mechanisms, making such investments increasingly accessible for local business owners. He added that rooftop solar installations become highly cost-effective over time and, in many cases, can significantly reduce or even eliminate electricity bills after a few years of operation.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Engineer, PDD Ladakh, Tsewang Paljor, congratulated Hotel Barath for becoming the first commercial establishment in Ladakh to implement such an installation. He elaborated on the practical and financial benefits of rooftop solar systems and informed that proposals for a broader solar policy have already been submitted to the competent authority. He added that commercial rooftop solar remains a promising option even in the absence of direct subsidies in certain cases, owing to its long-term savings and efficiency.

He further noted that, depending on the category and system type, substantial financial viability exists for consumers adopting rooftop solar. In addition to lowering power bills, such systems improve voltage stability and reduce pressure on the conventional grid. He also shared that several more hotels are in the pipeline for similar installations and encouraged other hospitality establishments to adopt this clean energy solution.

Addressing the gathering, President of the All Ladakh Hotel & Guest House Association Leh, Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, said the inauguration was the result of sustained efforts over the past five years. She described the development as a proud moment for Ladakh and a model initiative for the tourism and hospitality sector. Emphasising the importance of tourism in the region, she noted that rooftop solar initiatives can help address energy tariff concerns while promoting environmentally responsible growth.

The event was attended by Superintending Engineer Tundup Spalzang, representatives of various trade and business bodies including the Hotel Association, ALTOA, ALGHA, Merchant Association, and officials from Tata, Silk Route Energy, and other stakeholders.