New Delhi, July 7 -- Recent policy shifts around rooftop solar have triggered a surge in small businesses in parts of Uttar Pradesh, with Prayagraj emerging as an unexpected hotspot for clean energy entrepreneurs. With the state aiming to install 265,000 rooftop systems in 2025-26 alone, the sector is fast becoming both a livelihood and a local movement.

Until last year, Jai Singh, Vivek Arya and Nachiketa were engaged in small-scale businesses. But in recent months, all three have left their earlier professions to enter the solar energy sector.

Explaining the shift, Arya said, "Earlier, Prayagraj was in the news for the Kumbh Mela. But in the coming years, people will know it as the solar energy city." His partner Singh added that it w...