In a significant push toward India’s clean energy transition, the State Bank of India (SBI) has announced its ambitious goal of solarizing 4 million homes by the financial year 2026–27. This initiative is part of SBI’s broader sustainability vision aligned with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitments. The announcement came as SBI celebrated its 70th anniversary, underscoring its legacy and future vision as a leader in not only banking but also national development.
Why in News?
SBI declared a nationwide solar rooftop programme aimed at covering 4 million homes with solar power by FY27. The announcement coincided with the bank’s 70th anniversary, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility. This comes as India aggressively pursues its climate targets under the Paris Agreement and aims for Net Zero emissions by 2070.
Key Objectives
- Support India’s Net Zero by 2070 target through renewable energy initiatives.
- Enable energy access and sustainability for households, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Reduce carbon footprint by promoting clean and affordable energy.
Highlights of SBI’s 70-Year Milestone Announcement
- Solar Rooftop Mission: 4 million homes to be powered by rooftop solar panels by FY27.
- Agricultural Lending: Over ₹3.5 lakh crore in FY25 — the highest in India — supporting,
- Agri-enterprises
- Farm infrastructure
- Farmer Producer Organisations
- Cooperatives
CSR Expenditure: ₹610.8 crore invested in,
- Healthcare
- Education
- Rural development
- Environmental projects across 94 aspirational districts
- Environmental Efforts: Plantation of 9 lakh trees in the Cauvery basin.
- Social Inclusion: Scholarships and assistance to underprivileged students and persons with disabilities.
Strategic Infrastructure for the Future
Establishing a Centre of Excellence in Project Finance focused on,
- Renewable energy
- E-mobility
- Data centres
- Green hydrogen
- Smart infrastructure
- Decarbonisation
- Envisioned as an “asset of national importance”.
Static and Contextual Facts
- SBI: India’s largest public sector bank with deep rural reach.
- Net Zero 2070: India’s national climate commitment made at COP26 in Glasgow.
- Solar Rooftop Programme: Crucial component of the government’s Renewable Energy Roadmap.
- Renewable Energy in India: Over 232 GW installed capacity as of 2025.