Solar Energy Integration in Urban Gujarat: A Pathway to IGBC Certification

The integration of solar energy in urban Gujarat is a key strategy for sustainable development and energy challenges in growing cities. This paper explores the potential of retrofitting non-certified green buildings with solar technologies to meet IGBC certification standards, focusing on the Surat Solar City initiative. Gujarat’s abundant solar resources and progressive policies are enabling urban areas to transition to renewable energy solutions through rooftop solar PV systems, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and smart energy systems. Innovative technologies like transparent solar cells, solar paint, and hybrid systems are enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. Government incentives and net metering policies are driving adoption. Solar retrofitting projects in Gujarat, particularly in Surat, serve as scalable models for integrating renewable energy into urban infrastructure.