#CLFT for HEI

India is one of the richest solar resources in the world

#CLFT for Higher Education

#CLFT for Schools: Building a Lasting Legacy of Clean Air

At QS I-GAUGE, we believe great education goes hand-in-hand with creating a better world. That’s why our CLFT for Schools initiative weaves sustainability and leadership right into everyday school life. Our goal? To make the fight for cleaner air an ongoing journey—one led by the passion, creativity, and determination of India’s students.

With CLFT for Schools, young people aren’t just learning about environmental issues—they’re stepping up to protect their surroundings, speak out for cleaner air, and inspire others to do the same. This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement that empowers students to leave a legacy of health and sustainability for future generations.

In a time when clean air is more precious than ever, CLFT for Schools gives students the tools and hope they need to lead the way toward a brighter, greener tomorrow.

India is uniquely positioned to harness solar power.

Unlocking Solar Energy Through Higher Education

India is in a remarkable position to lead the way in solar energy. With more than 300 sunny days each year and high solar insolation levels across the country, India has one of the richest solar resources in the world. In fact, the amount of solar energy that shines on India’s land every year far exceeds all the country’s fossil fuel reserves combined.

This abundance is especially meaningful for colleges and universities. Many campuses have large rooftops and open spaces—perfect for installing solar panels. By tapping into this natural advantage, higher education institutions can generate clean, affordable power right where it’s needed, helping to lower energy costs while contributing to a greener future for everyone. With the right support and vision, India’s higher education sector can become a driving force for solar adoption—showing how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, and inspiring the rest of the country to follow suit.

Solar Energy In India

0% Residential: Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Rooftop solar is the fastest-growing segment, with nearly 78% of new rooftop installations in Q1 2025 coming from homes, driven by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
0% Industrial: Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
The industrial segment accounted for 16% of rooftop solar installations in Q1 2025, offering significant cost savings and energy independence for factories and warehouses.
0GW Ground-Mounted Solar Power Plants
Ideal for large-scale industrial users with available land. India’s cumulative ground-mounted solar capacity reached 84.43 GW as of May 2025, making it the dominant form of solar deployment for utilities and large manufacturers.
0% Solar Water Heaters
Widely used in both residential complexes and industries (such as food processing, textiles, and hospitality) to replace electric or diesel-based water heating. Solar water heaters can save up to 70% of water heating costs for households and up to 40% of process heating costs in industries.
0% Solar-Powered Street Lighting
Residential societies and industrial parks are increasingly deploying solar streetlights to cut electricity bills and improve reliability during power outages. Solar streetlights require minimal maintenance and can operate independently of the grid, enhancing safety and sustainability in communities and industrial estates.
0GW Off-Grid Solar Solutions (Mini/Microgrids)
For remote industries and rural residences where grid access is unreliable, off-grid solar systems (including battery storage) provide a stable and independent power supply. As of May 2025, India had 5.01 GW of off-grid solar capacity, supporting rural electrification and decentralized industrial operations.

Why Solar Energy

Makes Sense for Campuses

For colleges and universities, going solar isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also a smart financial move. By switching to solar power, campuses can cut their reliance on costly grid electricity and save a significant amount on energy bills. While installing solar panels does require an upfront investment, most institutions recover these costs in just 4 to 7 years. After that, they enjoy years—sometimes decades—of low operating expenses. Plus, government incentives like subsidies, tax breaks, and low-interest loans make it even easier for schools to go solar.

But the benefits go beyond just saving money. When higher education institutions embrace solar energy, they set a powerful example as climate leaders. By shrinking their carbon footprint, they help India move closer to its climate goals, including the Paris Agreement and the target of carbon neutrality by 2070. Campuses become real-life models of sustainability, inspiring students, teachers, and the entire community to adopt renewable energy and greener habits.

Let’s Transition To Solar Power

To truly harness the power of solar energy, colleges and universities can take a well-rounded, strategic approach:

  • Start with a Campus Energy Audit:

    By assessing current energy use, institutions can spot the best opportunities for solar integration and overall efficiency.

  • Install Solar in Phases:

    Begin by adding solar panels to rooftops, parking lots, and open spaces—customizing each step to fit the campus’s unique energy needs.

  • Pair Solar with Smart Practices:

    Combine solar power with energy-saving upgrades like LED lighting, smart meters, and advanced building management systems to boost savings and cut down on waste.

  • Tap into Support and Partnerships:

    Take advantage of government incentives, subsidies, and public-private partnerships to lower upfront costs and access expert guidance.

  • Make Solar Part of Learning:

    Integrate solar energy into coursework and research projects, giving students hands-on experience and preparing them for careers in the growing green economy.

By embracing solar energy in these ways, India’s higher education institutions can achieve energy independence, save money, and build a lasting culture of sustainability. Not only will they power their own campuses more responsibly—they’ll also light the way for a cleaner, stronger future for the entire nation.

Sustainability Experts

Kowshik                                                Rao

Kowshik Rao

Sustainability Expert & Green Data Scientist
Prashanth

Prashanth

Student & Community Engagement Officer - QS I-GAUGE

Let’s Create a Cleaner Future Together

Have questions or ideas to share? We’re here to help and look forward to connecting with you.

Whether you’re a school interested in joining the CLFT movement, an educator looking to make a difference, or simply someone passionate about clean air and sustainability — we’d love to hear from you.

Fill out the form and our team will get in touch with you shortly. Together, we can empower the next generation to lead the change.

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