In May 2021, GAIA Greenenergy Holdings developed the pathway that enabled the partnership with the Uva Provincial Government to lease rooftops of 1,000 schools, hospitals and government buildings for solar power generation. The initiative has expanded to seven provinces, including Central, North Central, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Western and North Western, with over 7,500 sites planned to generate 350 MWp, delivering more than 480 GWh of clean energy annually to the national grid.

GAIA’s Clean Energy Developments

Paving the Way Towards a Greener Nation

All Provinces

~77.61 MW

Cumulative Installed

Reduces carbon footprint significantl

Promotes sustainable energy use

Contributes to long-term environmental protection

Central Province

10.0228 MW

Cumulative Installed

9,777.14 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions cut every year

Equal to planting 0.45 million trees – every single year

Sabaragamuwa Province

10.031 MW

Cumulative Installed

9,792.76 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions cut every year

Equal to planting 0.45 million trees – every single year

North Central Province

10.014 MW

Cumulative Installed

9,776.17 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions cut every year

Equal to planting 0.45 million trees – every single year

Western Province

10.015 MW

Cumulative Installed

9,777.14 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions cut every year

Equal to planting 0.45 million trees – every single year

Southern Province

10.07 MW

Cumulative Installed

9,830.84 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions cut every year

Equal to planting 0.45 million trees – every single year

North Western Province

6.473 MW

Cumulative Installed

6,319.27 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions cut every year

Equal to planting 0.29 million trees – every single year

Uva Province

20.988 MW

Cumulative Installed

20,489.54 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions cut every year

Equal to planting 0.94 million trees – every single year

Why We Chose Rooftop Solar

Sri Lanka’s ambition to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 requires energy solutions that are fast to deploy, cost-effective, and adapted to the country’s geographic and economic realities. Rooftop solar has emerged as an optimal choice due to the following key reasons:

1. Land Constraints and Agricultural Priorities

Sri Lanka’s high population density and limited availability of open land make large-scale ground-mounted solar developments challenging. More importantly, much of this land is fertile and vital for agriculture, which plays a key role in food security and rural livelihoods. Instead of using productive ground, rooftop solar makes use of unused roof spaces on homes, factories, schools and public buildings converting idle surfaces into clean energy assets without land-use conflict or displacement.

Over the past five years, this strategy has enabled the addition of more than 1,000 MW of rooftop solar in Sri Lanka, compared to around 78 MW of ground-mounted installations-highlighting the critical role of rooftop systems in achieving sustainable energy growth without compromising agricultural priorities.

Rooftop solar offers several key advantages over large-scale ground-mounted utility projects, including eliminating the need for land acquisition, facing fewer regulatory hurdles, and enabling faster deployment timelines, making it an ideal solution for densely populated regions like Sri Lanka.

2. Grid and National Benefits

Rooftop solar systems generate electricity at the point of consumption, significantly reducing transmission and distribution losses. Their distributed nature across the island improves grid stability, helps mitigate the intermittency of solar and other renewables, and supports voltage regulation at the distribution level. Installations are quick to implement, require less regulatory complexity, and reduce peak demand stress. The expansion of rooftop solar also fosters local employment, technical skill development, and public participation, turning energy consumers into energy producers.

3. Cost Efficiency

While hydropower remains the cheapest source of electricity, solar is now the lowest-cost form of new renewable energy (NRE). The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) in Sri Lanka continues to decline as more solar is integrated into the national mix, driven by falling equipment costs, improved technology, and minimal operating expenses. Rooftop solar amplifies these savings by avoiding the need for land acquisition, large-scale public investment, or major grid expansion making it one of the most scalable, accessible, and cost-effective clean energy solutions available.

Benefits of Rooftop Solar

GAIA Greenenergy’s rooftop solar development initiative offers far-reaching benefits that span social, environmental, and economic spheres, making it one of the most inclusive and impactful clean energy initiatives in Sri Lanka today.

1. Social Impact and Support to Public Institutions

GAIA Greenenergy plays a strategic development role in facilitating rooftop solar systems on schools, hospitals, and government buildings, maximizing social impact. These institutions provide unused rooftop space at no cost and receive a guaranteed 15-16% revenue share from electricity sales to the Ceylon Electricity Board (under Net Plus or Net Plus Plus schemes).

The income generated significantly helps public institutions, especially the over 95% government schools we partner with, to cover electricity expenses and reinvest in infrastructure and educational improvements. Beyond energy provision, our comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives support education, environmental stewardship, and community development through scholarships, energy education, eco-competitions, sustainability workshops, and more. This holistic approach ensures our solar projects not only power buildings but also empower communities for a sustainable Sri Lanka.

2. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – Even Amid Crisis

Our rooftop solar development initiative has successfully attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), demonstrating its appeal even amidst Sri Lanka’s challenging financial crisis. This vital contribution, supported by our esteemed partners Norfund, Volta Groupe, and PIDG, is crucial for the nation’s economic recovery, infrastructure development, and job creation.

By channelling foreign capital into long-term, revenue-generating renewable infrastructure, this initiative supports the national economy and demonstrates strong investor confidence in Sri Lanka’s clean energy sector.

3. Environmental Sustainability and Land Use Efficiency

Beyond solar power, our initiatives actively uplift communities. We organize art and environmental competitions in schools to inspire awareness and conduct sustainability training and energy efficiency workshops to foster responsible energy use. Our programs also promote biodiversity via bee farming, encourage engagement through beach cleanups and eco-volunteering, and support local development with educational material donations and climate literacy workshops. This holistic approach ensures our work not only powers buildings but truly empowers communities for a greener, more sustainable Sri Lanka.

CSR Projects

Gangaramaya Temple Receives Solar Power

GAIA Greenenergy Holdings, in collaboration with international partners LONGi, Jinko, and Huawei, has donated a 150kW rooftop solar system to Colombo’s revered Gangaramaya Temple. Valued at Rs. 25 million, this system was installed with the support of Sri Lanka Navy personnel, who were trained by GAIA engineers. It was dedicated in memory of the late Most Venerable Galaboda Gnanissara Thera (Podi Hamuduruwo), and now provides clean, renewable energy to power this iconic temple.

Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya Powers Up with 65kW Solar

GAIA Greenenergy Holdings, alongside international partners, has installed a 65kW rooftop solar PV system at the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya. This significant project provides clean energy directly to Sri Lanka’s national grid, effectively easing the Devalaya’s energy burden. The initiative promotes environmental sustainability and showcases a tangible commitment to renewable power at one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and inclusive religious sites. This reflects a broader national drive towards a low-carbon energy future.

St. Andrew's Home for Elders Lights Up with 24kW Solar

GAIA Greenenergy Holdings proudly donated a 24kW rooftop solar power system to St. Andrew’s Home for Elders in Borella. Guided by the Right Reverend Dushantha Rodrigo, Bishop of Colombo, this initiative directly lowers the home’s electricity costs and carbon footprint. This vital system enables the home to dedicate more resources to the compassionate care of its elderly residents. This project underscores GAIA’s commitment to social responsibility, supporting vulnerable communities and advancing Sri Lanka’s clean energy future through sustainable solutions.

Sri Kaileswaram Swami Devasthanam Receives 12kW Solar

GAIA Greenenergy Holdings, with Jinko Solar and Huawei, proudly donated a 12kW rooftop solar PV system to Sri Kaileswaram Swami Devasthanam. This system will significantly reduce the temple’s electricity expenses, powering its daily operations with sustainable, renewable energy. By easing utility costs, the temple can dedicate more resources to serving devotees and preserving cultural traditions. This project advances energy independence and environmental responsibility in Sri Lanka’s vital community spaces.

GAIA Donates Solar PV Demo Board to College of Technology, Kurunegala

GAIA Greenenergy Holdings, guided by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), proudly donated a solar PV installation demonstration board to the College of Technology in Kurunegala.

This specialized unit, featuring a solar inverter and other key components, is designed for practical, hands-on training. It directly supports the college’s NVQ Level 3 and 4 certification programs, equipping students with essential skills for careers in solar PV system installation. This initiative reflects GAIA’s commitment to technical education, clean energy adoption and Sri Lanka’s sustainable development, fostering economic opportunity and environmental stewardship.