The north Indian state of Punjab has inaugurated what it claims is the world's largest rooftop solar power plant. Spread over eight rooftops across 82 acres, it can produce up to 11.5 MW of electricity.

The Rs 1.35 billion project is expected to have significant environmental benefits, reducing 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years. The Punjab government says that the project will generate enough electricity to power 8,000 homes and hopes that it will be a role model for other states to replicate similar rooftop solar plants.

An Indian security personnel poses for media as he walks over rooftops covered in solar panels at the Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant on May 17, 2016. Image: NARINDER NANU/AFP/Getty Images

India has been promoting major solar energy projects across the country, with the aim of increasing its solar power capacity to 100GW by 2022. It also launched an International Solar Alliance with 120 countries at the COP21 Climate Conference in December, and is in the process of setting up its headquarters in India.

Last August, it opened the world's first solar-powered airport in the city of Kochi. The Indian Railways is also planning to roll out its first solar panel-powered train soon. Also in the pipeline is the world's largest 750 MW solar power station in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, which is expected to start operations by 2017.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.