In Short : Chandigarh’s solar energy capacity has surged 18-fold in a decade, rising from 5 MW in 2014–15 to 90 MW in 2025. Over 10,000 rooftop installations, including on government buildings, have powered this growth. With plans to add 15 MW more by year-end, the city aims to hit 100 MW and become a model solar-powered urban center by 2047.
In Detail : Chandigarh has experienced a remarkable transformation in its renewable energy journey over the past decade. From a modest 5 MW capacity in 2014–15, the city has now reached approximately 90 MW of solar energy generation as of mid-2025. This 18-fold increase reflects strong administrative push and policy-driven growth in clean energy adoption.
The expansion has been largely powered by rooftop solar installations across various sectors. Over 10,988 buildings in the city now host solar panels, with a major leap observed in government-owned properties. Within a single year, the number of installations on public buildings surged from 907 to 6,627.
This boom in rooftop adoption resulted in a sharp rise in solar capacity, which grew from 32 MW to 57 MW within the same period. Cumulatively, Chandigarh has generated 270 million units of green electricity, helping reduce carbon emissions by nearly 186,000 tonnes—an impressive step toward environmental sustainability.
As of May 2025, Chandigarh’s solar infrastructure spans across residential, commercial, and institutional rooftops. Government initiatives like the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana have encouraged participation from households by offering subsidies and zero upfront installation costs.
Under these schemes, residential consumers can install solar systems and pay a fixed tariff ranging from ₹3.23 to ₹3.95 per unit, depending on the model chosen. Subsidies of up to ₹78,000 are available for 3 kW rooftop systems, making solar energy increasingly accessible and cost-effective.
The administration, through CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society), has taken the lead in planning and execution. Floating solar projects in waterworks, installations on parking sheds, and large-scale government rooftops are currently underway and expected to add another 15 MW by December 2025.
Chandigarh aims to become the first city with 100 percent rooftop solar saturation. With its target set at 100 MW by the end of 2025, it is well on its way to establishing itself as a model solar city among Union Territories in India.
Officials also envision a long-term clean energy roadmap. By 2030, the goal is for all government buildings in Chandigarh to become net-zero energy consumers. By 2047, the city aims to be entirely powered by renewable sources, supporting India’s larger climate and sustainability targets.
This decade-long growth in solar capacity not only improves energy resilience but also sets a benchmark for urban renewable development. Chandigarh’s success story illustrates how clear vision, citizen participation, and strong policy implementation can collectively lead to a cleaner, greener future.
