CHANDIGARH, May 2— In a significant push toward becoming a model solar city by 2030, the Chandigarh Administration has announced plans to add 15 megawatt peak (MWp) of solar power capacity by the end of 2025, further cementing the city’s reputation as a leader in renewable energy adoption.
Chandigarh has already achieved a cumulative solar generation capacity of 90 MWp across 10,988 installations, contributing 270.26 million units (MU) of clean energy to date.
This achievement has helped offset an estimated 186,479 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
“This robust solar infrastructure reflects the city’s consistent progress and commitment to clean energy,” said Navneet Kumar Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer of the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST).
The planned expansion includes installations on government rooftops, solar panels atop parking sheds, and new floating solar power plants.
The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) buildings and Municipal Corporation facilities will also be utilized for additional rooftop solar systems.
“By December 2025, we aim to add another 15 MWp capacity. This will include scaling up our floating solar infrastructure and leveraging all available government rooftops,” Srivastava added.
Chandigarh has already made a mark in floating solar innovation. On July 1 last year, the city commissioned North India’s largest floating solar photovoltaic (SPV) plant with a capacity of 2.5 MWp at the Sector 39 Water Works.
An additional 3 MWp plant has been completed and is awaiting commissioning.
In the financial year 2024–25 alone, 28 MWp of new solar installations generated 25 MU of green power, further accelerating the city’s renewable momentum.
Under the Solar City Mission, Chandigarh achieved full solar coverage of all government offices and residences by the end of 2024, with 6,627 sites generating an estimated 23.5 MU annually—translating to savings of Rs 12.69 crore each year.
Government schools have also adopted solar energy widely. Of the 114 schools surveyed, 108 were found suitable for rooftop solar installations, and all have been equipped with power plants.
Last year, these schools generated 7.32 MU of solar power and consumed 6.1 MU, producing surplus energy.
With the Union Ministry of Power designating Chandigarh among 34 cities selected for Solar City development, the Administration now aims for 100% rooftop solar coverage on all private buildings by December 2025.
“We are committed to ensuring that every feasible rooftop—public or private—contributes to our solar future,” said a senior CREST official.
