In August 2025, Chandigarh — Nearing the 100 MW rooftop solar milestone, Chandigarh’s renewable capacity has increased 18 times in the last ten years, from just 5 MW in 2014–15 to almost 90 MW by mid-2025.
Principal Accomplishments
- Now that all 6,624 government buildings have solar panels installed, their aggregate capacity is 52.85 MWp, making them net-zero energy consumers.
- As of December 2024, rooftop installations in the public and private sectors total 89.689 MWp across approximately 10,988 structures.
With an annual solar generation of 270.26 million units, CO2 emissions have decreased by almost 186,479 metric tons.
Floating solar innovation
- At the Sector 39 Water Works, Chandigarh put into service the largest floating solar plant in North India (2.5 MWp) in the middle of 2024, and a 3 MWp unit is almost ready to be activated by March 2025.
- As part of UT’s 2025–2026 goals, a new 4 MW floating solar project is scheduled to be implemented, helping the company reach its overall objective of adding 15 MWp by the end of the year.
Future Objectives and Plans
- Under its Climate Action Plan (SAPCC 2.0), Chandigarh is working to become a Model Solar City by 2030, with a goal of 224 MW of solar capacity and emission reductions of more than 1.26 crore tons of CO₂ by that time.
- Bylaws and incentives under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana require rooftop solar to be installed on private buildings larger than 250 square yards by December 2025. To increase coverage, both the RESCO and subsidy methods are being used.
- Four public EV charging stations will be powered by solar energy as part of a trial project, supporting Chandigarh’s dominant position in the adoption of electric vehicles (about 15.2% penetration in 2024).
At a glance
- The rooftop solar capacity of approximately 10,988 structures is 89.7 MWp.
- Government Rooftop Share: approximately 52.85 MWp across 6,624 structures
- 2.5+3 MWp floating solar projects (Sector 39); 4 MW planned
- About 270 million solar units are produced annually.
- CO₂ Avoided annually: approximately 186,000–200,000 tons
- Year-End Capacity Aim for +15 MWp to get to about 105 MW.
- Goal for Solar City (2030) Capacity of 224 MW; reduction of 1.26 Cr tons of CO2
From modest beginnings to become a leader in sustainable energy, Chandigarh’s incredible solar journey demonstrates the value of well-coordinated legislation, extensive rooftop campaigns, floating technologies, and public-private cooperation. In terms of carbon reduction, solar adoption, and sustainable urban planning, the city is leading the way.
