Chandigarh warns building owners of action for failing to install rooftop solar plants

Chandigarh, December 1

In order to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, the UT Administration has warned all building owners of action if they failed to install solar power plants as per the Building Bylaws.

During a meeting of the governing body of the Chandigarh Renewal Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) held under the chairmanship of UT Adviser Dharam Pal recently, it was discussed that several residential houses, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, institutional buildings, etc., have not complied with the orders dated May 18, 2016, for mandatory installation of solar power plants in the city.

The UT Administration had made rooftop solar power plants must in new properties measuring 500 sq yds and above and in group housing societies. The Adviser directed all such building owners to install solar power plants immediately, failing which necessary action would be taken against them. He also directed to make an year-wise action plan to achieve 75 MWp of solar power plant installation in the city by August 15, 2023.

The Administration has already approved a scheme to implement rooftop solar project on private residential buildings under the Renewable Energy Service Company model. Under the scheme, a private company will install solar panels without taking any money from house owners.

The owners will have to provide space on the rooftop and they will get electricity at Rs2 per unit less than the existing rates for the next 15 years even if the electricity rate increases.

After the completion of a fixed period, the company will hand over the solar plant to the owner. The firm will recover the cost by selling the energy produced from the plant. — TNS