Chandigarh residents flag policy hurdles slowing rooftop solar growth

Chandigarh is facing serious challenges in getting more households to adopt rooftop solar energy, even though the city is promoted as a model for renewable power. Residents say that confusing policies, billing errors and slow grievance redressal are discouraging people who want to install solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

These concerns were highlighted during a stakeholders’ meeting held by the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST). The meeting took place at the Sangam Auditorium in Sector 26 and saw participation from over 80 members of different residents’ welfare associations. Representatives from major RWA groups, including FOSWAC and CRAWFED, also took part and shared the issues being faced by citizens.

Officials from the Science and Technology and Renewable Energy Department, the Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) and the municipal corporation attended the event. A detailed presentation was given on how the central solar scheme works and the kind of benefits that residents can expect. Officials also explained that out of 673 registered beneficiaries, 148 have already managed to achieve zero electricity bills within the first nine months of the year, which shows the potential of the scheme.

However, despite this progress, the overall adoption of rooftop solar remains very slow in the city. Out of nearly 43,000 residential houses, only 928 have installed solar systems so far. This gap has raised concerns among officials and residents alike, especially because the scheme provides subsidies and aims to encourage clean and affordable electricity for households.

Concerns raised by residents and RWAs

During the meeting, several residents and RWA representatives raised important questions about policies, approval processes and billing problems. One of the biggest concerns related to flats under the Chandigarh Housing Board. These units have roof-right restrictions, which means residents are not allowed to use the rooftop for installing solar panels. Because of this rule, nearly 60,000 dwelling units are unable to participate in the central solar scheme. Many participants urged the administration to revise this policy and make the installation of solar systems possible in CHB flats.

Another issue raised was the acceptance of certain important documents like power of attorney during the installation approval process. Some residents said that applications were being delayed or rejected because officials were unclear about the validity of alternate documents. They requested the administration to provide clear rules so that people do not face unnecessary hurdles.

Billing-related complaints formed another major part of the discussion. Residents pointed out that many people were receiving incorrect electricity bills even after installing solar systems. Some said their banked units were not being calculated properly, while others complained that the settlement of these units was unclear. There were also cases of overbilling and delays in correcting the errors, which caused frustration among beneficiaries.

Technical issues were also brought up by participants. There were complaints about slow meter testing, delays in providing approvals for load enhancement, and confusion regarding the terms of the power purchase agreement. Some residents said that they had been waiting for a long time for their subsidies to be released, which made the installation process financially difficult for them. Others mentioned that installation becomes complicated in homes with multiple electricity connections, and they needed clearer guidance from officials.

Many participants said that the administration should arrange regular consumer hearings so that people can easily seek clarifications and get solutions. They also stressed the need for faster response to complaints, especially when residents raise issues about faulty meters, delayed rectifications or technical faults. Several RWA members suggested that the administration should streamline the entire solar installation process, from registration to approval, so that more residents feel confident about adopting renewable energy.

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What officials said at the meeting

Officials from CREST and CPDL responded to the concerns by explaining the steps that are already underway to simplify the system. They shared that they are working to improve coordination between different departments, including the power distribution company, housing board and engineering division. They also said they would examine the concerns related to billing, meter testing and settlement of banked units.

The officials agreed that many residents are facing issues that slow down installation, especially in apartments and flats. They promised to take up the matter of roof-right restrictions with the appropriate authorities and find a workable solution. They also assured RWAs that they would look into complaints of overbilling and delayed corrections.

The administration acknowledged that increasing the number of solar installations is essential for Chandigarh’s long-term energy goals. Officials said that citywide adoption has remained slow despite subsidies and promotional efforts. They stressed that addressing residents’ concerns quickly and clearly is key to improving participation in the scheme.

The meeting ended with a commitment from all departments to work more closely with residents and RWA groups. Both officials and citizens agreed that adopting solar energy is important for reducing electricity costs and promoting a cleaner environment. The hope is that with clearer policies and faster solutions, Chandigarh will see faster and wider adoption of rooftop solar power in the coming months.