Chandigarh MC Taps Rooftop Solar Potential with Innovative Rent-a-Roof Initiative – EQ
In Short : Chandigarh Municipal Corporation will install rooftop solar panels on its buildings under the rent-a-roof model. A private firm will lease the rooftops, install and operate the systems, and supply solar power to the grid. This initiative aims to promote clean energy, reduce electricity costs, and support the city’s commitment to sustainable and renewable energy solutions.
In Detail : The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has decided to implement rooftop solar panel installations on its buildings under the rent-a-roof model. This initiative is part of the city’s broader push toward sustainable energy and environmental conservation.
Under the rent-a-roof model, the rooftops of municipal buildings will be leased out to private solar developers. These firms will be responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining the solar photovoltaic systems.
The private companies will generate electricity through these rooftop installations and feed the power into the grid. In return, they will pay rent to the Municipal Corporation for using the rooftop space.
This arrangement ensures that the municipal body incurs no upfront costs for the solar installations. Instead, it will benefit from lease income and cleaner, greener energy.
The initiative is expected to reduce the city’s dependence on conventional energy sources and promote the use of renewable energy within the urban infrastructure.
Chandigarh has long been seen as a model for urban sustainability, and this project further reinforces its commitment to adopting eco-friendly solutions.
The rent-a-roof model has already been successfully implemented in other parts of India and is seen as a viable way to expand solar capacity in urban areas with limited open land.
The Municipal Corporation believes this step will help optimize the use of idle rooftop space while contributing to its revenue and energy goals.
This project is in line with the central government’s broader renewable energy targets and will support Chandigarh’s goal of becoming a solar-powered smart city.
