Allow residents more time for installation: Guv
ROOFTOP SOLAR PLANTS
Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has suggested that residents should be given more time for the installation of rooftop solar power plants.
Kataria today chaired a review meeting with the Department of Science & Technology & Renewable Energy and the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST) to assess the renewable energy initiatives. UT Adviser Rajeev Verma, Home Secretary Mandeep Brar, Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, Science & Technology & Renewable Energy Secretary TC Nautiyal and other senior officials were present during the review meeting.
Estate Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh briefed that the notices have been issued to residents having plots of size 1 kanal and more to ensure compliance with provisions of building bylaws related to mandatory installations of the roof-top solar system. It was apprised that two-month time has been given to such residents to comply with the mandatory regulations regarding rooftop solar plants.
The Administrator suggested that the Estate Department may consider granting more time for the installation of plants if the residents successfully apply for installation within two-month notice period.
Nautiyal highlighted the achievement of 67 MWp of installed rooftop solar capacity, emphasising the goal of full solar saturation in government buildings by December 2024 and in
private households by December 2025. Currently, 56% of government buildings in the city are equipped with solar panels, and UT aims to exceed 80 MWp by the end of 2024.
A key initiative discussed was the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides subsidies up to ?78,000 for rooftop solar plants. Households consuming 300 units of electricity per month can eliminate their bills by installing a 3KWp solar plant. The Administrator appreciated the scheme for its potential to alleviate household expenses and support the green energy objectives.
The Administrator stressed the importance of citizen compliance with mandatory solar installations and proposed that CREST engaged Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in awareness sessions. CREST will assist residents in maximising benefits from the PM Surya Ghar scheme and consider installing solar lighting in public parks to further enhance sustainability.
The review also addressed by the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, with the city operating 14 stations and five more expected to be launched soon. Citizens can access real-time information on these stations through the Electriva app.
The Governor commended efforts of CREST in facilitating renewable energy transition and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Notice period
The Administrator suggested that the Estate Department may consider granting more time for the installation of plants if the residents successfully apply for installation within two-month notice period. Two-month time has been given to residents to comply with the mandatory regulations regarding rooftop solar plants.
