Chandigarh’s CREST Pioneers Innovative RESCO Solar Initiative for Government and Residential Properties – EQ
In Short : CREST will introduce rooftop solar installations on government-built properties in Chandigarh under the RESCO model. The first project, a 3 MW solar plant, will be set up at the Sector 51 Housing Society. Private agencies will finance and maintain the systems, selling electricity at ₹4.96 per unit. The initiative aims for full rooftop solar saturation in government buildings by 2024.
In Detail : The Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST) is launching a rooftop solar project on government-built properties using the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model. This approach involves private companies financing, installing, and maintaining solar panels, promoting solar energy adoption without upfront costs for government property owners.
The first installation will be a 3-megawatt (MW) solar plant at the Chandigarh Housing Board’s Sector 51 Housing Society. Under the RESCO model, the private agency will sell the electricity generated to Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited at a fixed rate of ₹4.96 per unit, ensuring a steady revenue stream for all parties involved.
Government property owners, such as Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), will earn an estimated ₹30 lakh annually as rooftop rent. Each 3 MW project is expected to cost around ₹15 crore, which the private partner will invest, reducing financial burdens on government bodies while advancing clean energy goals.
CREST has finalized the memorandum of understanding and is preparing tender documents to invite bids. The goal is to achieve full rooftop solar coverage on government buildings by the end of 2024 and to extend similar initiatives to private properties by December 2025.
For private residential properties, CREST has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for rooftop solar installations ranging from 5 to 10 kilowatts. Under this plan, residents will receive free solar power systems, with ownership transferring to them after about 15 years, providing long-term benefits without initial costs.
The RESCO model offers an affordable way to expand solar energy use, allowing consumers to save on electricity without upfront investment. Excess power generated will be fed back into the grid through net metering, supporting sustainability and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources in Chandigarh.
