Chandigarh: UT Admin demands Rs 6 crore from Centre for reimbursing solar panel subsidies

So far, CREST, which is governed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has disbursed about Rs 2.07 crore to the residents, who installed solar panels at their residential, commercial or industrial units.

Chandigarh Renewal Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society, Chandigarh solar lamps, Chandigarh news, Chandigarh solar lamps reimbursement, indian express, latest news

Installing solar power panels is mandatory in residential houses measuring 500 square yard and above, and group housing societies.

In a bid to reimburse subsidies those who installed solar panels on their rooftops, the UT Administration under its Chandigarh Renewal Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) body has demanded Rs 6 crore from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In accordance with the rules, subsidies will be provided for solar panels installed in the last two years.

So far, CREST, which is governed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MERA), has disbursed about Rs 2.07 crore to the residents, who installed solar panels at their residential, commercial or industrial units.

The UT administration will provide 30 per cent subsidy on the total amount spent on the installation of solar panels on one’s rooftop under the Phase 1 of the project in Chandigarh. The installation of solar power panels is mandatory in residential houses measuring 500 square yard and above, and, group housing societies.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CREST, Debandra Dalai said, “We have demanded Rs 6 crore from the MHA for reimbursing the subsidy amount to the residents. We had distributed around Rs 1.75 crore out of Rs 2.07 crore to the people, who have installed the solar power panels. There are some technical errors, which are proving as hurdle. In some cases, even though the subsidy amount was released, the beneficiaries say that they have not received. It could be that these persons have given their old account numbers, whose transactions are not being checked by them regularly. We are hopeful to receive Rs 6 crore shortly.”

The subsidy amount was increased to 40 per cent in Phase 2 of the installation of solar power panels as per the MERA regulations. In Phase 2, the subsidy amount will be transferred to the customer’s account by the private firm which will install the solar panels. The private firms will be reimbursed by the UT Administration at a later stage.

Around 6,500 residential, commercial and industrial units out of the 7,600 units, measuring 500 square yard, have installed solar panels in Chandigarh. Meanwhile, the administration has extended the timeline for the installation of solar panels by six months, till March, 2020. Chandigarh was selected as the city to be developed as the Model Solar City with a target of installation of 69 MW solar panels by 2022.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram