Chandigarh: After achieving near-saturation of solar installations across govt buildings, the UT administration has shifted its focus to the residential sector, targeting nearly 1,600 independent Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) houses for rooftop solar adoption under the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.As part of the outreach drive, the Chandigarh Renewable Energy Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) organised camps on Saturday and Sunday for residents of CHB houses. Around 400 people attended the camps, where officials explained the subsidy and financing options available under the scheme.Representatives of CREST, Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd (CPDL) and banks were present to address queries and provide information on loan and non-loan models available for installing rooftop solar plants. The idea was to bring all stakeholders under one roof so that residents could access complete information without having to approach multiple offices.During the camps, residents were told about the monetary benefits of rooftop solar installations, including lower electricity bills and incentives linked to solar power generation.Sources said CREST launched the focused outreach after receiving a sector-wise database of independent CHB houses. “With most feasible government buildings already equipped with solar systems, the focus is now on increasing adoption in private homes. Identifying independent CHB houses and encouraging residents to avail benefits under the PM Surya Ghar scheme is part of that exercise,” sources said.‘Win-win situation for residents’Saurabh Kumar, secretary, science & technology and renewable energy department, said, “PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna is a very good scheme of the Centre for the people. Residents can benefit from free power provisions under the scheme while reducing their electricity bills and contributing to green energy generation. We will organise more such camps in different areas of the city and provide end-to-end assistance at every stage. I appeal to residents to come forward and avail the benefits of the scheme. It is a win-win situation for the people”
