The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) plans to amend building bylaws to mandate solar panels for residential plots of 100 square meters or more, requiring a minimum generation of 1 kW. Building approvals and completion certificates will depend on compliance. This initiative supports Uttar Pradesh's vision to make Ghaziabad a 'solar city,' targeting over 10% of electricity consumption from solar by 2027. A study by UPNEDA estimates the city's solar potential at 2,858 MW, with residential rooftops contributing 2,014 MW. Subsidies from central and state governments make solar installations affordable, offering financial incentives through net metering. The policy promotes sustainability and cost-effective energy solutions for residents.
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) is planning to amend its building bylaws, making the installation of solar panels mandatory for all residential properties with a plot size of 100 square meters or more. Each of these properties will need to generate a minimum of 1 kilowatt (kW) of solar power. This initiative follows similar actions by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), which recently mandated rooftop solar panels for residential plots of 100 square meters and above under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Once the amendments are in place, building map approvals will hinge on compliance with the solar panel requirement, and completion certificates will not be issued without adherence to these provisions. The GDA has tasked its town planner with drafting the necessary regulations for presentation at an upcoming board meeting.
This move aligns with the Uttar Pradesh government's broader vision to transform Ghaziabad into a 'solar city', targeting over 10% of the city's total electricity consumption from solar energy by 2027. The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) identified Ghaziabad as one of 18 solar cities in the state. A recent study conducted by UPNEDA estimated that the city has the potential to generate approximately 2,858 megawatts (MW) of solar energy across various sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, and educational institutions.
Of this potential, around 2,014 MW could be generated from residential rooftops alone. The study also highlighted that industrial sites could contribute 616 MW, commercial buildings 107 MW, educational institutions 73 MW, government offices 35 MW, and healthcare facilities 14 MW.
Solar energy presents a cost-effective alternative to conventional energy sources, being at least 30% cheaper. Both central and state governments offer substantial subsidies to encourage solar panel installations. For residential rooftop systems, a central subsidy of INR 14,588 per kW is available; however, this amount is halved for consumption exceeding 3 kW. Additionally, the state government provides a subsidy of INR 15,000 per kW, capped at INR 30,000.
For homeowners considering installation costs, a three- or four-bedroom flat would require an investment of approximately INR 2 lakh for solar panels. The concept of net metering allows homeowners to feed excess or unused solar energy back into the main grid, providing financial benefits during billing cycles. Overall, these developments reflect a significant push towards renewable energy adoption in Ghaziabad, aiming to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
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