Solar Calculator Chandigarh 2026

Rooftop solar in Chandigarh: CED, CREST and net metering

Chandigarh's power is distributed by the Chandigarh Electricity Department (CED), the union territory's own utility, while CREST, the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society, is the state nodal agency that clears rooftop applications and inspections. CED offers net metering for grid-tied residential systems, so units your panels export are credited against the units you import at night, and only the net difference reaches your bill.

A Model Solar City

Chandigarh has positioned itself among India's most solar-forward cities and works toward Model Solar City status, with one of the highest rooftop-solar densities per capita in the country. The administration has also made rooftop solar mandatory for many larger buildings, including government premises and residential plots above a set size, which has helped normalise installs across sectors. If you are budgeting a system, start at the India solar calculator and refine with the on-grid solar calculator.

Tariffs, sunshine and savings

CED domestic tariffs are telescopic, running from about ₹2.75 per unit on the lowest slab to roughly ₹4.65 per unit above 400 units a month, plus a monthly fuel adjustment. We use about ₹4.5 per unit as a representative marginal rate, since solar most benefits homes in the upper slabs. Chandigarh enjoys around 4.4 to 4.6 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels yields roughly 4.5 units daily, about 1,640 units a year. Model your own bill with the solar savings calculator.

How PM Surya Ghar applies

The national PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana pays ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW, an extra ₹18,000 for the third kW, and caps at ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above, for residential capacity up to 10 kW. The subsidy arrives by Direct Benefit Transfer after commissioning, and collateral-free loans near 7 percent are available. We keep the state top-up at zero because no confirmed per-kW Chandigarh capital grant currently sits on top of the central scheme; verify live CREST incentives before you commit.

Worked example

A 3 kW rooftop system in Chandigarh generates roughly 4,900 units a year. At ₹4.5 per unit that offsets about ₹22,000 in annual electricity cost. With up to ₹78,000 of PM Surya Ghar subsidy trimming the upfront price, payback often lands in the region of four to six years, after which the power is largely free for the panels' 20-plus year life. For batteries or backup planning, see the battery bank calculator. Figures are indicative; confirm slabs and policy on the official portal.

Solar calculators for other Indian states & UTs

Pick your state or union territory for localized subsidy, tariff and net-metering figures — or open the full India states directory or the national India solar calculator.

Frequently asked questions

The Chandigarh Electricity Department (CED) is the UT distribution utility and provides net metering for rooftop solar, while CREST is the nodal agency that processes applications, feasibility and inspections. You apply through the national portal and CED installs the net meter.

Chandigarh has made rooftop solar mandatory for several categories of larger buildings, such as government premises and residential plots above a set size, as part of its Model Solar City push. Requirements vary by building type, so confirm the current rule for your property with CREST or CED.

The national subsidy is ₹30,000 per kW up to 2 kW, an extra ₹18,000 for the third kW, and a cap of ₹78,000 for 3 kW and above, for systems up to 10 kW. It is paid by Direct Benefit Transfer after commissioning and is the same across India, including Chandigarh.

We keep the state top-up at zero because no confirmed per-kW Chandigarh capital grant currently stacks on the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy. The UT does actively promote rooftop solar through CREST, so check the official portal for any live incentive before you commit.