Chandigarh MC buildings set to get rooftop solar panels under rent-a-roof model
Chandigarh: In a significant move, approximately 100 buildings of the municipal corporation (MC) are all set to have solar energy on their rooftops, as the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology (CREST) has sent a detailed MoU to be signed with the corporation for this project.As per the proposal, the MC will not have to spend even a single penny on this project, and they will earn around Rs 40 lakh annually as rent from the private company. Now, this detailed MoU is coming in the monthly general house meeting of the MC, scheduled for Tuesday, for deliberation and subsequent approval of the members.As per the proposal, the solar panels will be installed under a ‘Rent-a-Roof', Resco Model (Renewable Energy Service Company) framework, where the selected company through bids will install the solar on all the selected buildings' rooftops, maintain them, and pay rent to the MC. The move came following a high-level meeting under the chairmanship of chief secretary Rajiv Verma, recently.The proposal of the CREST, a copy of which is with TOI, reads, "Chandigarh administration has been consistently working towards the saturation of rooftop solar installations across all govt and private buildings in the city. To utilise this potential effectively, CREST proposes the implementation of grid-connected rooftop solar plants on MC buildings through the ‘rent-a-roof' framework. Under this model, the developer offering the highest rooftop rent per unit of energy generated shall be selected through competitive bidding. This will ensure regular revenue for MC, with zero capital expenditure or maintenance responsibility."The letter further reads, "The rent-a-roof approach allows MC to monetise its rooftop assets, receive guaranteed bi-monthly income, and avoid long-term tariff commitments. The total feasible rooftop solar capacity assessed on MC buildings is approximately 3MW. Based on generation potential and other parameters, MC stands to earn an estimated Rs 39-40 lakh per year, depending on the rent rate received through bidding."Following this, CREST has requested approval of the proposed model and MoU and timely consent to initiate the process. Once approved by the MC's general house, the CREST shall thereafter proceed with the tendering and execution of the project in coordination with the MC.Key Terms of MoURooftop rent to be paid by the Resco developer bi-monthly based on the energy generation under the gross metering arrangementNo damage to MC roofs - any structural damage to be repaired by the RescoWater supply for periodic solar panel cleaning to be provided by MCPlant security to be provided by MCInsurance and operational responsibilities lie with RescoEscrow mechanism for transparent and timely rent transfers
