Despite a solar mandate, Gurugram sees slow adoption, with only 4,300 buildings going green. Complexity and lack of awareness hinder solar panel installation.
In a city where sunlight is abundant, Gurugram’s move towards clean energy falls short, with just 4,300 buildings out of thousands complying with the solar panel mandate. The city’s policy, initiated in 2014, requires buildings over 500 square yards to adopt solar panels, but lax enforcement and a lack of penalties contribute to the bad progress.
Surprisingly, even government buildings, including those of the state, remain devoid of solar panels. Data from Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam reveals that approvals are limited despite receiving thousands of applications. Circle-1, encompassing Old Gurgaon, approved 1,975 out of 3,454 applications, while Circle-2, covering New Gurgaon and Sohna, approved 2,396 out of 4,851.
Government officials estimate that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of unaccounted buildings that should have embraced solar power by now. With sectors 1 to 57 boasting 400-500 plots each of over 500 square yards, along with numerous guest houses, colonies, complexes, and group housing societies, the untapped potential for solar adoption is substantial.
Curiously, even key government offices, including those of DHBVN, HVPNL, DTCP, and HSVP, lack solar panels. Data by the chief engineer of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), Vinit Singh, acknowledges a past proposal that never materialised but promises a fresh initiative.
Experts point out that a lack of awareness and a complex and cumbersome registration process hinder residents and commercial establishments from embracing solar power.
Avinash Saini, CEO of Aldex Energy, emphasises the simplicity of installation, with costs as low as Rs. 45,000 for panels up to 1kV.
District town planner Rajesh Kaushik highlights that the process involves submitting documents related to solar panels at the head office in Panchkula, complicating matters for developers. With occupancy certificates contingent on installing solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and proof of electricity connection, the city faces the challenge of demystifying and simplifying the solar adoption process to accelerate its clean energy transition.
