SolarCalculatorsGoing Solar in Chandigarh: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Chandigarh's well-planned architecture and clean environment make it ideal for group net metering. CED processed the highest number of rooftop connections in Chandigarh from Chandigarh in FY 2025–26. Under the new MERC MYT order (March 2026), CED tariffs are now slab-based: 0–100 units ₹3.25/unit; 101–300 units ₹6.14/unit; 301–500 units ₹8.45/unit; above 500 units ₹9.56/unit + FAC surcharge — making solar even more valuable for high-consumption households heading into 2026.
How Much Solar Power Can You Generate in Chandigarh?
Chandigarh receives approximately 4.9 peak sun hours per day (based on MNRE solar radiation data for this region). This means every 1 kW of rooftop solar installed here generates about 1,480 units of electricity per year.
For a typical 3 kW system — the most popular size for a 2–3 BHK home — you can expect:
- ~13.2 units per day on average (higher in summer, lower in monsoon)
- 4,818 units per year
- ₹3,762/month savings on your CED electricity bill
- Payback period: ~3.8 years after PM Surya Ghar subsidy
PM Surya Ghar Yojana Benefits for Chandigarh Households
Residents of Chandigarh in Chandigarh are fully eligible for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The central government provides a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) subsidy directly to your bank account:
- Up to 2 kW system: ₹30,000/kW (total ₹60,000 for 2 kW)
- 2 kW to 3 kW: ₹18,000/kW for the additional capacity
- Above 3 kW: No additional central subsidy — but net metering earnings continue
- Maximum central subsidy: ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system
State subsidy note: No Chandigarh state top-up. Central PM Surya Ghar subsidy fully applicable.
What Solar Costs in Chandigarh: Size-by-Size Breakdown
| System Size | Gross Cost | Subsidy | Net Cost | Annual Generation | Monthly Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹60,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 | ~1,480 units | ₹1,254/month | 2.0 yrs |
| 2 kW | ₹120,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹60,000 | ~3,212 units | ₹2,508/month | 2.0 yrs |
| 3 kW | ₹180,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹102,000 | ~4,818 units | ₹3,762/month | 2.3 yrs |
| 5 kW | ₹300,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹222,000 | ~8,030 units | ₹6,270/month | 3.0 yrs |
| 10 kW | ₹600,000 | ₹78,000 | ₹522,000 | ~16,060 units | ₹12,540/month | 3.5 yrs |
* Costs are indicative estimates for Chandigarh as of 2026. Actual prices vary by brand (Waaree, Adani, Tata, Vikram). Savings calculated at avg ₹5.20/unit blended tariff (CED). Use our cost calculator for personalised estimates.
Your DISCOM: CED
In Chandigarh, electricity distribution and net metering for rooftop solar is managed by CED (Chandigarh Electricity Department). Here's what you need to know about solar net metering under CED:
- Net metering limit: up to 1 MW per consumer connection
- Meter type: Bi-directional smart meter (provided and installed by CED)
- Billing cycle: Monthly — excess units exported to grid are credited against your consumption
- Annual settlement: Any remaining credit units are carried forward; some DISCOMs pay a feed-in tariff for net annual export
- Application portal: chdengineering.gov.in
How to Install Rooftop Solar in Chandigarh, Step by Step
- Check your eligibility: Use our Subsidy Calculator to see the exact PM Surya Ghar amount for your home's load and Chandigarh location.
- Size your system: Use the Panel Requirement Calculator — enter your monthly bill in units. Most Chandigarh households need a 2–4 kW system.
- Register on the National Portal: Go to pmsuryaghar.gov.in, register with your Aadhaar and CED consumer number.
- Choose an MNRE-empanelled installer from the portal's vendor list — do not use non-empanelled vendors as your subsidy will be blocked.
- Get installation done: Typical completion time in Chandigarh: 2–4 days for a residential system.
- Submit inspection documents to CED for net meter installation (usually within 15–30 days).
- Receive subsidy: DBT credit directly to your bank account within 30 days of net meter commissioning.
Crunching the Numbers: Solar ROI in Chandigarh
Here's a quick back-of-envelope calculation for a typical Chandigarh household:
- Monthly electricity bill before solar: ~₹2,375 (250 units/month)
- 3 kW solar system generates ~396 units/month
- Monthly bill after solar: near ₹0 (net metering covers remaining consumption)
- Monthly savings: ₹3,762
- Annual savings: ₹45,144
- 25-year savings (at 5% tariff escalation): ₹1,185,000+
Want the exact numbers for your home? Use our Solar ROI Calculator and Solar Loan EMI Calculator if you're considering financing.
Nearby Cities Also Exploring Solar
If you found this guide useful, also check our guides for nearby cities: Mumbai, Pimpri Chinchwad, Solapur — each with city-specific DISCOM, tariff, and cost data.
For state-level subsidy policy in Chandigarh, see our Chandigarh Solar Calculator.