Chandigarh, April 4 -- It's been over a decade since the UT administration has been making sustained efforts to promote rooftop solar plants in Chandigarh but only 2.5% of the households have opted for it so far. According to official data, there are around 43,000 houses eligible for the rooftop solar installation but only 1,078 residents have done it, as of March 1, 2026. Additionally, the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST) has received 1,587 applications expressing interest. Between February 10 and February 14, 2026, the CREST had organised awareness camps across the city to educate residents about the "PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana" and provide on-the-spot assistance for installation. Under the scheme, the Government of India offers subsidies of up to Rs.78,000 for residential rooftop solar systems. The initiative aims to help households generate their own electricity, reduce monthly bills, and promote clean energy adoption.The response, however, remained lukewarm, officials revealed. In recent ministry-level reviews too, Chandigarh's performance under the flagship rooftop solar scheme has been flagged as unsatisfactory with Union power ministry officials expressing concern over the sluggish progress. In the past, however, the UT administration had earned recognition among union territories for its performance in renewable energy initiatives. Explaining the low participation, city-based industrialist Chander Mohan said the high initial investment remains a major deterrent. "Even with subsidies, many households find rooftop solar panels expensive compared to their existing electricity bills. In a city like Chandigarh, where power supply is reliable, there is little urgency to shift," he said. Saurabh Kumar, secretary, Science & Technology and Renewable Energy, said the administration is intensifying awareness efforts. "We are hopeful that more residents will come forward in the coming months," he added....