Chandigarh, October 15, 2026: Residents of Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) homes have received a welcome simplification in the process of installing rooftop solar power systems. According to a report published by The Tribune on October 15, residents of more than 66,000 CHB homes no longer need to obtain separate prior approval or a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the housing board to install rooftop solar power plants. Installations must still follow the PM Surya Ghar scheme guidelines and be carried out through the Chandigarh Renewable Energy, Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST).
What has changed for homeowners?
The waiver removes a separate permission step that could otherwise add time and uncertainty for eligible households considering solar panels. The change does not mean that all installations are automatically approved: applicants must still comply with the applicable scheme norms and use the designated CREST route.
Who is covered by the decision?
As reported by The Tribune, the change covers more than 66,000 dwelling units of the Chandigarh Housing Board. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria approved the relevant need-based changes with immediate effect. An order issued by CHB Chairman H Rajesh Prasad specifies that no separate CHB NOC is necessary for rooftop solar photovoltaic systems installed through CREST under PM Surya Ghar rules.
The exemption concerns the CHB permission step. It should not be confused with a blanket exemption from electrical safety checks, technical feasibility, eligibility requirements or other conditions attached to the scheme.
Why rooftop solar matters in Chandigarh
Rooftop solar allows households to generate electricity at the point of use and potentially reduce their dependence on grid-supplied power. Actual savings depend on system size, generation, household consumption, tariffs and the applicable subsidy rules. Residents should check current technical and financial eligibility before committing to an installer.
Subsidies and installation support
Under the central PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, qualifying residential rooftop solar systems can receive a subsidy of up to ₹78,000 for systems of up to 3 kW, according to the reported scheme details. Eligible households may also explore financing from participating banks. Subsidy amounts, financing terms, roof suitability and final approval depend on the programme rules in force when a household applies.
For official programme information, residents can consult the PM Surya Ghar national portal and CREST guidance rather than relying on promotional claims about guaranteed zero electricity bills.
Potential benefits for the local economy
Clearer procedures can help households make decisions about clean-energy investments. If adoption rises, it may also support legitimate local work in solar installation, maintenance and related electrical services. These are potential outcomes, not confirmed employment or installation figures.
What residents should check next
CHB residents interested in solar power should verify the latest PM Surya Ghar eligibility conditions, CREST installation process, roof suitability, safety requirements and any applicable electricity-board approvals. They should avoid assuming that the NOC waiver removes all technical checks.
Source and verification
Featured image credit: American Public Power Association / Unsplash (representative image, not a photo of a particular CHB home). This article draws on The Tribune’s report published on October 15, 2026 and public information about the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Financial savings and local economic effects described above are possibilities, not independently verified outcomes of the CHB NOC waiver. For more local developments, see the Speedy Clicks News Room.