CHENNAI: Tapping of solar energy from the rooftops of high-rise buildings in the city still remains a distant dream. Even eight months after the state government issued an order making solar panels mandatory for at least one-third of terraces in high rises, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is yet to implement the directive.
According to reliable sources, the delay was because the authority was yet to notify the guidelines for the mandatory installation of solar energy systems in the buildings. The announcement aimed at promoting clean energy was made by the Chief Minister in the Assembly in February.
The GO to enable implementation of the decision was also promptly issued the same month by the Housing and Urban Development department. The order mandated solar panels to cover at least one-third of the terrace area of the special buildings, group developments and multi-storied buildings. The power so generated was to be connected to the grid.
While CMDA officials refused to comment on what was delaying implementation of the GO, city-based builders feel that the order on solar panels was a welcome one suggesting that steps should be taken to implement the same.
Stating that the order is yet to be executed, the national chairman of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (Best Practices), T Chitty Babu, said that the move, although welcome, will impact the terrace space, which is predominantly used for get-togethers or drying clothes by the residents.
As per the regulations stipulated by the government order, electricity generated would be used for common electricity requirements in multi-ownership buildings like staircase lights, setback lights, lifts, pumps and non-floor space index areas.
The CMDA and local planning authorities have to give completion certificate only after erection of solar photo- voltaic panels. As per norms, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd. (TANGEDCO) should provide service connection of net metering only after such completion certificate.