Solar Energy System requirements for specified buildings
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority guidance, which does not print an order number, was signed by the Member Secretary on 28 August 2021. It instructs owners and occupants of high rise buildings, non high rise buildings and public buildings to provide rooftop solar energy systems in accordance with their planning permission, and warns that the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority may inspect the buildings and take enforcement action for non-provision.
What the guidance covers
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority guidance applies to high rise buildings, non high rise buildings and public buildings. It concerns the solar energy requirements connected with the norms for issuing a Completion Certificate and obtaining power supply, water and sewerage connections.
The document is signed by the Member Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority on 28 August 2021. It does not contain a printed government order number.
Requirements for buildings
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority guidance states that installation of a Solar Energy System is required under the applicable Completion Certificate norms. Its key provisions are:
- One third of the total terrace area must be reserved for erecting solar photovoltaic panels.
- The document states that the approximate space required to generate one kilowatt of electricity is 10 square inches.
- Owners and occupants must provide the rooftop Solar Energy System required by the planning permission issued for their building.
- The requirement applies to high rise buildings, non high rise buildings and public buildings.
The space figure above is reproduced from the source text. The document does not provide a separate method for calculating panel capacity or explain how the stated area should be measured.
Inspection and use
The Enforcement Cell of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority may inspect covered buildings. The inspection is intended to check whether a solar photovoltaic panel system has been installed and is being used effectively to generate electricity.
The generated power may be used by the building itself or supplied to a grid. The document does not specify a minimum quantity of electricity that must be generated or supplied.
Who may be affected
Owners and occupants of high rise buildings, non high rise buildings and public buildings should check the planning permission for the property and ensure that the required rooftop solar system has been provided. The requirement is particularly relevant when seeking a Completion Certificate or connections for power supply, water and sewerage.
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority states that failure to provide a solar photovoltaic panel system will be viewed seriously. Enforcement action may be taken under Sections 56 and 57 of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does my building have to reserve terrace space for solar panels?
For high rise buildings, non high rise buildings and public buildings covered by the guidance, one third of the total terrace area must be reserved for solar photovoltaic panels.
Will the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority inspect the solar installation?
Yes. Its Enforcement Cell may inspect covered buildings to check whether the solar photovoltaic panel system is installed and effectively used to generate power for the building or a grid.
Is the solar requirement connected with a Completion Certificate?
Yes. The document describes solar installation as part of the norms for issuing a Completion Certificate and obtaining power supply, water and sewerage connections for the specified building types.
What can happen if a covered building has no solar photovoltaic panel system?
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority says non-provision will be viewed seriously and may lead to enforcement action under Sections 56 and 57 of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.
