The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) has proposed installing 200 MW of rooftop solar capacity across nearly 200 government office buildings in the state as part of Tamil Nadu’s push to expand renewable energy adoption, reduce electricity costs and lower dependence on conventional power sources.
According to officials, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) with an estimated investment of ₹200 crore has been submitted to the state government for approval. The project is expected to be announced during the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly session and will be implemented under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model, under which private developers will install, own, operate and maintain the rooftop solar systems.
The initiative aims to help government offices generate a significant portion of their daytime electricity requirements through solar energy, reducing power bills while supporting the state’s long-term clean energy and sustainability goals.
Officials said the proposal revives an earlier rooftop solar initiative launched during a previous DMK government. Under that plan, tenders were floated to install 20 MW of rooftop solar systems across government offices in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram. However, the project failed to attract private developers and was eventually stalled. The tenders, floated between October 2025 and February 2026, were later cancelled after the government identified irregularities in the tendering process.
Following the Centre’s directive to accelerate renewable energy deployment, TNGECL has prepared a fresh proposal covering government buildings across Tamil Nadu with a significantly larger capacity target.
Officials acknowledged that the availability of suitable rooftop space remains one of the biggest implementation challenges. After conducting feasibility assessments, TNGECL has decided to prioritise district collectorates and Revenue Department offices, where sufficient rooftop area is available for installing solar panels.
Once approved, TNGECL will invite fresh bids from private developers under the RESCO model to execute the project across the state.
Separately, Electricity Minister C. T. R. Nirmalkumar chaired a high-level review meeting at the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) headquarters to assess the performance of the state’s power sector. The meeting reviewed electricity generation, procurement, distribution and the progress of major infrastructure projects, including the Udangudi Thermal Power Project and the proposed Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Thermal Power Project.
The proposed rooftop solar initiative is expected to play a key role in strengthening Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy capacity while reducing operational costs for public institutions and supporting the state’s transition towards cleaner energy.
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