16 July 2025 at 09:18 pm IST
Chandigarh made a significant leap in sustainable energy by commissioning North India’s largest commercial floating solar power plant, with a total capacity of 4.5 MW. Led by the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), the project showcased an innovative blend of renewable energy and water conservation using Growatt’s advanced inverter technology. The project’s first phase (2MW), launched in 2023, faced complex environmental conditions—humidity, heat, and reflection from water surfaces. CREST engineers chose Growatt’s MAX 125KTL3-X LV inverters, which achieved 98.6% peak efficiency, ensuring robust performance despite these challenges. This early success paved the way for a 2.5MW expansion in March 2025, utilizing further optimized inverter placements and airflow design. Growatt's IP66-rated, corrosion-resistant inverters not only withstood the moist, floating setup but also benefited from natural water cooling, helping maintain ideal operating temperatures. With smart remote monitoring, CREST minimized downtime and ensured stable energy output—delivering 6.3 million kWh annually, translating to an estimated ₹44.1 million in revenue at ₹7/kWh. Beyond energy generation, the floating plant contributed to water conservation, reducing 660 million liters of evaporation annually. By aligning renewable innovation with environmental protection, this project marked a major milestone in Chandigarh’s 2030 net-zero vision, while establishing floating solar as a scalable solution for India’s energy-secure future.
