The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has made a significant stride toward sustainable urban development by saving ₹5.91 crore in electricity expenses over the past two years through solar energy generation. By installing rooftop solar systems across its municipal buildings, the civic body has achieved an impressive 3 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation per hour, underscoring its commitment to energy self-reliance and environmental responsibility.

Expanding Solar Infrastructure

Officials report that solar panels have been installed at 86 key civic locations, spanning administrative offices, municipal schools, hospitals, swimming pools, theatres, badminton halls, and crematoria. The initiative is part of PCMC’s broader strategy to integrate renewable energy into public infrastructure, thereby reducing dependency on conventional electricity sources.

As of September 2025, the rooftop solar systems have collectively produced 5,917,112 units of clean electricity, a contribution that not only offsets the corporation’s energy costs but also plays a vital role in reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

Pradip Jambhale Patil, Additional Municipal Commissioner, PCMC, emphasized the dual benefits of the program: “Along with financial savings, these initiatives are aimed at transforming Pimpri-Chinchwad into a ‘Net Zero’ city in the near future. We envision a city where sustainable energy becomes the backbone of municipal services, providing long-term environmental and economic benefits.”

Economic and Environmental Impact

Joint City Engineer Anil Bhalsakale explained that the transition to green energy is more than a financial exercise: “Adopting solar energy is not just about lowering electricity bills — it’s a long-term investment in sustainable urban development. By expanding the use of solar energy, PCMC is achieving both environmental conservation and economic efficiency, and such initiatives will continue to grow in the years ahead.”

The move aligns with global trends in municipal energy management, where cities are increasingly prioritizing renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage costs, and achieve sustainable development goals. By investing in solar infrastructure, PCMC sets a model for other urban centers looking to balance economic prudence with environmental stewardship.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, PCMC is actively expanding its solar capacity. The civic body is developing new 450 kW-capacity solar systems at 13 additional sites, which are currently under construction. In addition, there are plans to install 4 MW of solar capacity across 58 more locations, further enhancing the city’s renewable energy portfolio.

By integrating solar energy into municipal operations, PCMC is gradually building a robust framework for a green, energy-efficient, and economically sustainable urban environment. The initiative not only reduces energy costs but also contributes to a cleaner environment and positions Pimpri-Chinchwad as a forward-thinking, climate-conscious city.

With its ongoing projects, PCMC demonstrates that municipal authorities can simultaneously achieve financial savings, environmental sustainability, and energy self-sufficiency, offering a replicable model for cities across India.