More than 8,000 apartment and housing societies in Ahmedabad are unable to fully benefit from rooftop solar schemes despite incentives under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, as terrace rights in many buildings remain with developers instead of residents.
According to industry sources, although rules introduced after 2012 classify terraces as common property in housing societies, many builders retained ownership or usage rights through sale agreements. In several residential projects, terraces are being used for penthouses, mobile towers, advertising structures and other commercial purposes, leaving societies without access to install common rooftop solar systems.Terrace disputes stall solar installationsReal estate and solar industry experts estimate that Gujarat has around 15,000 to 20,000 apartment-based housing societies, many of which are technically suitable for rooftop solar.
However, around 400 to 1,000 societies are believed to be unable to proceed with installations due to disputes over terrace ownership, usage rights or legal control. These estimates are based on industry inputs and are not official government figures.Lower power bills, maintenance costs at stakeA typical medium-sized housing society can install a rooftop solar system of 30–50 kW, enough to power common facilities such as lifts, water pumps, street lighting and security cabins. This can significantly reduce electricity bills and, in turn, lower monthly maintenance charges for residents.
Experts say resolving terrace ownership issues could unlock an additional 12–50 MW of rooftop solar capacity across Gujarat, helping societies save on energy costs while supporting the state’s clean energy goals.
Buyers urged to check terrace ownershipProperty experts advise homebuyers to verify whether the terrace is classified as a common area or remains under the builder’s ownership before purchasing a flat. This information should be checked in the sale deed, approved building plans and documents defining common areas.
Many buyers overlook this aspect during purchase, only to face problems later when societies seek to install rooftop solar systems, rainwater harvesting facilities or other shared infrastructure. Ensuring clarity on terrace ownership can help avoid future legal disputes and enable residents to benefit from common rooftop projects.