Chandigarh has taken a bold step toward sustainable urban development with the commissioning of North India’s largest commercial and industrial (C&I) floating solar power plant. Spearheaded by the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), this 4.5MW marvel represents a perfect marriage between cutting-edge solar technology and environmental stewardship, with Growatt’s engineering performance quietly powering its success.
When the first 2MWp phase was commissioned in 2023, the engineering team faced the unique challenges of India’s climate: intense humidity, temperature fluctuations, and the reflective environment of the water surface. These conditions demanded inverters that could not just survive, but thrive. The selection of 20 units Growatt’s MAX 125KTL3-X LV inverters proved inspired, as their 98.6% peak efficiency and advanced MPPT technology consistently delivered optimal performance despite the challenging microclimate created by the water’s surface.
The first phase project’s success led to a 2.5MW expansion in March 2025. “Growatt’s inverters were a natural choice for this project due to their reliability in challenging floating solar applications,” noted the CREST project director. “Their performance in Phase I gave us the confidence to scale up in Phase II.” The expanded system now features 20 units of MAX 125KTL3-LV inverter, incorporating lessons from Phase I about optimal placement and airflow management.
As the floating solar arrays reduce water evaporation by 660 million liters annually, they also create the ideal operating environment for the inverters shore-mounted. The natural cooling effect of the water helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for the Growatt equipment, while the inverters’ IP66 rating and corrosion-resistant design stand up to the moist environment.
With all generated power being exported to the grid at 7 INR/kWh, the plant is expected to generate approximately 44.1 million INR in annual revenue from its 6.3 million kWh production. But behind these impressive figures lies the unsung hero – the consistent, reliable performance of the power conversion systems. Growatt’s smart monitoring capabilities have been particularly valuable, allowing operators to remotely track performance and quickly address any issues, minimizing downtime in this crucial municipal installation.
As cities across India grapple with the dual challenges of energy security and environmental protection, this project not only supports Chandigarh’s ambitious 2030 net-zero target but also demonstrates how floating solar technology addresses both issues while making productive use of existing water resources. The successful integration of Growatt’s inverter technology in this challenging application further validates the potential for floating solar to play a significant role in India’s renewable energy future.
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