New Delhi, 10 July: In a significant ruling for rooftop solar consumers, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, has directed a renewable energy company to pay ₹25,265 in compensation after finding that its rooftop solar power system failed to deliver the promised electricity savings.
The consumer had alleged that despite installing the solar system, his electricity bills did not decline as assured. He also claimed that the company had charged an excessive amount for installing a net meter. The Commission held the company responsible for deficiency in service.
Consumer’s Complaint
According to the complaint, Ijjada Vivekananda installed a rooftop solar power system after being assured that it would substantially reduce his monthly electricity bills. However, the system reportedly generated far less electricity than promised, resulting in minimal savings on power costs.
The complainant further argued that the company had overcharged him for the installation of the net metering system.
Commission’s Findings
A bench comprising President Rachiraju Venkata Nagasundar and members Bantupalli Sridevi and Ashok Kumar Sharma observed that the rooftop solar system failed to generate electricity in line with the performance promised at the time of installation. Consequently, the consumer was deprived of the expected reduction in electricity bills.
After examining the evidence, the Commission partly allowed the complaint and directed the renewable energy company to:
- Refund ₹1,765 collected towards net meter installation charges.
- Pay ₹20,000 as compensation for deficient service and the mental distress caused to the consumer.
- Pay ₹3,500 towards litigation costs.
The total compensation awarded amounts to ₹25,265.
Significance of the Ruling
The order comes at a time when rooftop solar installations are expanding rapidly across India under various government-backed renewable energy initiatives. The ruling reinforces that solar companies can be held accountable if they fail to deliver the performance and electricity savings promised to consumers, strengthening consumer protection in the growing clean energy sector.
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