Rooftop Solar User Awarded Rs 25,265 Compensation as Consumer Court Finds Deficiency in Service

Separate reports of unexpectedly high electricity bills after rooftop solar installations have also prompted several consumers to seek answers from power utilities and vendors.

By Vidhi Lalla:

A District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Vizianagaram has ordered a renewable energy company to refund and compensate a rooftop solar consumer after finding deficiencies in service related to net meter charges and lower-than-promised power generation.

According to the complaint, the consumer had paid Rs 10,729 towards net meter charges in May 2024. However, he later alleged that the rooftop solar system failed to generate the expected amount of electricity between July and September 2024, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 4,536.

Seeking relief, the consumer approached the commission, claiming wrongful charges, poor performance of the solar unit and financial hardship caused by the deficiency in service.

After examining the case, the commission partly allowed the complaint in its order dated June 11, 2026. It directed the company to refund Rs 10,729 collected towards net meter charges along with 9 per cent annual interest from the date of payment until the amount is realised.

The commission also ordered reimbursement of Rs 4,536 towards the shortfall in electricity generation, along with 9 per cent annual interest from the date the complaint was filed.

In addition, the consumer was awarded Rs 5,000 as compensation for mental agony and another Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses. The renewable energy company has been directed to comply with the order within 45 days of receiving it.

The ruling comes at a time when several rooftop solar users have reported unexpectedly high electricity bills despite installing solar systems to reduce their monthly power costs.

In Maharashtra, multiple consumers have claimed that after enjoying negligible or zero electricity bills for a few months, they suddenly received bills running into thousands of rupees even though their rooftop solar systems continued to generate electricity at normal levels.

Mirza Ghazanfar Baig, a resident of Nagpur who installed a 3.3 kW rooftop solar system, said he initially received zero electricity bills after the export connection was activated. However, he later received a bill of Rs 10,000, despite his solar unit consistently generating around 450 to 500 units every month.

Another rooftop solar user from Narendra Nagar reported that monthly import units increased sharply despite stable solar generation, resulting in electricity bills of Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,200 over two consecutive months.

A resident of Godhani also alleged that he received bills of Rs 2,400 and Rs 4,500, even though both he and his wife remain away from home during most of the day. After lodging a complaint with MSEDCL, he said the utility later informed him that his bill had turned negative.

Commenting on the complaints, MSEDCL Chief Public Relations Officer Bharat Pawar said that while only a small percentage of consumers had reported such issues, some complaints appeared genuine. He explained that higher summer electricity consumption could also contribute to increased bills and advised consumers with billing concerns to approach MSEDCL offices for verification.

“Consumers invest in rooftop solar expecting long-term savings. Prompt investigation of billing disputes is essential to maintain confidence in renewable energy programmes,” said energy consultant Rohan Kulkarni.

Consumer rights experts believe the Vizianagaram commission’s ruling reinforces that solar companies and service providers can be held accountable if promised performance standards are not met. “This judgment reminds consumers to preserve installation documents, generation records and electricity bills, as these can become crucial evidence in case of disputes,” said consumer rights advocate Meera Joshi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Why did the consumer receive compensation?
The Consumer Commission found deficiencies in service related to net meter charges and lower-than-expected electricity generation from the rooftop solar system.

Q. How much compensation was awarded?
The commission directed payment of Rs 25,265, including refunds, compensation for mental agony and legal expenses, along with applicable interest on certain amounts.

Q. Why are some rooftop solar users receiving high electricity bills?
Some consumers allege unexpected increases in import units despite normal solar generation. MSEDCL says higher summer electricity usage explains many cases, although it has acknowledged that some complaints are genuine.

Q. What should consumers do if they receive an unusually high electricity bill after installing rooftop solar?
Consumers should check their solar generation records, verify net metering details, compare electricity bills and approach their electricity distribution company and solar vendor for clarification. If unresolved, they may seek relief through consumer forums.

Q. Does installing rooftop solar guarantee zero electricity bills?
No. Electricity bills depend on several factors, including energy consumption, system capacity, net metering accuracy, seasonal generation, billing cycles and applicable electricity regulations.

Disclaimer: Rooftop solar performance and electricity savings vary depending on system design, installation quality, weather conditions, energy consumption patterns and net metering arrangements. Individual consumer disputes are decided on the specific facts and evidence presented before the appropriate authority.