As part of the Accelerating Adoption of Renewable Energy by Improving Stakeholder Participation in Tamil Nadu, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) organised Solar Melas across four districts. The initiative aimed to create awareness among electricity consumers about the benefits, installation process, financial assistance and available opportunities under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The Solar Melas were conducted across four districts using a common implementation approach. Each event brought together key stakeholders involved in the rooftop solar ecosystem..
The Solar Melas were organised with the following objectives:
- Create awareness among domestic electricity consumers about rooftop solar technology and its benefits.
- Facilitate direct interaction between consumers and empanelled rooftop solar installers.
- Connect prospective consumers with banks and financial institutions to understand available loans and financing options.
- Provide information on government subsidies, installation procedures, net metering and other regulatory requirements under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
- Address consumer queries and challenges related to rooftop solar adoption.
Inauguration ceremony at Solar Mela, Dindigul
Consumer interacting with Solar installer at Solar mela, Thiruvarur
The Solar Melas were conducted across four districts using a common implementation approach. Each event brought together key stakeholders involved in the rooftop solar ecosystem, including:
- Consumers: Domestic electricity consumers interested in exploring rooftop solar installations.
- Solar Installers: Vendors and installation agencies who provided information on system sizing, installation costs, technical requirements, equipment and installation procedures.
- Financial Institutions: Representatives from banks and financial institutions who explained rooftop solar financing options, loan facilities, eligibility criteria and application procedures.
- Other Stakeholders: Relevant government representatives and local stakeholders who supported awareness creation and consumer engagement.
The events provided consumers with an opportunity to interact directly with different stakeholders, compare available solutions, clarify doubts and understand the complete process of adopting rooftop solar.
Consumer interacting with Solar installer at Solar Mela, Salem
The four district-level Solar Melas served as an important consumer engagement initiative to accelerate rooftop solar adoption in Tamil Nadu. By bringing consumers, solar installers and financial institutions onto a common platform, the initiative helped bridge information gaps, strengthen stakeholder linkages and improve consumer access to technical and financial support.
Solar vendor explaining the Bi-directional Meter at the Solar Mela, Madurai
Consumer interacting with Solar installer at the Solar Mela, Madurai
The experience highlighted the importance of localised, multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing barriers to rooftop solar adoption. Such initiatives can play a significant role in translating consumer interest into actual installations and supporting the wider adoption of rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
SOLAR MELA - CONSOLIDATED IMPACT AT A GLANCE
Voices from the Solar Mela - Consumer Experiences
Mr.Muthu, K.Pudur, Madurai, has installed a 3 kW RTS system:
I was interested in installing a rooftop solar system at my house but was not fully aware of the installation process, system capacity and government subsidy available under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. During the Solar Mela in Madurai, I had an opportunity to interact directly with solar installers and understand the technical and financial aspects of adopting rooftop solar. The interaction helped me clarify my doubts about installation costs, system requirements and the subsidy process. With this information, I decided to proceed with a 3 kW rooftop solar installation for my household.
Mr. S.Shanmuganathan, Iyanar Kovil St, Thiruvarur, has installed a 4 kW RTS system:
I had noticed that my neighbour had installed a rooftop solar system about a year ago, which sparked my interest in exploring solar energy for my own household. Since then, I have had several questions regarding system capacity, solar panel specifications and installation procedures. The Solar Mela provided an opportunity to interact directly with solar installers and clarify these doubts. Through these discussions, I gained a better understanding of the technical requirements, installation process and benefits of rooftop solar adoption. The interaction gave me the confidence to proceed with a 4 kW rooftop solar installation at my residence
Mr.S.Tenzing, Salem, has installed a 5 kW RTS system:
My household's monthly electricity bills were consistently high, ranging between Rs.6,000 and Rs.8,000. This prompted me to explore rooftop solar as a way to reduce my electricity expenses. However, I was initially unsure about the investment required, the appropriate system capacity and the benefits of installing a rooftop solar system. During the Solar Mela, I interacted with solar installers and gained a better understanding of system sizing, installation costs and the subsidy available under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. The discussions helped me evaluate the benefits of rooftop solar and make an informed decision. I subsequently proceeded with a 5 kW rooftop solar installation at my residence
Mr. N.Senthil, Pazhani, Dindigul had installed a 3kW RTS system
I had been considering installing a rooftop solar system for some time, but the uncertainty around installation costs, equipment selection and the overall process kept me from taking the next step. When I attended the Solar Mela, I got the opportunity to speak directly with solar installers, compare the available options and understand what goes into setting up a rooftop solar system. The interaction helped me move beyond my initial doubts and gave me the confidence to invest in solar energy for my household. I subsequently installed a 3 kW rooftop solar system at my residence.