Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), organised a discussion on rooftop solar PV systems from the prosumer perspective, bringing together twenty prosumers from around Chennai on Saturday, March 29, 2025, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Raj Park, Alwarpet.
Workshop Overview;
The discussion primarily highlighted insights from prosumers who have successfully installed rooftop solar PV systems. The session was moderated by Mr. Vishnu Mohan Rao, Programme Lead, CAG. It was an informative event that also included the participation of researchers and experts from both CAG and ASAR Social Impact Advisors Pvt Ltd.
Mr. Vishnu commenced the discussion by introducing CAG and presenting an overview of the initiatives of CAG.
Bharath Ram, addressing participants during the workshop
The prosumers were invited to introduce themselves by sharing their names, areas of residence, and the capacity of their installed solar systems
The interaction began with Mr. D. Suresh sharing his experience of installing rooftop solar long before it became popular. Mr. D. Suresh, widely known as "Solar Suresh," is a pioneer in solar energy adoption in Tamil Nadu. He installed a rooftop solar PV system in his home 13 years ago, at a time when rooftop solar was not a mainstream concept.
Participant Insights
As the discussion unfolded, the session progressed with the prosumers detailing their personal experiences with rooftop solar installation. The discussion developed into an active exchange of ideas, where they highlighted the benefits as well as the challenges of adopting rooftop solar.
The major challenge faced by almost all of the prosumers was in procuring bi-directional meter (net meter) from Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Company Limited (TNPDCL) and payment of the networking charges. They also highlighted a Madras High Court Judgment where the court had directed TNPDCL to cancel the networking charges.
Prosumer sharing his view in the workshop
The discussion further proceeded with prosumers talking about Return on Investment (ROI) on solar installation. Mr. Gokul Raj, a prosumer and also an industry expert walked the participants through the complete process of calculating ROI. It was gathered that the ROI on capital expenditure would be 6-7 years without a loan and 10-11 years with a loan, with variations based on the solar PV capacity. Mr. Suresh also emphasized not to look for ROI on the installation of solar, as ROI is not considered before buying any other household appliance and that the environmental impact of installing solar far exceeds any other benefits.
There were active discussions on the solar inverters used. Mr. Gokul Raj provided an overview of high-quality inverters, highlighting both domestic and international brands. A few on-grid inverters in the market can be converted into a hybrid as well, which comes with a 25-year warranty.
Another major challenge, as put forward by prosumers, was how vendors were uninterested and reluctant when it came to installing rooftop solar through subsidy schemes. It was shared that vendors discourage prosumers from going for subsidies.
The discussion further advanced with prosumers and experts discussing how the PM Surya Ghar scheme as a subsidized scheme will hold vendors responsible for the rooftop solar PV system for at least 5 years. The session then actively engaged in discussing the cost of installation of rooftop panels.
The discussion also covered the maintenance of the rooftop solar system. It was shared that for a city like Chennai, it's ideal to clean the panels at least once in 2 weeks. Cleaning mechanisms like pressure motor washing were also discussed. During the conversation, it was shared that hard water shouldn't be used for cleaning the panels due to its potential to leave mineral deposits and reduce the effectiveness of the panel. As per the suggestion from Mr. Golkul Raj and Mr. D. Suresh the ideal time for cleaning the panel would be before 6 am in the morning and after 7 pm in the evening.
The interactive event also covered other aspects of rooftop solar PV systems including technical requirements, net metering policies, battery storage options.etc.
Participants from the workshop
Conclusion
The discussion particularly emphasised how the consumer role is evolving as homeowners are generating their own electricity, creating a new standard in energy generation and consumption. Several narratives shared during the event highlighted successful rooftop installations across the city of Chennai.
Mr. Bharath Ram, CAG, concluded the session with leading conversation on the future of solar energy. The participants also expressed their gratitude for organising a fruitful session.