Rooftop Solar PV Awareness Workshop - Mangayarkarasi Magalir Manram
Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), in collaboration with Mangayrkarasi Magalir Manram organised a rooftop solar PV awareness workshop on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Mangayarkarasi Magalir Manram Hall, Adyar. The event took place from 04:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and was attended by 20 residents from Adyar.
Workshop Overview
Consultants from CAG, Kaarmuhil and Aleena — along with researchers Meenakshi and Manikandan, attended the workshop. The session began with a welcome address from Mrs. Usha, a member of the Women’s Association, who introduced the CAG team to the other members.
Ms. Meenakshi, Researcher, CAG explaining rooftop solar PV systems to participants.
Mr. Manikandan, Researcher, CAG, introduced the organisation’s work and explained the purpose of the workshop. Ms. Meenakshi, Researcher, CAG, provided a detailed presentation on rooftop solar PV systems. Her session covered the following key topics: a) Types of PV systems, b) Benefits of installing solar, c) Capacity & space required for installation d) PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy scheme e) Key guidelines and checklists for installation.
Researchers and experts from CAG also shared broader insights into the benefits and the process of adopting rooftop solar systems. Participants received IEC materials covering essential topics such as system fundamentals, installation procedures, investment details, and available incentives, which they found highly informative and useful.
All participants in the workshop were women deeply concerned about the environment. To better understand their specific needs, a few participants introduced themself by sharing details about their community, type of residence (villa, apartment, or individual house), and primary concerns. The majority live in independent houses and expressed interest in solar solutions as a way to reduce their high electricity bills.
Rooftop Solar PV awareness program participants
Participant Queries and Discussion
During the interactive Q&A session, participants raised several insightful questions related to rooftop solar systems. The CAG team responded with detailed explanations, addressing both technical and practical aspects.
Some questions asked by the participants during the meeting:
- Mrs. X enquired about hybrid solar systems and their costs. The CAG team explained how hybrid systems work, including their components and functionality. They also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid setups and provided a basic overview of the associated costs.
- Mrs. Y raised a question regarding the e-waste generated from rooftop solar panels and batteries. In response, the CAG team explained that specific companies specialised in e-waste management. These companies are responsible for collecting and safely reusing or recycling discarded solar components and batteries.
- Mrs. Z asked about the possibility of installing a rooftop solar system at an old-age home she manages. The CAG team confirmed that it is indeed a feasible option and encouraged her to explore it further. They noted that the facility falls under Low Tension (LT) I-A category, making it eligible for subsidies and net metering based on the space and energy requirements.
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Mrs. A inquired about the possibility of installing solar panels on the association building. The CAG team explained that while subsidies are not available for commercial buildings, installation is still a viable option due to the typically high electricity consumption, which makes solar energy cost-effective in the long run.
These questions reflected the participants’ genuine interest in sustainable energy solutions and their practical application in real-life scenarios. The discussion contributed to an even more engaging and informative workshop experience.
CAG team members with members of Mangayarkarasi Magalir Manram
Next Steps & Conclusion
Mrs. Archna, President, Women’s Association, thanked and appreciated CAG for organising the rooftop solar awareness workshop and for their efforts in promoting sustainable energy solutions. Mr. Kaarmuhil, Consultant, CAG, concluded the session by summarising the key points discussed and encouraging participants to explore rooftop solar options further.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the informative and engaging session. They were encouraged to reach out to CAG for any further queries or support related to rooftop solar systems. For further details, CAG has prepared an SOP for rooftop solar installations. You can access the English version here and the Tamil version here.