Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), in collaboration with Solar Advisory Unit - Madurai, organised an outreach meeting on rooftop solar PV systems. The Solar Advisory Unit is an initiative by CAG, comprising a solar expert and a coordinator, aimed at guiding consumers on solar system-related enquiries.
This was the first outreach meeting in Madurai district under the project “Accelerating Adoption of Renewable Energy by Improving Stakeholders Participation”.
The meeting was conducted on Saturday, 12 July 2025, between 4 and 6 PM, at the Anganwadi centre in Vadivelkarai village. It was attended by 33 residents from the locality, and also had representatives from the Village Panchayat.
Ms.Sivamani, a volunteer, gave the welcome address and emphasised the importance of renewable energy and how as a community can contribute to the environment by aligning a village towards sustainable development.
The inaugural address was given by Dr.C.Packialakshmi, Coordinator, Solar Advisory Unit/Madurai, who also pointed out how important it was to have renewable energy thereby reducing energy dependency on coal. She also pointed out that renewable energy can be economically positive to an individual, while also contributing towards environmental conservation.
Dr. C. Packialakshmi, Coordinator, addressing the participants
Mr. Subramani, Researcher, CAG explained CAG’s work within the renewable energy sector and how it had impacted consumers, helping them move towards sustainability. He also explained the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana - the entire process, subsidies available for the consumers, how to approach the vendors and the methods for handling grievances.
Mr. Selvakumar, Solar expert, Solar Advisory Unit, Madurai, introduced rooftop solar PV systems to the consumers, covering the following topics:
- Types of systems and capacity requirements
- Space needed for installation
- Billing mechanism - Net Metering; Net Feed-In
- Network Charges and Fixed Charges
- Investment costs and available subsidies for different electricity tariffs
- Payback period calculations based on electricity consumption
- Key guidelines and checklists for installations
Mr. Selvakumar, Solar expert, explaining the concepts of rooftop solar to participants
Brochures containing the details on the basics of rooftop solar PV systems and general details about the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana were distributed to the participants. The meeting was very well received, with good interaction as participants clarified their queries.
Participant queries were addressed by the solar expert:
1. Can we save on electricity bills by installing solar panels?
Yes. Rooftop solar systems are sized based on a household’s energy consumption. They reduce or eliminate grid electricity usage, so consumers pay only network charges, not electricity consumption charges.
2. How can we get a loan without collateral?
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, public sector banks offer loans starting at 6.5% interest. No collateral is needed for loans up to Rs.2 lakh.
3. Can we install it in our temple?
Yes, rooftop solar can be installed in temples. However, PM Surya Ghar Scheme and net metering apply only to residential connections. Temples can use the Net Feed-In mechanism.
4. Are the panels made of glass? Will they break?
Solar panels are covered with toughened glass. They are scratch-resistant and can withstand impact from birds and small animals.
5. Where will the panels be kept?
Panels are installed on rooftops—either directly or on elevated structures. They can also be mounted on asbestos sheets.
6. I have panels from the CM’s Solar Housing Scheme that do not work. What can be done?
The solar panels were installed under the Chief Minister's Solar Powered Green House Scheme (CMSPGHS), which provides housing and solar-powered lighting to rural poor families. CAG and the Solar Advisory Unit, Madurai, assessed the site and found that the panels and batteries had not been maintained properly, as consumers were either unaware or not adequately informed. It was also observed that several other houses in the locality faced similar issues. The Solar Advisor will inspect all affected households and explore ways to restore and utilize the panels and batteries effectively for the benefit of the consumers.
Conclusion
The participants were informed about the Solar Advisory Unit, which is present in Madurai District , which will support consumers in accessing reliable information and raising grievances related to solar installations. They were encouraged to make use of the service and spread awareness among friends and family.