Thunderstorm damages rooftop plants, raises solar panel quality concerns

Jaipur: A severe thunderstorm Saturday evening wreaked havoc on rooftop solar installations across the state, raising risks for uninsured projects, questionable solar panel quality and the absence of a regulatory framework to safeguard consumers.

Industry representatives pointed out that most rooftop solar systems remain uninsured, forcing owners to absorb heavy financial losses. Experts also questioned the quality and durability of photovoltaic (PV) panels used.

Vendors say that without insurance, damage to rooftop systems translates into permanent consumer loss. “Most rooftop solar plants are not insured. They cannot even avail the govt subsidy for the second time,” said one installer, adding that annual insurance costs range between Rs 300-600, but awareness remains low.

Reports from storm-hit areas revealed cracked and shattered panels, damaged frames and displaced modules, suggesting poor material quality and weak mounting practices.

Ajay Yadav, president of the Renewable Energy Association of Rajasthan (REAR), wrote to REC Ltd’s chief manager, highlighting that the modules from the reputed manufacturers failed under wind pressure. “The solar module frames were found damaged and broken. In some instances, the panels were torn and displaced or rolled due to wind pressure,” he noted.

Yadav stressed that despite complaints, distributors and manufacturers have not offered support, leaving vendors to face credibility loss and direct financial burdens for replacements. He warned that the issue is not isolated, with similar failures reported across multiple installations after recent weather events.

It is estimated that nearly 200 rooftop solar systems were damaged in the storm.

Calling for urgent intervention, Yadav urged authorities to review module quality standards, enforce accountability on manufacturers and distributors and strengthen technical guidelines for wind-load resistance and durability.

“Strengthening technical guidelines for wind-load resistance and durability of solar modules is the need of the hour,” he emphasised.

The incident has amplified calls for a robust regulatory framework, mandatory insurance and stricter quality checks to protect consumers and sustain confidence in rooftop solar push.
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