Rooftop solar plants in houses to be inspected; Subsidy will have to be repaid with interest if irregularities found

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports say that the authorities are planning to conduct inspections at homes where rooftop solar plants have been installed. Reports say the decision to conduct the inspections was taken after authorities noticed that certain irregularities were being carried out under the scheme, either with or without the knowledge of consumers. Some companies are allegedly resorting to such practices to reduce costs and increase their profit margins. A report published by a media said the goal is to identify such cases.

Inspections at homes will be carried out by authorised third-party inspection agencies appointed by the Union Ministry of Power and electricity distribution companies. Reports say KSEB officials may also accompany the inspection teams. If any malpractice is detected during the investigation, further action will be taken.

Among the irregularities that may come to the attention of the authorities are showing commercial buildings as residential properties in order to claim subsidies, and using substandard equipment and solar plants. The inspection teams will check whether the panels and other equipment are included in the list approved by the central government. They will also verify whether the electricity connection at the building where the plant has been installed is genuinely a domestic connection. The safety of the earthing, wiring and other electrical installations will also be examined.

Subsidy may have to be repaid with interest
Strict action will be taken if any kind of irregularity is detected during the inspection. Authorities will also examine whether the consumer was aware of the malpractice.
Consumers found to have violated the rules will not be eligible to receive the subsidy provided by the central government. If the irregularity is found after the subsidy has already been disbursed, the amount received will have to be repaid along with interest.

Suppliers who have used materials that are not included in the central government's approved list may be blacklisted. Criminal action may also be initiated against those who create forged documents or engage in cheating or breach of trust, according to the report.