Sat Aug 02 15:16:38 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Solar Power Turns Sour for Some Chennai Apartment Residents Due to Billing Confusion
**Chennai, August 2, 2025** – While rooftop solar panels are increasingly mandated and encouraged as a green initiative, some Chennai residents are finding their experience less than sunny due to confusion surrounding billing practices. Apartment complexes in areas like RA Puram and Abiramapuram, intended to benefit from reduced electricity bills through solar power, are instead facing unexpectedly high charges and a lack of clarity in understanding their energy consumption.
Residents of Geeyam Kalyan apartment complex in RA Puram initially celebrated the solar panels installed to power common amenities. However, high electricity bills prompted them to seek assistance. An awareness meeting conducted by the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) revealed the issue: their solar panels were connected to a “net feed-in” system instead of the more favorable “net metering” system. By switching to net metering, residents expect to see a significant reduction in their bills.
Similarly, Vrikshah Gurukulam in Abiramapuram experienced initial disappointment with their solar panel system. The complicated billing process left residents questioning the benefits of their green energy investment. CAG’s assessment highlighted the need to optimize the system’s capacity and provided clarity on the billing structure.
CAG highlights the issues of developer and vendor knowledge gaps, with residents in many new apartment complexes struggle to understand the intricacies of rooftop solar installation, with some deciding to give up on the green energy option.
The NGO works to address the lack of clarity surrounding solar energy adoption, from application processes to deciphering billing systems. Many potential consumers would think twice about investing in solar energy when they come across such negative feedback from communities that have already invested in it.
To address these challenges, CAG is conducting free awareness programs and working with stakeholders, including Tangedco (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited), banks, and vendors. They offer technical expertise to clarify consumer queries. Tangedco is also conducting grievance meetings to address solar-related concerns.
Residents seeking assistance with solar billing or installation can contact Subramani of CAG at 88072 14008.
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