In Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, a 5 kW rooftop solar system was installed with a mismatched 3 kW inverter, leading to two fires. The consumer commission ordered the installer to replace the unit and pay ₹30,000 compensation to the buyer.
Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)
- 3 kW inverter installed in a 5 kW system caused two fires
- Himachal consumer commission ordered ₹30,000 compensation and replacement of the inverter
- Government rooftop solar schemes must strictly adhere to quality and safety standards
Ramesh Chand Sharma, a resident of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, paid ₹2.5 lakh for a 5 kW grid‑connected rooftop solar plant under the Prime Minister’s “Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana”. Instead of the agreed‑upon capacity, the installer K Solar Power Project fitted a 3 kW inverter, creating a severe shortfall and a dangerous fire hazard.
Fire Incidents and Immediate Fallout
Within days of commissioning, the inverter, meter and switches burnt out completely, igniting a fire. The company replaced the unit with another 3 kW inverter, which also caught fire in June 2025. Sharma promptly reported the incidents via a WhatsApp video call, but the installer failed to provide a lasting remedy.
Consumer Commission Investigation
The Himachal Pradesh District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, after inspections by both the company’s engineer and an independent electrical engineer, confirmed that the 3 kW inverter was incapable of safely operating the contracted 5 kW plant. Further, the company attempted to replace the defective unit with a used, faulty 3 kW inverter in August 2025, ignoring the demand for a new 5 kW unit.
Economic and Agricultural Impact
The prolonged malfunction also crippled Sharma’s agricultural water‑pumping system, disrupting irrigation and causing crop losses. The commission linked these financial damages directly to the faulty installation, reinforcing the seriousness of the breach.
Orders and Compensation
The commission directed the installer to install a brand‑new 5 kW inverter with proper accessories, standard wiring, and adequate earthing within 30 days. Failure to comply will attract a penalty of ₹3.5 lakh plus 9% annual interest from the filing date. Additionally, Sharma was awarded ₹30,000 for mental agony and harassment, and ₹7,500 for litigation expenses.
This ruling underscores that installers under government‑backed rooftop solar schemes cannot compromise on specifications or safety, treating an under‑capacity inverter as a serious fire hazard rather than a mere technical flaw.
