Routine Storms, Collapsing Rooftop Solar: A Wake-Up Call on Installation Standards

The recent storms in Indore and Bhopal exposed a disturbing truth: many solar systems in India aren’t built to survive even routine storms and Indian weather conditions. These events underline a critical need: India’s solar boom must be matched with robust quality standards.

May 07, 2025. By News Bureau

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Rooftop solar systems

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PM Surya Ghar Yojana

Indore experienced what would typically be called a routine pre-monsoon thunderstorm. Wind speeds reached approximately 120 kmph — not uncommon for this time of the year. The following evening, Bhopal faced similar weather, with strong gusts and heavy rains sweeping across the city. Fallen trees and minor infrastructural damages are expected during such events. But what surprised many residents this time was something less common: collapsed rooftop solar systems.

Across both cities, the aftermath of the storm revealed numerous solar panels torn from rooftops, damaged structures, and scattered debris. These images sparked serious concerns – not just about individual property damage but about the safety standards of solar installations in India. If a storm of this intensity can cause such widespread failure, what happens when stronger cyclonic winds, reaching 140–150 kmph or more, arrive?

Solar Promises vs Ground Reality
For thousands of Indian households, rooftop solar systems represent a long-term investment – one tied to promises of savings, energy independence, and environmental consciousness. The standard pitch includes 25 years of free electricity and a rapid return on investment. But after this storm, many homeowners are left asking: will the system even last five years, let alone twenty-five?

The collapse of these systems isn’t just a matter of poor luck; it’s a reflection of systemic compromises in installation practices. A key issue lies in the structural backbone of rooftop systems: the module mounting structures. These are supposed to withstand high wind speeds, but many installations appear to have been built with materials and designs that fail to meet even basic engineering standards.

Cutting Corners: A Widespread Issue
One contributing factor is the growing number of low-cost solar vendors entering the market. With the rise in demand – boosted further by initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and state-level up to 78,000 subsidies, installation companies are under pressure to offer lower prices. In doing so, some cut costs by using thinner metals, substandard bolts, or non-engineered frames that are not designed to hold up under adverse weather conditions.

In some cases, materials begin to rust within a few years, weakening the structure and increasing the risk of collapse during storms. These installations may appear affordable initially, but their long-term costs – both financial and safety-related, can be steep.

What was particularly alarming about the recent storms wasn’t just the failure of the systems, but the danger they posed. Dislodged panels became flying debris, some reportedly landing in neighbouring properties. The safety risks extend beyond just the households that installed the panels.

What This Means for the Solar Industry
These events underline a critical need: India’s solar boom must be matched with robust quality standards. Rooftop solar is a crucial part of the country’s renewable energy future, but unless installations are engineered for local weather extremes, the sector could face a trust crisis.

It's essential for policymakers, vendors, and consumers alike to push for mandatory safety certifications, standardized structural designs, and periodic audits of solar installations. Homeowners should also be made more aware of the engineering behind their systems – not just the panels and inverters, but the structures that hold them in place.

Looking Ahead
The recent storm may have seemed routine, but the damage it caused was a wake-up call. It exposed the weak spots in an industry that’s growing fast but still finding its footing. As more homes turn to solar, it’s clear that safety can’t be an afterthought – we need to scale smart, not just fast.

For any residential solar setup, safety should come first – especially in a country like India where extreme weather is common. Homeowners need to look beyond the solar panels and pay close attention to the mounting structure and the vendor behind it. The system should be strong enough to withstand wind speeds of at least 170 kmph.

It’s best to choose mounting systems that are pre-fabricated in factories, where precision manufacturing ensures consistent quality and removes the risk of errors during installation. These structures should also be rust-proof and built to last. And don’t just focus on the product – do your homework on the vendor too. Check reviews, experience, and past installations to make sure you’re in safe hands.

Because when the next storm hits, you’ll want your rooftop and your solar system to stand firm.

- Shreya Mishra, Co-founder, SolarSquare