Rs 2.5 Lakh Compensation Ordered For Failure To Replace Defective Solar Plant Under Warranty

Kochi: The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Court has ordered a company to pay Rs 2.5 lakh in compensation to a consumer for failing to repair a solar plant that malfunctioned within its warranty period.

Vidyodaya School in Thevara, Ernakulam, had installed a 30-kilowatt solar power plant in 2018, purchased for Rs 13,36,677 from Saura Natural Energy Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., a Thrissur-based company. The company had provided a five-year warranty for the plant starting from its commissioning in October 2018.

However, just before the warranty was due to expire in October 2023, the plant’s inverter malfunctioned. The school authorities promptly informed the company. Although the company’s technicians confirmed the defect, they neither repaired nor replaced the inverter. Later, after persistent efforts from the school, the company took the inverter away but then unfairly demanded payment for its repair, pointing out that the warranty period had expired.

The court found that the company had failed to adhere to its warranty conditions, which constituted a serious deficiency in service.

The bench, comprising chair DB Binu and members V Ramachandran and TN Sreevidya, observed, “It is deeply unfortunate that a reputed educational institution committed to the service of society had to endure prolonged hardship due to the callous inaction of the service provider. The opposite parties not only breached their contractual and warranty obligations but also failed to respond to repeated pleas for repair, leaving the complainant without a functioning solar power system—an essential investment in sustainability.”

Considering the deficiency in service, unfair trade practice, and the mental agony and financial loss caused to the consumer, the court ordered the opposing party to pay a compensation of Rs 2,50,000 and Rs 5,000 towards court expenses to the complainant school within 45 days.

Advocate Geo Paul appeared in court on behalf of the complainants.