A routine thunderstorm & numerous rooftop solar systems collapsed: Teaching a lesson on solar quality standards
The morning after has revealed a shocking sight in both cities: numerous rooftop solar systems collapsed across both cities - with panels flown off and structures damaged. This poses a bigger question - what will happen when storms touch 140-150 kmph which also occurs on a few days every year.
For homeowners, this was a total collapse of trust. Indian families are going solar on the promise of electricity bill savings for 25 years, but the question remains - is the quality of installation in the market designed to last even three years?
Here's the truth: This wasn't even an extreme weather event. It was a routine pre-monsoon thunderstorm—common across India every summer. This is a reality of solar installation quality across India.
That's the real concern. If customers are getting solar that can't even handle windspeeds of 100–120 kmph— what will happen in extreme weather conditions when higher storms occur? The risk to property and life is a matter of grave concern.
A Harsh Reality: The Big Price of Compromised Safety
Indians are embracing solar in the wake of India's ambitious PM Surya Ghar scheme which offers subsidies of up to Rs. 78,000. Solar is a great investment for families as they promise 25 years of free electricity and pay back periods under 5 years. But across the country, many solar vendors are cutting corners by installing non-engineered, sub-standard rooftop solar systems.
The module mounting structures are the backbone of a solar system. But across the market, it has been observed that these are not designed for sufficient strength - barely able to endure wind speeds of even 120 kmph. Another issue is usage of poor quality materials which rust within 3–4 years – further compromising structural strength as the years pass and becoming
more prone to storm damage. These quality compromises may save money initially, but they cost dearly later—in damage, in safety, and in trust.
At just 120 kmph, these installations didn't just fail—they became dangerous debris. Solar panels flew off rooftops. Some crash landed in neighbouring homes.
At SolarSquare, we are obsessed with meeting high safety standards
At SolarSquare, safety is not negotiable. We believe in engineering solar not just for sunshine, but for storms. That's why we developed the Intelligent WindPro Mount™ (Patent Pending) —India's safest, storm-proof solar mounting structure that withstands all storms. WindPro Mount™ is approved by IIT Bombay to be storm and cyclone safe in windspeeds of even 170 kmph. Moreover, these are completely pre-fabricated and made in factories with precision manufacturing techniques ensuring consistency in quality and zero-risk of human errors on your roof. Using Japanese Poka-Yoke (mistake-proofing) principles, we ensure every piece fits perfectly and performs flawlessly.
Not just engineering brilliance - but the kind of safety that gives you peace of mind, even when the skies turn grey.
And our numbers back our safety claims too - With over 20,000 installations across the nation, 99.91% of SolarSquare's installations reported ZERO storm damage.
What You Deserve
When you go solar, you deserve more than savings. You deserve safety. Stability. Peace of mind.
Too many amateur vendors treat structural safety as optional. But for us, it is sacred. We follow rigorous standards in both design and post-installation maintenance. That's what sets us apart.
Solar is the future—but only if it's engineered for it.
For more information, visit:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
14 minutes ago
- First Post
ISL clubs sound alarm to AIFF of facing 'real possibility of shutting down entirely' due to ongoing crisis
A total of 11 Indian Super League clubs, including former champions Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC, signed a letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey which urged the national federation to quickly resolve the ongoing impasse over the league's Master Rights Agreement with the Football Sports Development Limited. The 2025-26 season of the Indian Super League, India's top-flight competition since 2019, could be called off entirely if the Kalyan Chaubey-led AIFF is not able to arrive at an agreement with the FSDL over the league's rights agreement soon. PTI The crisis that Indian football currently finds itself mired in threatens to take an even darker turn in the coming days, with eleven Indian Super League (ISL) clubs warning the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they face 'the real possibility of shutting down entirely'. That is unless the AIFF is able to end its ongoing deadlock with the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) over the ISL's Master Rights Agreement (MRA) soon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The clubs wrote a letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey on Friday in which they added that the impasse between the national federation and ISL organisers FSDL over the non-renewal of the MRA has 'paralysed professional football in India'. More from Football 'Over past 11 years, through sustained investment and coordinated effort, clubs have built youth development systems, training infrastructure, community outreach programmes, and professional teams that have elevated India's footballing credibility both domestically and internationally,' read the letter from the 11 clubs. 'This progress is now in imminent danger of collapse. The current standstill has created immediate and severe consequences. With operations suspended and no certainty on league continuity, several clubs face the real possibility of shutting down entirely.' The crisis surfaced after FSDL, the ISL organisers as well as AIFF's commercial partner, put the 2025-26 season 'on hold' on July 11 due to uncertainty over the renewal of the MRA, prompting at least three clubs to either pause first-team operations or suspend player and staff salaries. 'The 2025-26 ISL season is at risk of not taking place at all. This is not merely an administrative deadlock – it is an existential crisis for Indian football. We write to you in the gravest of circumstances,' the clubs wrote. 'The trust painstakingly built with fans, sponsors, investors, international footballing bodies over the past decade will be irreparably damaged if the league remains in limbo.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mohun Bagan, East Bengal decide against signing letter to AIFF The letter was signed by Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC, NorthEast United FC, Mumbai City FC and Mohammedan Sporting. Kolkata heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not the sign the letter. Detailing the risk of club closures and livelihood loss, the letter said, 'More than 2000 direct livelihoods – players, coaches, medical staff, analysts, kit managers, groundsmen, administrative staff – hang in the balance, alongside countless indirect livelihoods dependent on the league. 'Clubs face a season where revenue from tickets, merchandise and other avenues will be reduced to zero. Potential sponsors have already started backing out, looking at the scenario that the ISL is in. 'This is a huge financial blow that clubs will not recover from this year and it will affect payout of salaries to players and staff in the immediate future, besides making several stakeholders contemplate a complete and permanent shut-down of their respective clubs.' The clubs said the impasse will also impact India's readiness for international matches, saying 'without a functioning league, our national team will be severely disadvantaged in upcoming AFC and FIFA tournaments'. Why Indian clubs could face ban in continental events They also said that without the ISL, they will not be able to play a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions, thereby risking suspension of Indian clubs from AFC tournaments. 'The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) mandates a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions. Without ISL, this requirement cannot be met, putting India at risk of suspension from all AFC and FIFA tournaments,' the clubs said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'FIFPRO, the global players' union, has already apprised FIFA of the situation, increasing the likelihood of external scrutiny and possible sanctions.' Also Read | On Thursday, the AIFF had agreed to mention the raging issue concerning the ISL on Monday. The apex court has reserved its judgement in the case relating to the draft constitution of the AIFF. The decision to apprise the SC of the crisis situation was taken after a . In fact, a reliable source said that the AIFF is willing to file a written application if the Supreme Court asks for one. 'We fully appreciate that related matters are before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. However, from the record of recent hearings, it appears that the immediacy and scale of the crisis have not been clearly conveyed to the Hon'ble Court,' the clubs said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The human cost, the threat of clubs folding, the risk of losing our place in AFC/FIFA competitions, and the reputational harm to India's footballing image demand urgent action on our part. 'We therefore respectfully request the AIFF, as the regulator of Indian football, to urgently mention this matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court on Monday, 18 August 2025, and to append this letter to present the unified concerns of all ISL clubs before the Hon'ble Court.' The clubs said they are ready to support the AIFF in the case through their counsels though they are not parties to the proceedings before the SC. 'Immediate collective action is the only way to preserve Indian football's future, safeguard livelihoods, and protect the country's standing in the global football community. We remain committed to working alongside the AIFF to achieve a resolution.' With PTI inputs
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Plans afoot to develop craft & handloom village in Maheshwar
Indore: The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) is planning to involve local artisans from Kharia village in Maheshwar through choupals, aiming to transform the village into a craft and handloom hub. In Maheshwar, the board intends to develop a textile village, cafeteria, traditionally designed home stays, and restaurants that will be operated by the local community. Kharia village in Maheshwar is home to more than 100 weavers. "A choupal is planned for next week with artisans at Kharia village in Maheshwar to understand their needs and explore how the craft tourism village could help transform their lives. This initiative will give them an economic tool to enhance their income and a platform to showcase Maheshwari textile to all discerning tourists coming to see the beauty of quaint Maheshwar and expanse of grand Narmada," said tourism and culture principal secretary Sheo Shekhar Shukla. The choupal will be attended by villagers, representatives from NGOs, and senior officials from the tourism department. MPTB has submitted a proposal to handlooms development commissioner for developing "textile tourism" in Maheshwar. The villages of Kharia and Keriakhedi in Maheshwar accommodate approximately 146 weavers. The estimated cost of the project is approximately Rs 511 crore. The proposed project will also feature an experience centre, cycling tracks and common areas, alongside scenic ghats, all aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and attracting tourists. The tourism board is also working on establishing another craft village in Dhar to promote the renowned Bagh print. Kukshi and Bagh, notable areas in Dhar district, are famous for their unique Bagh print — a traditional hand-block printing technique using natural colours and vegetable dyes. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Economic Times
29 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Growth to get lift, boost for demand after GST rationalisation, say economists
Synopsis Economists predict that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rationalization will significantly boost domestic demand, providing crucial support to the Indian economy amidst challenges posed by US tariffs. The simplified tax structure, particularly benefiting essentials, is expected to increase disposable income for lower and middle-income consumers. ANI GST reform push has drawn favourable comments from economists. Domestic demand will get a boost after goods and services tax (GST) rationalisation, economists said, providing support to the economy that's seen likely taking a hit from the 50% duty levied on Indian imports by the US.'At a time where consumption demand has been uneven and felt pressure from high inflation and low nominal wage growth over the last couple of quarters, the proposed GST reforms are a positive, especially for essentials, aiding consumption by the lower and middle income class,' said Sakshi Gupta, principal economist at HDFC Bank. QuantEco Research economist Yuvika Singhal said, 'Any kind of reduction in taxes is positive for consumption as it leaves higher disposable income in the hands of consumers.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in his Independence Day speech on Friday that GST reforms would provide relief to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local vendors and GST cuts on items will range from durables such as refrigerators and air conditioners to packaged foods and medical supplies. 'It's a much-needed development, and GST rationalisation is the need of the hour, apart from other reforms,' said Paras Jasrai, associate director at India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). The Centre has proposed that India move to a simpler, two-slab structure from four currently--retaining the 5% and 18% rates and scrapping the 12% and 28% levies, ET reported earlier. 'With indirect taxes having a wider reach, GST reforms can deliver a stronger boost,' said Gaura Sengupta, chief economist at IDFC First Bank. 'Rural consumption is improving but not broad-based enough to offset weak urban demand, so a fiscal push was needed—and these reforms provide that.'Jasrai said that lower stabs and tax rates will give consumption demand a significant boost, especially amid the uncertainty over trade tariffs that are seen impacting external President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% penalty for importing Russian oil. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have cut global growth forecasts amid the prevailing trade uncertainty. Even so, India's domestic strength will stand out.'Since domestic consumption makes up a larger share of the economy, India will remain resilient despite global headwinds,' said Singhal. An increase in spending activity will also lift gross domestic product (GDP). The boost to nominal GDP growth is estimated at 0.6 percentage point over 12 months using fiscal multipliers, said Bank's Gupta said the reform could boost demand for consumer durables if GST rates on items such as ACs and TVs are reduced. 'A more notable impact could also be seen for demand for two-wheelers and cars if the current GST rate of 28% is reduced to 18%,' she highlighted that fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies will see a positive impact, depending on how and when the changes are implemented.
