Disputes Arise Over Solar Project: Protecting Homeowners’ Rights

Investigation Report | Disputes Arise from Photovoltaic Projects: Who Protects Homeowners’ Rights?

Recently, the “Voice of the People” hotline column of the new media client “Zhangshang Huaihua” received a complaint from Ms. Liu, a property owner in Group Seven of Baitian Village, Qiaojing Town, Xupu County. She reported that after leasing her rental property for the construction of a photovoltaic power station, the house suffered severe damage, and multiple negotiations with the related company for repairs had not led to a satisfactory resolution. A reporter conducted an in-depth investigation into this matter.

Severe Damage to the Roof, Owner in Distress

On the morning of April 11, the reporter visited Ms. Liu’s rental house used for the photovoltaic power station in Group Seven of Baitian Village, Qiaojing Town. This is a building with an area of 900 square meters. Upon entering, it was evident that the roof, covered with terracotta tiles, was riddled with holes of various sizes, glistening in the sunlight. A rough count revealed around 200 such holes. The interior was also in disarray, with the steel columns for the photovoltaic equipment not properly positioned against the walls, occupying significant space. Ms. Liu, visibly distressed, shared her experience with the reporter. She explained that most of the house was previously used for pig farming, while part was for family living. Since leasing the property for the photovoltaic station, her once peaceful life had spiraled into endless difficulties. She stated that on sunny days, direct sunlight poured into the house, and during rainy weather, water streamed inside, flooding the rooms. This condition had persisted for over two months since the installation of the photovoltaic equipment. Afterward, Ms. Liu and her family repeatedly contacted the initial representative and the head of Hunan Xinqi Energy Technology Co., Ltd., the installation company, but the issue remained unresolved. The room where they used to live was now uninhabitable. Looking at her damaged home, Ms. Liu felt overwhelmed, unable to fathom how a seemingly ordinary contract would lead to such significant troubles for her family.

Unfulfilled Promises and Chaotic Construction

Ms. Liu recalled that on December 13 of last year, she signed a 20-year rooftop lease contract with Huaihua Taipu New Energy Co., Ltd. She envisioned a mutually beneficial partnership, where the unused building would generate income. At the end of last year, a salesperson from Hunan Xinqi Energy Technology Co., Ltd., an agent of Huaihua Taipu, persuaded her to install courtyard-style photovoltaic equipment. The salesperson made enticing promises: a rental fee of 45 yuan per panel per year for the first ten years, and 30 yuan for the next ten years, along with an initial installation fee of 8,000 yuan and a courtyard renovation fee of 10,000 yuan. Persuaded by the salesperson, Ms. Liu agreed and signed an electronic contract, providing her ID and bank information.

However, once the installation process began, everything spiraled out of control. In early January, the installation team started construction without showing any design plans. Upon discovering this, Ms. Liu halted their work, demanding a design to ensure the construction was reasonable and safe. After her insistence, the installation team revised the secondary design, but failed to show it to Ms. Liu before hastily resuming work. This time, the chaotic construction caused even more damage to the house, leaving the once sturdy roof and walls in tatters. By January 27, while the photovoltaic equipment was installed, what Ms. Liu saw was not a new, revenue-generating system but rather a chaotic scene inside and on the roof. Since then, every time it rained, the house leaked, disrupting its normal use and plunging Ms. Liu’s family into ongoing distress. They had yet to receive the promised initial installation and renovation fees, and the house was no longer fit for living.

Mysterious Meter Operation Leaves Owner Confused

On the morning of March 19, Ms. Liu encountered two individuals claiming to be from the substation who came to install a meter. Although she felt some confusion, she cooperated with their work. During this time, she reached out to the intermediary, Mr. Xiang, who assured her that the installation was for acceptance testing and that the system was not yet connected to the grid, advising her not to worry. However, the next day, she was surprised to find that the meter was already in operation. Perplexed, she contacted Mr. Xia of Hunan Xinqi Energy Technology Co., Ltd. to clarify the situation. Mr. Xia, after answering a few questions hurriedly, ended the call. It was only later, after further inquiries with the substation employees, that Ms. Liu discovered she had been deceived. Mr. Xia had knowingly concealed the fact that the meter was running, which angered Ms. Liu. She felt not only violated in her property rights but also misled regarding the contract execution and operational processes, receiving no respect or proper treatment. Ms. Liu repeatedly reached out to the salesperson and agent to voice her concerns, but her requests were ignored.

Department Intervention and Company Assurance

Upon learning about Ms. Liu’s situation, the reporter immediately contacted Mr. Xia, the head of Hunan Xinqi Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Mr. Xia expressed impatience, stating he was currently in Shenzhen and did not provide a clear response to Ms. Liu’s complaints. That afternoon, the reporter also reached out to the Xupu County Development and Reform Bureau’s energy division, the supervisory unit for the project. Mr. Chen, the head of the division, took the situation seriously and promptly contacted Mr. Xie, the head of Huaihua Taipu New Energy Co., Ltd. Mr. Xie informed the reporter that Huaihua Taipu was responsible for developing the photovoltaic project in Xupu County, with three agents overseeing communications and installations, including Hunan Xinqi Energy Technology Co., Ltd. He stated that the company had only just learned about Ms. Liu’s predicament. Mr. Xie promised to verify Ms. Liu’s claims regarding the 8,000 yuan installation fee and 10,000 yuan renovation fee quickly, and if the claims were found to be valid, the company would actively address them. Additionally, they would arrange for professionals to repair the roof and interior promptly, aiming to resolve Ms. Liu’s issues and restore normalcy to her life. Mr. Chen emphasized that he would organize relevant personnel to inspect the site the following day, both to reassure Ms. Liu and her family and to supervise the company’s problem-solving process, ensuring commitments were fulfilled and homeowners’ rights protected. He stressed that any actions harming homeowners’ rights during the photovoltaic project’s implementation would not be tolerated, and the supervisory unit would fulfill its oversight role.

On the morning of April 12, Mr. Chen informed the reporter that he and the company head had visited the site that morning, carefully assessing the damage to the property and mediating the existing conflicts between the parties. Currently, the resolution of related issues is actively progressing. As a key renewable energy initiative introduced and promoted in Xupu County, the photovoltaic project should develop healthily and in compliance with regulations for the benefit of the country and the people. The dispute involving homeowners’ rights has garnered significant attention from relevant county departments, which are actively guiding both parties toward a resolution to protect the homeowners’ interests. The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen, and the reporter will continue to follow up.