Man fined R$15 and loses solar energy discount after installing more panels without notifying the company; he started paying the 'sun tax'

A man is fined R$15 and loses his solar energy discount after expanding his system without warning; he is subject to solar taxation and loses CEMIG benefits.

This content was produced based on the video published in October 16th, 2025, in the channel E4 Renewable Energy, which showed a real-life case involving a hefty fine and the loss of the so-called “solar energy exemption.” The episode took place in Minas Gerais and reveals a problem that has become increasingly common in Brazil: expanding the photovoltaic system without notifying the concessionaire may result in fines, rebilling and even being subject to the “sun tax”.

The expansion of the irregular solar energy system that turned into a loss

In the video, the presenter explains that the client decided install new solar panels yourself, without updating the project with the dealership CEMIG.

The intention seemed simple: increase energy generation and further reduce electricity bills.
But the result was the opposite.

During a inspection carried out on March 6, 2024, CEMIG discovered that the property had 21 solar panels installed, adding 7,45 kWp of power, while the originally approved project provided for only 4 modules, totalizing 1,2 kW inverter. That is, the installed system was six times more powerful than what was in the authorized project.

Based on ANEEL Resolution No. 1000, the distributor concluded that there was increase in power without prior approval, which constitutes a serious irregularity.

CEMIG then applied rebilling of accounts since 2021 e fine of R$ 15.433,92, And withdraw the acquired right to offset energy credits.

From clean energy to paying the “sun tax”

In addition to the fine, the consumer was not included in the GD1 regime, the one that exempts the producer from paying the Distribution System Usage Fee (TUSD Fio B).

From this decision, he lost the benefit of full deduction and began to pay for the energy injected into the grid, a situation popularly known as “taxation of the sun”.

According to the document shown in the video, the distributor made it clear that, even after the customer regularized the system and reduced the power to the approved level, the penalties would not be nullified.
The consumer was obliged to pay the differences and lost the right to excess credits generated between May 2021 and April 2024.

Inspection is expanding across the country

The channel E4 Renewable Energy also revealed that other distributors, such as Coelba, Energisa, CPFL and Elektro, they are already reinforcing surveillance with the use of drones to identify unreported enlargements.

These actions are based on the ANEEL Resolution 1000, which allows you to suspend supply or apply rebilling when there is unauthorized changes to distributed generation systems.

The warning is clear: Any modification to the solar system, even the addition of a few panels, must be communicated and approved by the distributor. Otherwise, the consumer may lose benefits gained before the new regulation and be subject to charges. TUSD Wire B 2045 up.

A warning for those who intend to expand the solar system

The case serves as an example for those who intend to increase the capacity of the photovoltaic system.
According to the channel’s expert, there is no more room for “jeitinho” in the solar sector: data cross-referencing and the use of monitoring technology by dealerships are making irregularities increasingly easier to detect.

The recommendation is simple: Before installing new panels, the customer must contact the integrating company or a qualified electrical engineer., which will make the technical project update and will request authorization from the distributor to expand generation.

Anyone who ignores this step could end up with fines, rebilling and permanent loss of benefits — a loss that, in some cases, exceeds R $ 15 thousand, as shown in the video.

The episode released by the channel E4 Renewable Energy shows how lack of information and technical carelessness can turn savings into losses.

Solar energy continues to be one of the best investments for those looking to reduce their electricity bill, but regularization and compliance with ANEEL standards are essential to guarantee legal security and avoid fines.

In Brazil, the sector is moving towards an increasingly monitored and professional model, and the CEMIG case is a clear sign that distributors are tightening the siege.

In other words: Anyone who wants to enjoy the sun and save money needs to follow the rules or they will end up paying for it.