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The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has issued a draft of the fourth amendment to the regulations governing net metering for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) grid interactive systems in 2024. This amendment outlines various provisions and procedural updates aimed at facilitating the installation and integration of rooftop solar PV systems across the state of Gujarat.
The amendment specifies that the distribution licensee must annually update the available capacity of distribution transformers for connecting rooftop solar PV systems under net metering arrangements. It also stipulates that the cost of necessary infrastructure strengthening, including distribution transformers for installations up to 6 kW, will be included in the annual revenue requirement of the distribution licensee. For systems exceeding 6 kW, system strengthening charges will be borne by the applicant based on specified per kW charges.
For low tension (LT) consumers, system strengthening charges will be recovered from those installing rooftop solar PV systems above 6 kW and up to 100 kW. These charges are based on the applicable rates for new or additional load release at low tension, as approved by the Commission. In the case of additions that result in a total capacity above 6 kW, charges will apply only to the additional capacity.
For high tension (HT) consumers, similar provisions apply for installations above 6 kW and up to 1,000 kW. System strengthening charges will be calculated based on per KVA charges, again as per approved rates for high-tension connections.
The amendment also lays out a detailed process and timeline for the implementation of rooftop solar PV projects. This includes steps such as registration with the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) or a designated agency, approval from the Chief Electrical Inspector, and the submission of applications to the distribution licensee. The timeline ensures that various authorities carry out their respective tasks within specified durations to streamline the installation process.
The procedural steps include the issuance of a technical feasibility report (TFR) by the distribution licensee, which must be completed within a specific timeframe. This report covers essential details such as the load of the building, the name of the consumer, transformer capacity, and any necessary system strengthening. Following this, the applicant must receive an ‘In Principle’ consent for connectivity and complete the project within six months.
In cases where system strengthening is required, the distribution licensee must complete the necessary work within 15 days of receiving the payment and execution of the connectivity agreement. Upon project completion, the applicant must submit documentation such as ownership proof of the solar PV system, installation charging approval from the Chief Electrical Inspector, and compliance with IEC standards.
Finally, the distribution licensee is responsible for installing the necessary meters, including solar meters and bidirectional/ABT meters for net metering. They must also report the installation to the Head Office and notify GEDA or the designated agency for issuing the commissioning certificate. Overall, the GERC’s fourth amendment aims to enhance the efficiency and clarity of the processes involved in setting up rooftop solar PV systems, ensuring a smoother transition towards renewable energy adoption in Gujarat. |
