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The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the State of Goa and Union Territories has issued amendments to its Solar PV Grid Interactive System regulations, focusing on both net metering and gross metering. These updated regulations will impact grid-connected solar power projects across several regions, including Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
The amendments are aimed at refining solar energy systems’ integration with the electrical grid. These adjustments define and clarify the roles and responsibilities of consumers, generators, and distribution licensees in managing solar power generation and distribution, along with specifying the mechanisms for billing and energy accounting.
Key changes include the introduction of “gross metering” alongside the pre-existing “net metering” mechanism. Gross metering refers to a system where the total energy generated by a solar rooftop system is recorded and sold to the grid at a feed-in tariff determined by the Commission, while energy consumed by the prosumer (consumer and producer) is billed separately at retail tariffs. Net metering, on the other hand, calculates the net energy consumed by offsetting solar energy production with grid energy imports, with billing based on the net difference.
Additional provisions include the flexibility for prosumers to opt for “net-billing” or “net feed-in.” Under net billing, the energy imported from the grid and the energy exported to the grid are accounted for separately, with different tariffs applied for the two transactions. The regulations provide for the installation of a single bidirectional energy meter to track both inflows and outflows of energy for accurate billing.
The regulations also focus on encouraging the use of energy storage systems. Prosumers who install storage solutions and participate in time-of-day tariff programs can contribute stored solar energy back into the grid during peak demand times, potentially benefiting from more favorable pricing structures.
The scope of these amendments applies to solar projects of up to 500 kWp at any given premise, allowing both residential and commercial users to install solar systems. The technical feasibility studies for such projects must be completed within 15 days. If a response is not provided within this period, the installation is deemed feasible by default. Additionally, small solar installations up to 10 kW do not require technical feasibility studies, simplifying the process for smaller consumers.
Moreover, these updated regulations also ensure that the cost of upgrading distribution infrastructure, including transformers and service lines required to support rooftop solar systems, will be included in the revenue requirements of the distribution licensees. This step is expected to facilitate a smoother adoption of solar energy solutions, especially for installations up to 5 kW in capacity, making it easier for consumers to install rooftop solar systems.
Once a rooftop solar system is installed, the consumer must submit an installation certificate, after which the distribution licensee is required to complete the signing of the connection agreement, install meters, and commission the system within 15 days. The formats for the connection agreement and installation certificates will be made available online for ease of access.
These amendments by the JERC aim to promote the adoption of solar energy through streamlined procedures, clear billing mechanisms, and the encouragement of energy storage solutions. This move reflects a commitment to enhancing renewable energy utilization in the state of Goa and the Union Territories. |
