/ground-report/media/post_banners/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Source-Canva-29-2.webp)
On January 15, 2024, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued directives aimed at simplifying the implementation and application procedures to Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) in a bid to accelerate the adoption of grid-connected rooftop solar energy.
Applicants will now only need to furnish electricity bills from the past six months, a project completion report, a snapshot of the rooftop solar installation, and a consumer-vendor agreement under the revised guidelines.
Commissioning: Report, photo, agreement
The Ministry clarified that consumers need only provide an electricity bill from the past six months during the technical feasibility approval phase. For the project commissioning and net-metering phase, consumers must submit a project completion report, a photo of the rooftop solar project, and a consumer-vendor agreement.
The project completion report should detail the make of the solar module and the inverter, the capacity in watts per module, and the total number of solar modules marked with serial numbers.
The Ministry has instructed all relevant distribution companies (DISCOMs) and implementing agencies not to request any additional documents from the applicants.
The MNRE explicitly states that DISCOMs and implementing agencies cannot request any additional documentation. They initiate these reforms to streamline the installation process and ensure a hassle-free experience for consumers.
Furthermore, authorities have directed DISCOMs to maintain sufficient stock of smart meters or net meters to prevent delays in project commissioning. This move addresses previous challenges when policy constraints and net metering complications prevented DISCOMs from supporting rooftop meters.
Rooftop solar adoption increases significantly
The affordability of rooftop systems has seen a rise in their adoption, especially among industrial and commercial sectors in areas with high DISCOM tariffs. There has been a significant growth in solar project installations, with a leap from 388 MW to 431 MW in 2023, a 34.7% increase. Most of this growth is seen in residential areas.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) proactively offers a 23% subsidy for residential consumers, leading to a considerable increase in installations. Consumers can freely select their vendors, regardless of the DISCOMs’ lists, and they assure the subsidy amount within 30 days of installation. They have reduced the time frame for net metering to 15 days, thus enhancing the efficiency of the process.
Looking forward, MNRE has set a bold goal of installing 500 GW of rooftop solar projects by 2030, demonstrating the government’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions. These initiatives not only propel the country towards its renewable energy targets but also improve accessibility and affordability for consumers exploring rooftop solar adoption.
Keep Reading
- How retreat of Machoi glacier impacting lives in Kashmir?
- Hathiya Kheda: Four Villages In MP Waiting For Roads
- “Give Plastic, Take Gold” Initiative In Sadiwara Village Of Kashmir
Follow Ground Report for Environment and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected].
