Less paperwork, fixed timelines to make solar rooftop installations simpler in Delhi

New Delhi: Encouraging domestic solar adoption in the national capital, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has amended the regulations to reduce paperwork, waive off technical analysis and ensure installation of rooftop plants within 25 days, officials said on Wednesday.

Under the amended Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (Net Metering for Renewable Energy) Regulations, 2014, the existing three-stage application and registration process has been replaced with a two-step process.

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Previously, the three-tier process involved feasibility analysis, registration and a connection agreement. Now, the technical feasibility stage will be followed by an integrated document verification, inspection and net meter installation stage, with no registration fees.

Domestic consumers may apply through the PM Surya Ghar portal for rooftop solar connection if they seek subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

Commercial and industrial consumers and domestic consumers not availing benefits under the Surya Ghar scheme can apply through the designated online portals of Delhi discoms or the Delhi government portal.

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As per the amended regulations, the discoms will complete the technical feasibility analysis within 15 days. After application and upon their failure to conduct the analysis within the given time, it will be deemed to have been granted.

Importantly, no technical feasibility analysis will be required for rooftop systems of capacity up to 10 kW.

Upon installation of the rooftop solar panels by the applicants and submission of the registration form and requisite documents, the discoms will verify documents, test the rooftop plant, install a net meter and provide a registration number and connection.

No feasibility analysis or registration fee will be payable to domestic consumers for rooftop solar connections up to 10 kW, irrespective of whether or not such consumers avail benefits under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The connection agreement between the discoms and the consumer will be executed digitally and no separate physical connection agreement will be required.