Solar net-metering Regulation 2015 has been notified by Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Goa & Union Territory (JERC) on 8th May, 2015. Consumers who plan to install grid-connected solar PV systems can apply for solar net-metering. The solar Metering Regulation 2015 can be seen at http://www.jercuts.gov.in/writereaddata/Files/SPGREGULATIONFINALJUNE.pdf.
In grid-connected solar PV systems the solar energy produced by the solar panels is converted to AC (alternating current) by a solar grid inverter. The output of the solar grid inverter is connected to the distribution board switch board of the building. The electrical energy flows to the loads of the buildings (lights, fans, appliances etc.). If the solar energy produced is more than what the building loads consume, the surplus energy will automatically be exported to the Chandigarh Electricity Department(CED) distribution network (the grid). If there is less solar energy than what the loads of the building require, the shortfall will be drawn from the grid (energy import).
For solar net-metering to be implemented the existing CED service connection meter needs to be replaced with a meter that can measure both energy import (from the grid to the consumer) and energy export (from the consumer to the grid). These meters are known as bidirectional energy meters or import-export energy meters. The bidirectional meter has to be supplied by Solar Power Developer(SPD) for testing and verification by CED at their own cost.
With solar net-metering the Consumer pays for the difference between import and export energy (the net-metered energy). Example: a Consumer imports during a billing cycle 900 kWhr (units) and exports 500 kWhr. The electricity bill will be for 400 kWhr. Similarly, if a consumer export 500kWhr during a billing cycle and import 300 kWhr then excess export of 200 kWhr will be carried over to the next billing cycle and so on till the settlement period ends. Settlement Period shall be 1st April to 30th Sept. and 1st Oct to 31st March. The final settlement energy bill shall be prepared by the Distribution Licensee at the end of settlement period.
The solar PV system capacity shall not be more than the sanctioned load of the service connection.
Make an application to the office of the Executive Engineer-cum-Nodal Officer, Electricity (OP), Division No. 2, Near Power House, Industrial Area, Phase-1 (Opposite Transport Area), UT Chandigarh. The Executive Engineer, Electricity (OP), Division No. 2, will act as the Nodal Officer for solar net-metering. Your application will be registered in a computerized data base and you have to pay the registration fee of Rs. 50 per KW. You will get a signed acknowledgment. The detail format of net metering application form ( Form I) and other regulatory/technical guidelines can be seen at www. http://chdengineering.gov.in/pages/new-A&AForm-solar.html
CED will verify the technical feasibility of connecting your solar PV system to their distribution network. For this CED applies two criteria:
If CED finds that your proposed solar PV system can be connected to their local distribution network, you will receive from them a Technical Feasibility Intimation letter. This letter will be sent to you within 15 working days from the date of your application.
You can now procure and install the solar PV system. This has to be done within 180 days (for ground mounted Projects the Solar Power developer can take time up to 365 days) from the date of the Technical Feasibility Intimation letter. Upon completion of the solar PV system installation work you intimate your readiness to the Nodal Officer of CED. In case of delay in setting up the solar plant, the SPD shall have to get further extension from the Distribution Licensee. Such extension will be granted for a maximum period of 2 (two) months only and the approval granted will lapse automatically if the solar project is not setup even in the extended 2-months period. However, he/she shall be eligible to apply in the next financial year but his/ her application shall be kept at the bottom of the list of applicants and he/she will be permitted to set-up the plant only if all the applicants above him/her are selected or rejected and there is still capacity available for allotment.
When you have installed the Solar Project, you may intimate your readiness by post/by e-mail ( ) or in person at the Nodal Officer along with Single line Diagram. The Nodal Officer shall acknowledge the readiness intimation immediately. Readiness intimation shall be followed by safety inspection and commissioning of Net Gross metering to be carried out as per rules and regulations. The format for applying for Electrical clearance is at Annexure A
Within 10 working days from the date of receiving your readiness communication, your solar PV system will be inspected for safety. For solar PV systems up to 10 kW this will be done by SDO of concerned division of CED and for systems above 10 kW this will be done by the Electrical Inspector of UT Chandigarh. Within 5 working days from the date of inspection you will receive a Safety Certificate if the installation complies with the technical requirements . The detail procedure for obtaining electrical Safety clearance certificate is attached as Annexure B.
CED will replace the existing service connection meter with a bidirectional service connection meter which shall be supplied by you as per technical specification prescribed under JERC Regulation 2015. Solar Power Developer(SPD) can submit its bidirectional Service Connection Meter to CED for testing and replacement as soon as it gets Safety Clearance intimation letter from Electrical Inspector. The said meter shall be replaced in place of existing unidirectional Consumer Meter by CED. However, the commercial arrangement shall be applicable when the CED gives Grid Connection Certificate as per Regulation.