Practical Class
net-metering in India
Net Metering policy for roof top PVs in various states in India
Solar powered systems can be divided as:
- Grid connected solar power system.
- Stand alone Offgrid system.
When solar energy production is in excess as compared to the load requirement at that moment, the excess energy we can be either stored in the batteries or can be sold back to the utility grid. This difference of energy can be tracked using a meter connected to your solar pv system.
usually following two types metering systems are involved:
- Gross metering
- Net Metering
Net metering is an agreement that allows the solar PV system owner to sell excess solar energy to the utility company or buy deficit energy from the utility company using a meter to track this energy exchange.
Advantages of Net Metering:
The most important advantages of net metering are:1. Financial benefit for the system owner
Since the system owner is charged for the net energy consumed from the utility grid, the owner gets financial benefits.
2. Avoid the use of batteries
In a grid connected solar pv system, any excess energy generated can be fed back to local utility grid and can be taken back at later stage when required. Thus, there is no need to store the surplus energy in batteries for later use, thus, avoiding the heavy costs of batteries.
3. Produce more today, use that tomorrow
Typically, a solar power system produces more energy in summer and comparatively less energy in winter. Eg. If in summer, solar power generates 100 units and load requirement is 80 units, then 20 units can be fed back to the grid. In winter, solar power generates only 60 units and load requirement is 80 units, then 20 units can be taken from the grid. Thus, overall excess generation from solar power system is taken care of and net units consumed from the grid becomes zero.
West Bengal
•West Bengal has initiated a net-metering solar rooftop model promoting self consumption.
•Under the WBERC Regulations, grid-integrated rooftop PV is allowed only for institutional consumers like government departments, academic institutions, etc.
•The system size limited to 2-100 kW, Connectivity is allowed at Low Voltage or Medium Voltage, or 6 KV or 11 KV, of the distribution system of the licensee.
•Solar injection is permitted only up-to 90% of the annual electricity consumption, and the net energy supplied by the utility would be billed as per existing slab tariffs.
•Solar generation would first offset consumption in the highest tariff slab and then the lower slab.
•Policy targets 16 MW of rooftop and small PV installations by 2017.
•West Bengal has initiated a net-metering solar rooftop model promoting self consumption.
•Under the WBERC Regulations, grid-integrated rooftop PV is allowed only for institutional consumers like government departments, academic institutions, etc.
•The system size limited to 2-100 kW, Connectivity is allowed at Low Voltage or Medium Voltage, or 6 KV or 11 KV, of the distribution system of the licensee.
•Solar injection is permitted only up-to 90% of the annual electricity consumption, and the net energy supplied by the utility would be billed as per existing slab tariffs.
•Solar generation would first offset consumption in the highest tariff slab and then the lower slab.
•Policy targets 16 MW of rooftop and small PV installations by 2017.
Andhra Pradesh
AP Solar Policy 2012 also promoting roof top solar projects.
Only for 3 phase service consumers can setup roof top PV systems.
Net metering is allowed.
Recently announced by a committee that Rs.3.50 per unit would be paid for exported power for 7 years.
The consumer/SPV generator also has to set up a protection system on their premises with “Islanding” for events like grid failures
Any prevalent subsidy from Government of India can be availed.
AP Solar Policy 2012 also promoting roof top solar projects.
Only for 3 phase service consumers can setup roof top PV systems.
Net metering is allowed.
Recently announced by a committee that Rs.3.50 per unit would be paid for exported power for 7 years.
The consumer/SPV generator also has to set up a protection system on their premises with “Islanding” for events like grid failures
Any prevalent subsidy from Government of India can be availed.
Tamil Nadu Solar Policy 2012
•Targets 3000 MW by 2015 , including 350 MW of rooftop capacity in three phases of 100, 125 and 125 MW (per year) during 2013-2015.
•50 MW from domestic customers who will receive a GBI of Rs. 2/kWh for the first two years, Rs. 1/kWh for the next two and Rs. 0.5/kWh for the subsequent two years.
•300 MW from government buildings and government schemes for rural and urban lighting.
•Mandates 6% SPO for HT consumers to achieve targets.
•TEDA designated single window agency.
•Connectivity : < 10 kW - 240 V < 100 kW – 415 V > 100 kW - 100 kV
•Targets 3000 MW by 2015 , including 350 MW of rooftop capacity in three phases of 100, 125 and 125 MW (per year) during 2013-2015.
•50 MW from domestic customers who will receive a GBI of Rs. 2/kWh for the first two years, Rs. 1/kWh for the next two and Rs. 0.5/kWh for the subsequent two years.
•300 MW from government buildings and government schemes for rural and urban lighting.
•Mandates 6% SPO for HT consumers to achieve targets.
•TEDA designated single window agency.
•Connectivity : < 10 kW - 240 V < 100 kW – 415 V > 100 kW - 100 kV
Kerala
•Kerala launched its 10,000 rooftop power plants program for 2012-2013.
•With each applicant eligible to apply for 1 kW only, the total capacity target is 10 MW.
•Due to the small per capita limit; the target audience will be only households and small cottage industries.
•Apart from the MNRE’s 30% capital subsidy, the state is offering a discount of Rs. 39,000 per system.
•Kerala launched its 10,000 rooftop power plants program for 2012-2013.
•With each applicant eligible to apply for 1 kW only, the total capacity target is 10 MW.
•Due to the small per capita limit; the target audience will be only households and small cottage industries.
•Apart from the MNRE’s 30% capital subsidy, the state is offering a discount of Rs. 39,000 per system.
Gujarat
•Gujarat already initiated 5MW Rooftop Project in Gandhi Nagar in PPP model.
•Generated power is completely fed to the grid.
•As per their model, Roof owner gets paid lease rent (Rs.3.00 per unit) and the project developer gets feed-in-tariff (Rs.11.21) for 25 years.
•Recently announced a rooftop scheme for development of 25 MW in 5 other cities.
•Gujarat already initiated 5MW Rooftop Project in Gandhi Nagar in PPP model.
•Generated power is completely fed to the grid.
•As per their model, Roof owner gets paid lease rent (Rs.3.00 per unit) and the project developer gets feed-in-tariff (Rs.11.21) for 25 years.
•Recently announced a rooftop scheme for development of 25 MW in 5 other cities.
Getting a Solar net-metering connection – in Tamil Nadu
Getting a Solar net-metering connection – in West Bengal
Getting a Solar net-metering connection – in Gujarat
References
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/31687.pdfhttp://www.forumofregulators.gov.in/Data/HomePage/Report.pdf
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/pdfs/31687.pdf
http://www.solarcity.com/learn/understanding-netmetering.aspx
http://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/presentations-23052013/SECI.pdf
