Faqs

A Grid Interactive Rooftop SPV system comprises of electrical and electronic equipment such as solar modules, inverters, cables, switch gears, etc. When these components are connected and placed on the roof of buildings and exposed to sunlight, the system starts generating electricity. A SPV system generates electricity that can either be injected directly into the distribution grid or used for captive consumption at installation premises.

Grid Interactive Rooftop SPV systems are of two types:

• • Systems without battery storage.
• • Systems with battery storage.

• • Cheaper and environment friendly electricity.
• • Excess energy can be fed into the grid with tariff as determined by the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.
• • Electricity generation occurs at consumption center thus, saving transmission and distribution losses.
• • Lower payback period.
• • Requires minimal maintenance.
• • 25 years guaranteed lifespan of the solar photovoltaic panels.
• • Subsidy is available from MNRE for selected Consumer categories.
• • Highly modular.
• • Quick installation.

No, Grid Interactive Rooftop Photovoltaic systems cannot generate electricity at night. In case of absence of generation by the system, power supply can be availed from the electric grid. Battery can be used to store energy for later use, i.e, night or monsoon.

Under net metering, electricity generated by the Grid Interactive Rooftop Solar Photovoltaicsystem is first utilized by the consumer to meet their internal/captive requirements and excess electricity, if any, is exported to the grid. Subsequently, when the consumer imports power from the grid, the exports are adjusted against the imports, lowering electricity bill.

Net meter (bi-directional meter) usually records the energy imported from the grid to meet the load and surplus energy exported to the grid after consumption. Both energy import and export are recorded in the net meter. The difference between import and export readings is the actual energy consumed/delivered.

For each kWp, the Grid Interactive Rooftop Solar Photovoltaicsystem installed on a south-facing roof will generate four to six units of electricity per day. However, this may vary depending upon the weather conditions.

Not required.

A Grid Interactive Rooftop Solar Photovoltaicsystem is made up of different components. These include PV modules (groups of PV cells), grid tied inverters, circuit breakers, relays, energy meters (net/gross), module mounting structures (MMS), cables, etc.

As per the ‘Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Renewable Energy and Net Metering) Regulations, 2020’, the Grid Interactive Renewable Energy Systems, installed by a prosumer at his premise shall be not less than one kW and not exceeding 1000 kW capacity on AC side of the invertor connected to the net meter of the distribution system, limited to the sanctioned connected load or contract demand as applicable to the prosumer, with the distribution licensee.

• • Provided that the domestic consumers with connected load up to 20 kW is permitted to install ‘Renewable Energy System’ of capacity up to 20 kW, irrespective of their connected load.
• • Provided further that the above limit of 20 kW connected load shall not apply in the case of group housing societies and residential flats, for common services such as lift, common lighting, club house, car parking, common areas etc.
• • Provided also that, prosumers including those prosumers mentioned above are also permitted to install Renewable Energy System in excess of their connected load or contract demand as applicable. However, the benefit of net metering shall not be allowed to such prosumers and such prosumers shall be treated at par with the prosumers having RE capacity more than 1 MW, as detailed in Chapter IV of these Regulations.
• • Provided also that, the Renewable Energy Systems installed by the prosumers under net metering as on the date of notification of these Regulations shall be allowed to continue irrespective of their contract demand or connected load.

Most roofs are strong enough for solar installation without any reinforcement. However, in case of larger systems, it is suggested to consult a qualified Structural Engineer.

Currently, the following business models are in vogue namely, self-owned (capital expenditure [Capex] model), Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model and third-party owned model. “RESCO” means an energy service company which provides renewable energy to the consumers in the form of electricity.

Capex Model: Consumers develop solar rooftop plant within their premises to own, operate and generate electricity for self-consumption and sell excess electricity to the utility (under net metering) or sell entire electricity to the utility (under gross metering). Generally, self-owned business model is preferred for its simplicity. However, this model also has disadvantages such as high capital cost for the consumer and high technology and performance risk.

RESCO Model: A RESCO builds, owns and operates SPV plant in the premises of a consumer to generate and sell electricity to the consumer. Consumer may further engage in net metering or gross metering arrangement with DISCOM.

In RESCO, consumer does not invest in the SPV power plant; instead, a RESCO developer invests and sets up the system. RESCOs are specialized solar developers; they can handle technology and operation risks in a better way. However, RESCO model faces several challenges such as power off-take risks, contractual risks, etc.

Third Party Model: A Rooftop or Land Owner may lease out / rent the Rooftop Space/ Land to a Solar Project Developer on a mutual commercial arrangement. Under this arrangement, the owner of the roof / land engages a turnkey installer to design and install the project. The Commercial arrangement between the project developer and the Roof / Landowner will be submitted to the Buyer of the Solar Power / Distribution Licensee for the records.

Suitability of these models depend on one’s ability to meet the costs.

Yes. All applications related to Grid Interactive Rooftop Photovoltaicshall be processed through Solar Rooftop Portal –Kerala. Upon submission of DISCOM Application for Interconnection, KSEB Ltd, will check the technical feasibility and provide a response through the Solar Rooftop Portal –Kerala. Applicants can register themselves through Solar Rooftop Portal – Kerala and apply online directly using relevant forms and formats to the approving authority.

Eligible consumer isa consumer getting supply of electricity from the distribution licensee in its area of supply, who intends to use a grid connected Renewable Energy system installed in his premises to offset a part of or all of the consumer's own electrical energy requirements as per the provisions of the ‘Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Renewable Energy and Net Metering) Regulations, 2020’.

A maximum of 1 MWp at a single location is allowed under net metering.

No. Installing Net meter and Renewable energy meter is required. The Net meter and Renewable energy meter installed shall conform to the standards, specifications and accuracy class, as provided in the Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006, as amended from time to time and be installed in such a manner that they are accessible for reading.

All meters installed shall comply with the CEA (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations, 2006 and subsequent amendments thereof. Provided that, consumers having ABT compliant meters with net metering facility shall not be required to install additional Net meter.

The Energy Accounting, Banking and Settlement shall be done as per the ‘Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Renewable Energy and Net Metering) Regulations, 2020’

The Project Developers shall adhere to the National & International Standards specified by MNRE & CEA’s Technical Standardsfor Connectivity of Distributed Generation Resources- Regulation 2013 and Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Renewable Energy and Net Metering) Regulations, 2020.