MP govt banks on rooftop solar projects policy

To encourage the use of non-conventional energy, the Madhya Pradesh government is all set to notify the policy for rooftop solar power projects for individual households on net metering system basis, thereby allowing households to gain concessions by supplying excess energy to the main grid.

To encourage the use of non-conventional energy, the Madhya Pradesh government is all set to notify the policy for rooftop solar power projects for individual households on net metering system basis, thereby allowing households to gain concessions by supplying excess energy to the main grid.

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At present, the government is fine-tuning the policy draft to incorporate the suggestions of all stakeholders.

“Once the system is in place, individual consumers will be able to connect to the main grid and get energy credits for excess energy produced during a billing period. The credits would be adjusted for calculation of net electricity injected or consumed in future billing periods,” an official of state new and renewable energy department said. People who set up small power plants under this policy will be eligible for tax benefits and other concessions.

The consumers who install small solar photovoltaic (SPV) power plants will be able to use the power generated for captive consumption. Moreover, the power generated over and above the consumer’s requirement would be injected into the low tension (LT) electricity network.

The energy supplied and consumed by the consumer can be calculated and adjusted by installing a bi-directional meter.

“This policy has been structured so as to promote consumption of energy generated from solar energy resources at decentralized locations by individual users like ‘household,’ primarily to decrease the burden on conventional sources of energy. It is also envisaged through this policy to help the community realize the importance judicious use of electricity, and to involve them in the process of reducing dependence on conventionally produced electricity,” states the draft prepared by the government.

To avail the benefits of this policy, the small power plant should have a minimum capacity of 0.5 KW and a maximum capacity of 250 KW. For solar power plants with higher capacity, guidelines as per the Solar Energy Policy 2012 shall be applicable.