MP: Rooftop solar policy notification likely in Jan

The Madhya Pradesh government notification on rooftop solar power projects policy for individual households on net metering system basis is expected in January, 2016.

The Madhya Pradesh government notification on rooftop solar power projects policy for individual households on net metering system basis is expected in January, 2016.

The Madhya Pradesh government notification on rooftop solar power projects policy for individual households on net metering system basis is expected in January, 2016. (Arun Mondhe/HT file photo)

Delay in fine tuning the draft has led to the notification coming in January, an official of state new and renewable energy department said on condition of anonymity.

The department is awaiting a final approval from the state government. The draft was put up on the department’s official website for inviting objections and suggestions from the stakeholders in June this year.

In this process, the non-conventional energy generated by individuals on their building rooftops is first used in the building as per requirement and surplus power is fed into the grid. The consumers get paid in terms of energy credits and adjustments in electricity bill against power transferred to the grid.

Both the industries as well as consumers are expected to benefit as the cost per unit power would be Rs 6.5 for next 25 years, while average cost of conventional power for same period would be much higher. “Once we get the green signal from the law department and it is cleared at the highest level, the policy will be notified,” the official said.

The main objectives of the policy are the promotion of the decentralized solar photo voltaic (SPV) systems, job creation and reducing carbon emission. The policy allows all the consumer of the distribution licensee to avail the benefits defined under the policy by installing rooftop systems. A minimum capacity of 0.5 kW and a maximum capacity of 250 kW, beyond this capacity guideline as per “solar Policy 2012” shall be applicable. The provisions for energy accounting and commercial arrangements will conform to MPERC Grid Connect Net Metering Regulations, 2014.

At present, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Karnataka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have adopted net metering. Madhya Pradesh is endowed with high solar radiation with around 300 clear, sunny days. The government had come out with a solar power policy in 2012 to promote solar projects in the state.