The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) is likely to come up with the final regulations on net metering for rooftop solar power generation by mid-August. Once the regulations of the DERC get implemented, then one may soon get the solar units fixed at their rooftops and sell the surplus energy to the grid during peak timings and thereby reduce the peak load of discoms.
The DERC is expected to notify the regulation in next two weeks after which Delhi Government will take initiatives of putting up solar plants on Government buildings, colleges, and hospitals. Also because the initiative of installing solar plants is expensive, so later private parties might enter. Explaining the importance of net solar metering a senior official said, “Net metering will help in keeping account of the power produced from the solar panels. We are waiting for consumer feedback on the proposal before we proceed to fix up solar power tariffs.” The entire plan is being carved out as per guidelines laid down by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
While talking about the possible solar models, JP Singh, member DERC said, “There might be a situation where later, household owners in a block of housing societies can rent out their rooftops to private companies. These companies will develop solar units and give its benefit to the society inhabitants.” The regulator had proposed the idea for which it had invited suggestions from all the stakeholders in December last year.
Senior officials said introducing solar power policy in Delhi has become a priority for DERC though the proposal has been stuck in red tape for years. “If somebody wants to generate solar power for their own purposes, they may do so. If they produce more, they can then have an arrangement with their power supplier BSES or Tata Power to sell the excess power in the distribution grid. The consumer can simultaneously draw solar power from this grid,” said PD Sudhakar, chairperson, DERC.
So far, Delhi doesn’t have a solar policy, a fact that may constrain people from accessing incentives for producing solar energy. The city’s environment department has prepared a draft solar policy that upholds “production-based subsidy”. This means the Government will pay for the units of energy one saves by using solar power. People who plan install solar roof-tops can also enjoy a 30% subsidy on solar panels from the Ministry.