Installation of rooftop solar units now easier & quicker
electricity rules to exempt households from a technical feasibility study for power systems up to 10 kW capacity in a bid to encourage rooftop solar adoption.
For systems of capacity higher than 10 kW, the time frame for completing the feasibility study has been reduced to 15 days from 20 days.
The amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, also further reduced the time allowed for getting new electricity connections and simplified the process of setting up rooftop solar installations, said power and new and renewable energy minister RK Singh.
He said the amendments empower consumers living in multi-storeyed flats to choose their connection type and ensure separate billing for common areas and back-up generators in residential societies.
The changes also provide for check meters to be installed by distribution companies in case of consumer complaints, to verify electricity consumption, the government said in a statement. The key changes will facilitate easier and quicker installation of rooftop solar systems, it said.
Under the new rules, the distribution system strengthening necessary for rooftop solar photovoltaic systems up to 5 kW capacity will be done by the distribution company at its own cost.
The time frame for the distribution licensee to commission rooftop solar systems has been halved to 15 days.
Consumers can obtain separate electricity connections for charging their electric vehicles, according to the new rules. The time allowed for obtaining a new electricity connection has
