The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has issued an order to simplify the adoption of rooftop solar systems for consumers with sanctioned loads of up to 10 kW.

The order addresses critical issues such as capacity enhancement, streamlined approvals, and technical tolerance.

Background

To expedite the implementation of rooftop solar systems, KERC has allowed the submission of online applications for systems up to 150 kW.

These applications, inclusive of the power purchase agreement (PPA), are deemed automatically approved, allowing consumers to commence installation without delay.

This initiative aligns with the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2024, issued by the Union Ministry of Power. According to the amendment, applications for rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW are automatically accepted without requiring a technical feasibility study.

Additionally, the distribution licensee must carry out any necessary enhancement of the sanctioned load.

BESCOM, one of the state’s distribution utilities, approached KERC to simplify it further and encourage consumer participation under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which incentivizes rooftop solar adoption.

During stakeholder consultations, system integrators highlighted the need for regulatory flexibility, citing rapid advancements in solar module technology and concerns about mismatches between applied capacities and module ratings.

They requested a capacity tolerance of 10% for rooftop solar systems to address these concerns.

Key Provisions

In light of these inputs, KERC has issued an order with the following provisions:

• Consumers with sanctioned loads less than the proposed capacity can install systems up to 10 kW. The sanctioned load will automatically be enhanced to match the required capacity.
• Distribution licensees are required to upgrade infrastructure, such as distribution lines and transformers to support the enhanced capacity.

• Consumers benefiting from load enhancement must bear associated costs, including additional security deposits and power supply agreement amendments, before commissioning their rooftop solar systems.
• Capacity Tolerance for DC Systems
• For rooftop solar installations up to 10 kW, a 10% tolerance is allowed for DC capacity. However, the AC capacity of the inverter must not exceed the sanctioned load.

The order includes examples to guide consumers:

• Example 1: For a sanctioned load of 5 kW, consumers can install either 9 modules (4.86 kW DC) or 10 modules (5.4 kW DC) using 540W panels within the 10% tolerance. The inverter’s AC capacity must remain capped at 5 kW.
• Example 2: For a 10-kW sanctioned load, options include 18 modules (9.72 kW DC) or 20 modules (10.8 kW DC), staying within tolerance limits, with an inverter AC capacity capped at 10 kW.

In August 2024, KERC introduced the KERC (Implementation of peer-to-peer Solar Energy Transaction) Regulations, 2024 to promote renewable energy and innovative technologies.

Recently, the Commission issued draft regulations to balance power generation and consumption and minimize deviations from scheduled generation and consumption patterns.