The Ministry of Power has mandated that the technical feasibility study for the installation of all rooftop solar photovoltaic systems must be completed within fifteen days, and the outcome of it is to be shared with the applicant.

Failing to meet the deadline, the system will be presumed technically feasible and approved.

The Ministry notified the amendments as its latest rules under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2024.

The new rules also exempt rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW from technical feasibility study requirements, considering they have completed all other due processes. The distribution licensee (DISCOM) will be responsible for carrying out any corresponding enhancement of the consumers’ sanctioned load for such systems.

During the period between the feasibility study and completion of installation, if there is a requirement to upgrade the distribution infrastructure, like augmenting the service line and distribution transformer capacity for installing the required capacity of rooftop solar system, the upgradation will be done by the DISCOM or consumers depending on a case-by-case basis.

If the upgrade involves strengthening the distribution infrastructure, including a distribution transformer to facilitate a 5 kW or higher capacity rooftop solar system installation, it will be included in the revenue requirement of the DISCOM.

Per the new rules, consumers must submit the installation certificate to the DISCOM, who will then complete the connection agreement signing, meter installation, and commissioning of the rooftop solar system within fifteen days.

The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, said that these amendments are expected to simplify the process of setting up rooftop solar installations.

The new rules provide for a definition of the term ‘Owner’ as the person who has the absolute right over the property, including legal heirs.

The Ministry has also further defined the term ‘Resident Welfare Association’ to be referred to as the Association, which comprises all property owners within a co-operative group housing society, multi-storied building, residential colony, or a similar body registered with the state government.

The new rules will also ensure consumers can obtain separate electricity connections from their respective DISCOM to charge their electric vehicles.

Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy clarified that residential rooftop solar applications submitted before February 13, 2024, will not be applicable for central financial assistance (CFA) under the new PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

Under the new program announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, a subsidy of ₹30,000 (~$361)/kW will be provided for residential rooftop solar systems up to 2 kW for applications submitted after February 13, 2024. An additional ₹18,000 (~$217)/kW will be available for systems of over 2 kW and up to 3 kW capacity, while for projects exceeding 3 kW, depending on the average monthly power consumption of the household, the total subsidy will be capped at ₹78,000 (~$939).

Mercom recently reported that Central Public Sector Undertakings designated as the implementing agencies may no longer be involved in executing the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.