Net-metering policy for solar projects approved

Punjab government today approved a net-metering policy for installation of solar photovoltaic power plants.
Disclosing this here today, Punjab Revenue and Renewable Energy Minister Bikram Singh Majithia said the net metering policy will be applicable to all domestic, institutional, industrial, institutional and commercial consumers of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).
He said under the policy, which has been formulated by the Department of New and Renewable Energy and Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), all PSPCL consumers will have an option to install Solar Photovoltaic plants on their rooftop or vacant spaces in the capacity range of 1 KWp to 1,000 KWp covering up to 80 per cent of their sanctioned load.

He said the consumers will be able to offset their power consumption from the grid by producing solar power which will be accounted through bi-directional meters to be installed by PSPCL. The billing settlement period would be one year, he said.
Majithia said the state government has set a target of 100 MW under net metering policy for the next one year which will help the state to meet the peak load demand during the day when solar power generation will be available.
He said that both PSPCL and PEDA would jointly implement this scheme and a special publicity campaign would be launched for the consumers as to the procedure, technology and EPC companies which will be providing turnkey solutions for installation of solar power plants in market driven mode.

The Non-Conventional Energy Minister further said 30 per cent capital subsidy up to 500 KWp would be made available to the eligible individuals by PEDA depending upon the availability of funds on an year to year basis.