TNERC issues order on Rooftop Solar generation

Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission recently issued an order on rooftop solar generation. This comes after the Tamil Nadu Solar Policy 2019 announced a target of achieving 900 MW of solar energy till 2023, out of which 40% is set to be achieved from consumer category solar energy systems.
Applicability
According to the order on the new scheme of rooftop solar generation, consisting of solar net feed-in consumer category will be applicable to all the new applicants. The effective date of commissioning of the order is 25th March 2019. The specifications described in the order are applicable to all the new consumers and the existing consumers under the net metering scheme will continue to be under the provisions of Order No.3 of 2013 dated 13.11.2013.
Eligibility
Consumers under Low Tension category except for Hut and Agricultural category of the tariff.
Permissible maximum capacity for an eligible consumer
The maximum capacity of solar rooftop generating a plant that an eligible consumer can install shall be up to 100% of his sanctioned/contracted demand with the distribution licensee.
Metering
The consumers under the solar net feed-in scheme will have to install two meters. One for measuring solar power generation and the other to measure import & export of energy.
Commercial arrangement

• The electricity generated by the solar rooftop power plant shall be utilized for self-consumption by the consumer. The surplus energy generated that is unutilized and that flows to the grid and recorded in the export register of the meter shall at the end of the billing period be calculated at a tariff fixed by the commission and credited to the consumer’s account.
• The price of energy purchase exported by the solar generator during a financial year will be 75% of the pooled cost of power purchase notified by the commission.

Restrictions on grid penetration
At a local distribution level, the connectivity to rooftop solar systems will be restricted to 90% of the distribution transformer capacity on first come first serve basis.
Renewable Energy Certificates and Renewable Energy Obligation
Net injection of power is not eligible for REC. The energy generated from Rooftop Solar Power Plant will be accounted towards the fulfillment of RPO obligation of distribution licensees.
The order is to come in effect on and from 25th March 2019.