How do you slash your monthly electricity bills with solar power and contribute to a greener tomorrow? With increasing advancements and demands for renewable energy sources, solar panels have gained massive attention. It not only helps reduce carbon emissions but allows homeowners and businesses to generate their own electricity. This article will help in setting up solar net metering in India.
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ToggleWhat is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement meter that allows photovoltaic (PV) systems like solar systems to connect to the electric grid and measure their units. This device allows homeowners to import and export electricity units. Testing and installation usually cost between INR 10,000 and INR 15,000.
With this arrangement, any additional electricity generated by the solar system is fed back into the grid, and the owners will receive credits for the surplus energy generated. These credits can be used during the offset times when the solar system is not producing sufficient electricity, during cloudy days or night times.
How to Set a Net Metering System in India?
With the current improvements and advancements, solar net metering systems can be installed across different regions, geographies, or climatic conditions, which is across all states of India.
Here is the detailed process for setting up a net metering solar system in India for rooftop solar.
Stage 1: Apply for Net Metering
The first step is to send an application to your state Distribution Company (DISCOM) asking permission to install a rooftop solar panel.
Send an application asking for permission from your state DISCOM (distribution company) to install a rooftop solar panel. You can fill out the form online/ offline to apply for net metering solar systems.
Stage 2: Solar Panel Installation
After your application is processed, an authorised expert from DISCOM will visit your solar installation site within 3 days of application. After successful inception from the DICOM expert, the site owner will receive approval for installation.
Stage 3: Getting Solar Net Metering System
After the successful installation of the solar panels, visit the official site of DISCOM company or visit the nearest one in your locality.
Fill in the online/ offline form to get the net meter connection with the required documents, such as property paper, installation certificate, net metering fee, and solar system certifications.
Stage 4: Signing Up Agreement
Once you have submitted the application, the DISCOM expert will perform the next stage of site audit. Post this; the homeowner should sign a metering agreement given by the local DISCOM within 3 days of applying for the net metering application. After all the necessary regulations are fulfilled, a bidirectional meter will be connected to the solar system.
NOTE: With the ‘Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’ scheme, now homeowners considering setting up net meter connections are eligible for subsidy aid. The amount differs based on the size of the solar system.
Terms and Conditions to Set Up Net Metering Solar System
Here are the terms and conditions to be taken into consideration,
- The solar system installation certificate and the name of the property owner should be in your name.
- Ensure installation capacity is not greater than the sanctioned load. If it is lower, then you must apply to increase the sanction load while applying for a net meter connection.
- Ensure that there is a data sheet and test report of earthing, solar panels, and inverters.
- Ensure the ACDB/ DCDB, earthing, inverter, and solar panel should be installed as per MNRE guidelines.
Benefits of Net Metering Solar System
Without the net metering system, the excess generation of solar energy would have no use. However, with a net metering system, you can promote sustainable energy utilisation, which leads to substantial savings, making solar power a financially viable investment.
Here are some of the key benefits of this device,
Renewable Energy Promotion
Installing solar panels helps increase the overall share of clean energy in the electricity grid. This, in turn, mitigates climate change, promotes sustainability, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Grid Support and Stability
How does a net metering system contribute to the stable and reliable support of the electricity grid?
During the excess production of solar energy, the energy is fed back into the electric grid, distributing power to the plants. This approach helps meet energy demands during offset seasons like rainy/ cloudy days and minimises the need for costly grid infrastructure.
Local Job Creation and Economic Growth
The adoption and installation of a net metering system in India not only stimulates job creation in the region but also contributes to economic growth. But how?
The reason is that the system installation, maintenance, and monitoring require skilled professionals for initial instalment, fostering new opportunities within the Indian renewable energy sector. This, in turn, attracts growth investments and contributes to the sustainable economy of the solar industry.
Energy Independence and Resilience
By generating their own electricity through renewable energy resources like solar power, homeowners or businesses gain greater control over vulnerable power outages or price fluctuations. This makes them self-sufficient and less reliant on the traditional power grid, increasing energy resilience and overall stability and security of the energy systems.
As solar technology advances and net metering policies evolve, these renewable energy solutions promise individuals and communities cost-effective alternatives.