Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) Streamlines Rooftop Solar Installations

Introduction

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has issued an order amending the RERC (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2021 to align with the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, as amended.[1] This order aims to streamline and expedite the installation process of grid-interactive rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Rajasthan, a state with immense solar potential.

Explanation (Key Points)

• Background: The RERC (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2021, were established to govern the installation of grid-interactive distributed renewable energy generating systems. These regulations included procedures and timelines for setting up such systems. However, the Central Government’s Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, also addressed the installation of grid-interactive rooftop solar PV systems and underwent several amendments, necessitating alignment between the two sets of regulations.
• Need for Alignment: The amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, particularly those made in February 2024, introduced significant changes to the timelines and procedures for installing rooftop solar PV systems. These changes aimed to simplify and accelerate the adoption of solar energy across the country. To ensure consistency and avoid conflicts between the state and central regulations, the RERC decided to align its regulations with the amended rules.
• Key Amendments: The 2024 amendment to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules brought about crucial changes. Notably, it removed the requirement for technical feasibility studies for rooftop solar PV systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW. Applications for such systems are now deemed accepted without the need for these studies. Additionally, the timelines for completing technical feasibility studies (where required) and commissioning of rooftop solar PV systems have been significantly reduced to 15 days each.
• RERC’s Order: Under Regulation 19 and 22 of the RERC (Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems) Regulations, 2021, the Commission has the authority to issue directions and remove difficulties in implementing the regulations. Exercising these powers, the RERC ordered that the provisions concerning the application procedure, timelines, and technical feasibility for rooftop solar PV systems in Rajasthan will now be governed by the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, as amended from time to time. This alignment ensures that the state regulations are in harmony with the central rules, promoting a unified and efficient approach to rooftop solar installations.

Conclusion

The RERC’s order is a proactive measure to promote the growth of rooftop solar PV systems in Rajasthan. By aligning its regulations with the amended Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020, the RERC aims to simplify the installation process, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and encourage wider adoption of solar energy. This move is expected to benefit consumers by making it easier and faster for them to install rooftop solar systems, thereby contributing to the state’s renewable energy goals and promoting a cleaner and greener energy future.

[1] https://solarquarter.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Grid-Interactive-Distributed-Renewable-Energy-Rajasthan.pdf