Delhi Solar Policy, 2016- Official & Gazetted
The Delhi Solar Policy has finally been published from its Draft stages (refer) to a final one (refer). It begins with a basic outline that Delhi has a solar potential of 2.5 GW of which 49% (almost half) would come from the domestic sector. This brings us back to think about the role played by residential rooftops in Delhi in making solar a great success and popularizing it. It highlights an important finding that since 2007 power tariffs have been rising at an average of 6.9% a year and simultaneously solar tariffs have been falling to such an extent that its cheaper than conventional power for commercial, industrial and the upper domestic segment. At this rate, solar will soon become preferable even for the low-medium domestic segment.
Highlights
Operative Period: 5 years (until 2021)
State Nodal Agency: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Management Center (EE&REM)
Target capacities until 2025:
Incentives:
The Gazette introduces a couple of new concepts- Generation Based Incentives (refer) and Group & Virtual Net-Metering (refer) which stands as an example for all other states that don’t have such provisions and incentives. GBIs help in reducing the pay pack period and maximum uptake of rooftop solar- offered on a first-come-first-serve basis only until 2019. Group and Virtual Net Metering mainly different accounting mechanisms which would result in greater application of ‘Solar Net-Metering’ in Delhi-NCR. The regulatory framework is expected to be released by April 2017.
Exemptions:
Electricity Tax and Cess on all plants independent of the type of plant (CAPEX or OPEX).
Within the state, open access charges are exempted
All wheeling, banking and transmission charges are expected to be exempt
Bylaws for Rooftop Solar Installations:
- It clarifies that height of the module is not counted towards the total height of the building. Of course, most of knew this, but this point serves as an official notification for those who were in doubt
- Also, no approval is required from building authorities such as DDA to install plants or monitoring systems
- The structure on which solar panels rest need to be temporary structures only
Finally the Policy individually clarifies the role of each SNA, DISCOM, Consumer and Developer and how each body would function clarifying to the end customers and EPC companies alike on how to act while installing a Rooftop Solar Power System. If you’ve been waiting for this policy to be published and for more clarifications on ‘How to go solar’, this policy has the answers. Now is the time to act fast and get a brand new Solar Power System around Diwali this year. Send us your request to go solar here! Also, visit our Solar Calculator to know how much you can save.
