DERC notifies new guidelines for rooftop solar plants

NEW DELHI- The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has introduced new guidelines for the installation of rooftop and agri-solar plants in urban as well as rural areas of Delhi. The new guideline is regarding the group and virtual net metering of the energy generated by the photovoltaic plants. Group Net Metering (GNM) will be applicable to all consumers residing in Delhi, while Virtual Net Metering (VNM) would be exclusive to government officials and farmers who have given their land for solar power generation. The net metering of solar power generation is beneficial for those living in apartment buildings and societies as it allows them to generate and store power for later use. Willing consumers are to submit an application with a non-refundable fee of Rs. 1000. The credits for extra power generation would be balanced equally on all the electricity bills of the apartments in the building volunteering for rooftop solar power system from now on. “This will allow thousands of resident welfare associations (RWAs) and lakhs of individuals to take advantage of Delhi government’s scheme of giving generation-based incentive in electricity bills. This will particularly boost agri-solar and rooftop solar energy,” stated the Delhi government on Friday.