MNRE Wants Discoms To Make Rooftop Solar Payments Online

MNRE Wants Discoms To Make Rooftop Solar Payments Online

In order to further streamline the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar scheme, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has urged the states to alter the functioning of discoms. Discoms are the key offices which regulate the rooftop solar affairs in their jurisdiction.

In a latest communication of the MNRE to the states, the ministry exhorted the states to make the payments systems related to rooftop solar online to make the whole exercise hassle free.

“To avoid multiple visits by the consumers to discom offices, payment of RTS application fee, load enhancement charges, mater testing charges, net meter charges, commissioning fgee and likewise other associated fees and charges may be collected at the time of commissioning,” the letter from MNRE to the state power secretaries read.

This comes at a time when several rooftop solar consumers often apply for load enhancement for the installation of rooftop solar as per their requirements. The letter also advocated for operationalizing deemed load enhancement upto 10 kW. MNRE said that all associated fees and charges should be displayed by discoms on their websites.

It said, “Operationsing deemed load enhancement upto 10 Kw as the riles provide for deemed acceptance of applications for solar systems upto 10 Kw capacity and any commensurate enhancement of the sanctioned load of the consumer has to be done automatically.”

MNRE also batted for installation of smart meter under RDSS under priority. It also talked about adequate supply of net-meters in order to avoid delays in the installations of rooftop solar systems.

“Discoms need to maintain adequate stock of tested net meters. The vendors may be allowed to submit net meters for testing in a lot of up to 100 meters so as to maintain sufficient inventory of tested net meters which may be issued to consumers post installation of solar plants,” the letter read. This circular comes at a time when the ministry has been working to boost the growth of rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar scheme. Earlier also the ministry came up with several norms and directions to boost the growth of residential rooftop solar.