Rooftop Solar: Karnataka Makes Load Enhancement Upto 10Kw Automated

Rooftop Solar: Karnataka Makes Load Enhancement Upto 10Kw Automated

Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has recently streamlined the process for solar rooftop PV (SRTPV) installations in the state. The KERC order now requires state discoms to automatically enhance the sanctioned loads for rooftop solar consumers with capacities of up to 10 kW.

“If the sanctioned load of a consumer is less than the capacity of the SRTPV plant to be installed, the distribution licensee shall allow such a consumer to install an SRTPV plant of capacity up to and including 10 kW, and the sanctioned load of the consumer shall be enhanced automatically to match the required capacity of the SRTPV plant,” the KERC order stated.

Automatic Load Augmentation for Solar Rooftop Installations

The KERC order mandates that state discoms take necessary steps to augment the capacity of distribution lines and transformers where needed. However, if consumers request solar rooftop capacity beyond the 10 kW ceiling, they will need to pay additional charges and follow other regulatory procedures.

“In cases where the consumer’s sanctioned load is increased as above, it is the responsibility of the consumer to pay the applicable charges, deposit additional security, and enter into a power supply agreement for the additional load, before the commissioning of the SRTPV plant, in accordance with the provisions of the Conditions of Supply of Electricity of Distribution Licensees in the State of Karnataka (CoS) and other regulations issued by the Commission,” the KERC order added.

Capacity Tolerance for SRTPV Systems

For solar rooftop systems up to 10 kW, KERC allows a capacity tolerance of up to 10% for the applied system capacity (DC). However, this is subject to the condition that the AC capacity of the inverter should not exceed the sanctioned load.

The decision was made after state discoms raised concerns with KERC about the growing issue of mismatch between module capacities and the applied capacity. To address this concern, solar integrators requested the KERC to allow a 10% tolerance for SRTPV systems with a capacity of up to 10 kW.

Key Takeaways:

• KERC has streamlined the process for solar rooftop PV installations by mandating automatic load augmentation for up to 10 kW capacities.
• State discoms will need to ensure necessary upgrades to distribution lines and transformers.
• Consumers can install solar rooftop systems with a capacity tolerance of up to 10% for capacities below 10 kW.
• Additional charges will apply for capacity requests above the 10 kW ceiling.