What is a photovoltaic (PV) system?
“Photovoltaic” is composed of two words. “Photo” means Light. “Voltaic” means producing Electricity. When sunlight is used, the relevant term is “Solar photovoltaic”. A photovoltaic (PV) cell, also called as a Solar cell, which is the basic building block, is a device that converts sunlight into electricity.
Many cells put together are known as a module, and many modules assembled together form an array. A PV system consists of an array of modules generating DC electricity, an inverter (which converts D.C energy in to A.C. energy) can be stored in battery storage banks or fed into the Electricity Grid.
What is between an inverter & grid tied inverter?
Inverter is a device which converts DC power to AC power. There are basically two types of inverters: off-grid inverters and grid tied inverters
A grid tied inverter uses grid voltage as reference for conversion of DC into AC power.
What are the main components of a Solar rooftop system?
1. PV modules
2. Grid tied inverters
3. Bi-directional meter
4. Cables – DC/AC
What is Grid Connected of rooftop solar PV systems?
The SRTPV system, where the inverter uses grid as reference voltage for generation of the solar power and the energy so generated can be exported to the utility grid during non- consumption period.
What is Net- metering and Gross-metering?
As per KERC SRTPV Regulation-2016, it is defined as
I. Net-metering: The energy generated by the solar rooftop plant is first allowed for self- consumption and the excess energy is injected to the grid.
II. Gross-metering: The total energy generated by the solar rooftop plant is to be injected into the grid without allowing the generated solar energy to be consumed directly by the consumer.
What is life of SRTPV plant?
The life of the Module is 25 years and Inverter warranty is minimum is 5 years or more.
How much space on my roof do I need for a solar PV installation?
1kW requires 100 sq. ft. shadow free area on the rooftop.
How much electricity does a PV system generates?
1kW generates average of 4 to 6 units of electricity per day.
What is the term of the Power Purchase Agreement?
The term of the PPA is 25 years
Whether third party investment models are allowed in the SRTPV scheme of Karnataka?
Yes . Refer to KERC Order Dated:09.12.2019
Whether all consumers are eligible to install solar rooftop systems to avail net metering facility?
Yes, all the consumers of ESCOM are eligible for net- metering. Only domestic consumers are eligible for both net and gross metering.
What is Minimum & Maximum capacity of the SRTPV system?
Applications can be submitted from 1kW up to 2000kW and limited up to sanctioned load of the installation.
Is there any prescribed application?
Yes. Online application SRTPV -Subsidy SRTPV-Non Subsidy
What is Minimum & Maximum capacity of the SRTPV sytem?
Applications can be submitted from 1kW upto 2000kW and limited upto sanctioned load of the installation.
Who is the nodal point of contact?
AEE(Ele) of concerned O&M, Sub-division, ESCOM
Can I install Solar on the rooftop of parking area or vacant place within the premises or green house?
As per KERC Regulation-2016 the SRTPV is defined as below:
Solar Rooftop photovoltaic plant- SRTPV plant means the Solar photovoltaic plant installed on the existing roof of the consumer’s premises that uses sunlight for direct conversion into electricity through photovoltaic technology with the solar panels of SRTPV plant mandatorily mounted in the space available on the roof of any residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and other buildings which are constructed as per the building construction acts/norms.
In a gross metering system, can I use Hybrid inverter and self-consume?
As per KERC Regulation-2016, the gross metering is defined as
The total energy generated by the solar rooftop plant is to be injected into the grid without allowing the generated solar energy to be consumed directly by the consumer.
Hence, in a gross metering arrangement, the Hybrid inverters not allowed.
I am staying in an Apartment. Am I eligible for installation of SRTPV system?
Since, roof rights of the Apartments are not given to the individual consumers, hence not eligible for installation of SRTPV system.
The SRTPV installation can be to put on Common metering installation of the Apartment.
Whether Government installation are eligible for the tariff determined by the KERC from time to time.
As per the KERC Order dated 11.11.2016, the PPA are executed at the present tariff determined by the commission without actual payment.
A building having 3 nos. of installations and the consumer of each installation are different. Can I install SRTPV plant under Net-metering for all the installations?
As per the KERC Order dated 15.09.2017, If all the 3 nos. of RR installations are in different consumer name, then Net metering is allowed to the individual installation.
In such cases, the PPA shall be executed at 90% of the present tariff
I have a SRTPV system of 5kW, the rate of PPA executed is Rs.9.56/- per unit. At present I have sold the building. Whether the new owner is eligible for the tariff executed in the PPA i.eRs.9.56/- per unit for 25 years?
NO. The new owner of the building has to execute the new PPA at the present tariff. The Old SRTPV PPA has to be terminated.
I have a SRTPV system of 2kW commissioned during the year 2018. The capacity of the each module is 250Wp of 8 nos. Whether can I upgrade the panels to 350Wp?
Any replacement or up gradation of Modules / inverters shall be duly intimated & approved by concerned Sub-divisional officer.
The consumer shall submit the Work Completion report and at any point of time the total installed capacity of SRTPV shall not exceed Sanctioned load of the building.
I have sanctioned load of 30kW for my industry and have installed SRTPV plant of 30kW. Now I want to revise the load of my installation. Whether I am eligible for the tariff executed in the PPA?
NO. As per KERC order dated:15.09.2017, in case of any revision in the sanctioned load or contract demand of the building the consumer would be eligible for the 90% of the present tariff.
The existing PPA has to be terminated.
I have executed the PPA for gross metering during 2018. Now I want to change to net-metering arrangement. Whether I would be eligible?
NO.
I have executed the PPA for SRTPV system of 5kW at the present tariff but due to some unavoidable circumstance I could complete the SRTPV installation work within 180 days. Now I want to synchronize the plant what is the procedure?
As per PPA terms and conditions the work has to be completed within 180 days. In case of any delay the consumer is not eligible for the tariff agreed into the PPA and Supplemental PPA shall be executed the reduced tariff.
What is the time period for completion of the SRTPV plant?
As per PPA terms and conditions the SRTPV plant shall be commissioned with 6 months but as the SRTPV Regulation2016 the plant has to be commissioned and synchronized within 180 days.
Hence 180 days is the time period for commissioning and synchronizing the SRTPV plant.
PM Surya Ghar
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Only Residential Consumers or Residential Welfare Societies (RWA). Other categories of consumers should not apply on this portal.
How to register/apply for the scheme?
Step 1: Visit the official website https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/.
Step 2 : Login with Consumer Mobile number and then enter valid OTP. (Either vendor or consumer can fill out the application form, incase one selects vendor to fill the application, consumer needs to shortlist the vendor and then vendor will fill the application).
Step 3: Enter personal details, select your State, District, Electricity Distribution Company, Electricity Consumer Number and other details. For more details- Kindly go through the consumer manuals or training videos in Knowledge Centre section.
What documents are to be provided during application ?
Only bank-related documents (such as a cancelled cheque/copy of passbook, etc.) are mandatory. Additionally, the name of the consumer must be identical on the bank account and the DISCOM electricity bill. If there mismatch in the names, the consumer must update the name with the DISCOM or the bank to ensure they match. Uploading the electricity bill is optional.
How do I choose a vendor for the rooftop solar system?
The portal provides a list of registered vendors within your DISCOM. Consumers can shortlist multiple vendors and communicate with them. Consumers can select their preferred vendor on the portal for RTS installation
Can I change my vendor after selection on portal?
Yes, you can change your vendor after selection on the portal, but only before uploading the Vendor Consumer Work Agreement to the portal.
What is 'Give-up' subsidy option?
“Give it Up” subsidy option encourages well-to-do households to voluntarily give up their subsidy. It is purely voluntary initiative where consumer 'Do-not want to avail subsidy'.
Till what stage on portal I can change 'Give-up' subsidy option
Even after opting for "Give it Up", if Consumer changes mind and wish to avail the subsidy, he/she may revoke the decision at any time until the subsidy is redeemed.
Who is responsible for filling out the installation data, the consumer or the vendor?
The vendor will fill out the installation data and then submit it to consumer using the 'Send to Consumer' option. After this, the consumer will be able to view the installation data in their login. Upon reviewing it, the consumer can either submit it to DISCOM for inspection or, if any issues are found, return the installation data to the vendor with suitable remarks for correction.
What documents/photographs are required to attach under installation data?
Geo tagged photos of rooftop solar plants with latitude and longitude coordinates and DCR undertaking certificate are mandatory documents.
How can I raise a complaint/grievance?
Consumer need to raise a complaint under the grievance section on National Portal.
How can I change Latitude and Longitude if entered wrong?
During vendor submitting installation details, vendor can change the Latitude and Longitude.
The application on the National Portal should be done by the consumer or a vendor can do the process on behalf of the consumer?
Yes, vendor can also do the process on behalf of consumer only if consumer accepted for filling application by vendor on behalf of himself.
How much capacity of RWA can consumer apply in PM Surya Ghar?
Upto 500 kW.
What is the maximum subsidy for residential category and RWA category?
For residential maximum subsidy of Rs. 78000/- and for RWA based on no of houses per 1 house max of @3kwp Rs.18000/kW (Maximum 500 kW per RWA). However , for projects in North Eastern States including Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh , Andaman & Nicobar Island and Lakshadweep 10 % higher subsidy is provided.
How to apply for loan?
The National Portal is integrated with Jan Samarth Portal. Consumer can submit the loan application after login in National Portal as Jan Samarth Portal is integrated with Jan Samarth portal.
Is it possible to change the proposed capacity in National Portal after application submitted?
Yes, in consumer login there is self edit option is there, by which consumer can update the proposed capacity.
Is loan is applicable for both Residential and RWA category?
Loan facility is available only for residential category through this portal.
Whether PV modules are being verified through the portal for domestic content requirement (PV Cell & Module)?
The portal is integrated with DCR verification portal of National Institute of Solar Energy ( NISE).