OERC Eases Technical Regulations for Rooftop Solar Installations Under 10 kW

The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has introduced a new policy to streamline the installation process for rooftop solar systems. 

The new regulation states that applications for rooftop solar PV systems up to 10 kW, complete in all respects, will be accepted without a technical feasibility study. Any necessary load enhancements for consumers will be handled by the distribution licensee, superseding previous directives.This change is per Rule 7(A) of the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules, 2024.

Metering is a concept that allows building owners to use solar electricity during the day and export any excess power to the grid, with the difference billed by DISCOM. These systems, often without battery storage, are cost-effective. As of November 30, 2023, Odisha has installed 1.50 MW of capacity under the subsidy scheme of Phase-II Programme and has contributed 41.91 MW to the cumulative installed capacity in the overall grid-connected solar rooftop sector.

With 280-300 sunny days annually and an average irradiation level of 4.5-5.0 kWh/m²/day, Odisha has great solar potential. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) estimates the state's solar potential at over 25 GW. However, a study by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology (iFOREST) suggests the actual potential is closer to 170 GW, considering areas like mining and industrial wastelands. 125 of Odisha's 204 reservoirs are suitable for floating solar projects, potentially adding 6.7 GW of capacity.

Currently, Odisha's solar capacity is approximately 460 MW. Efforts to boost this include a June 2023 agreement between GRIDCO and NHPC to develop at least 1 GW of solar projects in the state.