Rajasthan Eases Rooftop Solar Rules, Waives Key Charges for Domestic Consumers

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has approved key amendments to the state’s rooftop solar regulations to encourage wider adoption under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

The order follows a petition filed by Rajasthan’s three distribution companies viz.Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (JVVNL), Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (AVVNL), and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (JdVVNL).

The petitioners sought relaxation in several provisions of the RERC Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems (DREGS) Regulations, 2021, to remove financial and procedural barriers for domestic consumers installing rooftop solar systems. The request was made to facilitate smoother implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to install rooftop solar on one crore households across India.

After reviewing the submissions, the commission approved the waiver of application fees and security deposits required under Regulation 8.3 for domestic consumers. The requirement for a connection agreement under Regulation 9 has also been removed, streamlining the process for net metering adoption. Additionally, meter testing charges under Regulation 11.6 have been waived, further reducing upfront costs for consumers.

The decision was made in recognition of the significant benefits of rooftop solar adoption, including lower electricity costs for households, reduced transmission losses, and local employment generation. The commission noted that these amendments would accelerate the installation of rooftop solar systems in Rajasthan, leveraging the state’s abundant solar potential.

These relaxations will remain in effect until the state achieves its target of installing rooftop solar on five lakh houses or any revised target set by the Rajasthan government. The distribution companies have been directed to ensure the swift implementation of the order and its widespread awareness among consumers.

This move is expected to significantly boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems in Rajasthan, aligning with the central government’s renewable energy goals and making solar power more accessible to households across the state.