Jammu & Kashmir Approves Net Metering

• Jammu & Kashmir has approved the draft 2016 solar rooftop net metering policy
• Under this policy, the India state will aim to install 450 MW of solar rooftop capacity by 2022
• Solar rooftop systems from 1 kW to 1,000 kW size can be installed as part of this scheme; these may or may not have battery back-up

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has formally approved the net metering policy. The Draft Policy for Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants-2016 (Net Metering Based) mentions the state has to set up 450 MW of rooftop solar capacity by 2022.

Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) has been appointed as the nodal agency to realize this target. The policy allows for solar rooftops for domestic, social, government, institutional, industrial and commercial sectors. Once connected to the grid, these solar rooftop power plants can sell power to the state utility on net metering basis.

The policy will be applicable for a period of 10 years. Post that, it can be altered or replaced by a new policy. It will be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the state's Electricity Regulatory Commission's or JKSERC's (Grid Interactive Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems based on Net Metering) Regulations, 2015.

Consumers can install systems ranging from 1 kW up to 1,000 kW (AC) with or without battery back-up. State government departments can install systems above 1,000 kW capacity.

The state government will be at liberty to decide the maximum cumulative capacity to be installed under this policy for two years, with reviews done on an annual basis. Shortfall in any year shall be carried forward to the next.

The policy can be accessed on JAKEDA's website here. It is also available here for viewing.

Earlier this month, JAKEDA had invited bids to develop 37.8 MW grid connected rooftop solar power capacity (see Rooftop Solar Tender In Jammu & Kashmir).