In order to expedite the widespread acceptance of grid-connected rooftop solar systems, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued directives to streamline the implementation and application procedures. At the stage of obtaining technical feasibility approval, the ministry has indicated that consumers will only need to provide any electricity bill from the previous six months. During the stage of project commissioning and net-metering, individuals will be required to furnish a report confirming project completion, a photograph capturing the rooftop solar installation, and an agreement between the consumer and vendor. The details for project completion will encompass information such as the wattage, name and quantity of solar modules, the make and wattage of the inverter, the identity of the vendor responsible for the system installation, and the uploading of a photograph depicting the system.
The ministry has instructed all relevant discoms and implementing agencies not to request any additional documents from the applicants. Recognising the significant potential and numerous benefits of decentralised solar energy generation through rooftop solar, this initiative is designed to facilitate streamlined installation processes. The MNRE has additionally instructed discoms to maintain a sufficient supply of smart meters or net meters, preventing project commissioning delays or necessitating consumers to buy and have meters tested by laboratories.
In December 2023, The Ministry of External Affairs notified offshore wind energy lease rules, 2023. The specific area under the lease will be defined, and the lease itself will remain valid for three years, allowing for resource measurement and related study or survey activities.
