Format 16 Guidelines To Consumers1
Format 16 Guidelines To Consumers1
Format 16 Guidelines To Consumers1
Consumer guidelines
for availing Grid connectivity
of Solar Rooftop PV systems
in BESCOM
(On net-metering basis)
Page 1 of 18
Introduction
Solar energy is a clean, pollution free and renewable source of energy.
Karnataka being located between 11°40' and 18°27' North latitude and the
geographic position favours the harvesting and development of solar energy.
Karnataka state is blessed with about 300 sunny days with good solar
radiation of 5.4 to 6.2KWh/square meter/day.
On 10.10.2013, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission has fixed a tariff
of Rs.9.56 per unit (without subsidy) & Rs.7.20/unit (with subsidy) to the Rooftop
and Small Solar P.V. plants for the energy generated exceeding the energy
consumed during a billing period. The above approved tariff The above approved
tariff is applicable to solar power generators entering into power purchase
agreements (PPA) on or after 01.04.2013 and up to 31.03.2018 other than those
where the tariff is discovered through bidding process.
The Government of Karnataka has announced the Solar policy 2014-21 on
22.5.2014, for Solar P.V. and Solar thermal Power plants including grid connected
solar rooftop P.V. systems (under net-metering basis).It is proposed to achieve a
minimum of 400 MWs of grid connected Roof Top Solar P.V. Generation projects in
the Karnataka State by 2018.
On 7.11.2014, Hon’ble Energy minister Sri. D K Shivakumar has launched
Solar RTPV programme at corporate office, Bangalore and extended this facility to
all the ESCOMS for entire Karnataka State.
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Solar PV Cells converts sunlight to generate electricity through a photovoltaic
process.
In grid connected rooftop or small SPV system, the DC power generated from
SPV panel is converted to AC power using power conditioning unit and is fed to
the grid either of 11 kV lines or of 415/240 Volt three/ single phase lines.
They generate power during the day time which is utilized fully by powering
captive loads and feed excess power to the grid as long as grid is available. In case,
where solar power is not sufficient due to cloud cover etc., the captive loads are
served by drawing power from the grid. The grid-interactive rooftop system can
work on net metering basis wherein the utility pays to the power plant on net
meter reading basis only. Alternatively two meters can also be installed to major
the export and import of power separately.
Many such power plants can be installed at the roofs of residential and
commercial complex, housing societies, community centers, government
organizations, private institutions etc.
In grid interactive systems, it has, however to be ensured that in case the grid
fails, the solar power has to be fully utilized or stopped immediately feeding to the
grid (if any in excess) so as to safe-guard any grid person/technician from getting
shock (electrocuted) while working on the grid for maintenance etc.
This feature is termed as ‘Islanding Protection’.
This scheme is only for the Solar Rooftop facility owned, operated and
maintained by the consumer(s).
Objective of the Programme:
To promote the grid connected SPV rooftop and small SPV power generating
plants among the residential, community, institutional, industrial and
commercial establishments.
To mitigate the dependence on fossil fuel based electricity generation and
encourage environment friendly Solar electricity generation.
To create enabling environment for investment in solar energy sector by
private sector, state government and the individuals.
To create enabling environment for supply of solar power from rooftops to
the grid.
To encourage innovation in addressing market needs and promoting
sustainable business models and ensures employment opportunities.
To provide support to channel partners and potential beneficiaries, within
the framework of boundary conditions and in a flexible demand driven mode.
To create a paradigm shift needed for commoditization of grid connected SPV
rooftop applications.
To support consultancy services, seminars, symposia, capacity building,
awareness campaigns, human resource development, etc.
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Overview of Solar RTPV Power plants:
A solar RTPV Power plant consists of:
Solar Panels/Solar PV Modules: These are mounted on the roof of
buildings and convert sunlight into Direct Current.
Mounting Structures: These Galvanised Steel structures secure the solar
panels/PV modules to the roof of your building. Most mounting structures
require your roof to be penetrated. If you are worried about water seepage,
non-penetrating options are also available Mounting structures should be
strong enough to hold your solar panels even at high wind speeds.
Inverter :It is an intelligent equipment that converts the generated Direct
Current into the Alternating Current which is required for all the electrical
appliances through a charge controller. It also regulates battery charging
(if required).
Balance of Systems (BoS) : All the other components of the solar plant,
such as cables, junction boxes, fuses, etc.
Accelerated depreciation of 80% is available under the Income Tax act for the
Commercial and Industrial rooftop solar PV systems. This can provide significant
savings to a SRTPV power plant generator who is a taxable assesse and has
sufficient profits against which the depreciation can be charged.
Investors Can Set off Their Tax Liability on the Taxable Income to the tune
of 80% in the 1st Year and subsequently 20% in the 2nd Year.
• Section 80-IA (sub section 4) of income tax Act, 1961 allows 100% tax
waiver on the income generated for any single 10 year period during first
15 years of operational life of a power generation project.
• The Reserve Bank of India has taken a decision to grant Special Status to
the Renewable energy sector, among others, under priority sector for
Lending.
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Solar irradiation data of Bangalore City is given below for reference
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4. The fee payable are as follows:
1. Note:* For the applicants who obtain subsidy from MNRE, the capacity range is from
1kWp to 500kWp (as per MNRE guidelines.
5. The AEE, C,O&M sub-division is the signing authority for PPA up to sanctioning
load upto 50kWp and EE, C, O&M division is the signing authority for PPA of
sanctioning load of 50kWp and above.
6. The Content of Power Purchase Agreements, for more than 500kWp, individual
approvals have to be obtained from KERC.
7. For applications of loads requesting above 500 kWp to 1 MWp, the draft PPA’s
from O&M division office will be forwarded to the office to the Office of
GM(DSM), Corporate Office, Bescom. GM (DSM) , in turn will arrange to forward
these PPA’s to the KERC for approval on case by case. In this case, the office of
GM (DSM) will only act like a facilitator for obtaining approval to the PPAs.
8. The applicant is required to select a reputed system installer to install the
SRTPV System, who have experience in design, supply and installation of SRTPV
system.
9. After installation of SRTPV system, AEE (Ele,), C, O&M Sub-division, BESCOM
is the inspecting authority for SRTPV systems up to and including 10kWp. For
above 10kWp SRTPV systems, Chief Electrical Inspectorate, Government of
Karnataka is the inspecting authority to meet safety standards.
10. BESCOM shall not be held responsible for any legal disputes between the
applicant and SRTPV system installer arising out of the contract.
11. The applicant shall be very careful in selecting and finalising a contract with
the System Installer as there is every chance of misleading by some of the
System Installers. Hence it is advisable to consider following options before
finalising a contract.
The applicant may enter in to an agreement with the system Installer: For
designing, testing, Supplying, Installing, Commissioning and to maintain
for a period of Five years after following all the Safety and Quality of the
equipment supplied as per relevant standards.
The applicant should see that the System Installer shall guarantee a
minimum solar energy generation for a period of Five years. The applicant
is advisable to select high efficiency P.V. Modules as their rate of return is
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directly proportional to the no. of units generated/day. Please note this
guarantee is not applicable for day to day cleaning of Solar P.V. Modules.
It is advisable for the applicant to get a comprehensive Insurance policy
against theft/damage/fire/cyclone/riot incidences and also a third
party liability insurance against risk of Mechanical/electrical accidents
that may happen during installation of solar roof top panels or during
maintenance afterwards.
The applicant should ensure a clear & complete scope from System
Installer in assisting for preparation of drawings, procuring and testing
Bi direction Meters, to get approvals from BESCOM/C.E.I. and to have
comprehensive maintenance contract for periodical maintenance of P.V.
modules, Inverter and other connections or else S.I. will refuse to render
appropriate service at a later date.
For more information prospective consumers are advised to visit Web
sites on Solar energy such as solar mango, bridge to India etc.
12. List of On-grid MNRE approved Channel Partners is available in
BESCOM/MNRE website for guidance and it is not mandatory to select one
of the MNRE channel partners only.
13. The list of approved vendors for Bi directional meters is available in BESCOM
website.
14. Inverters of BESCOM approved manufacturers shall be used.
BESCOM is empanelling inverter manufacturers on continuous basis.
On 12.01.2015, BESCOM has called Expression of Interest (EOI) for
“Empanelment of Grid-tied Inverter manufacturers for implementation of
Solar Roof-top (SRTPV) programme in BESCOM area for a period of one year,
which may be extended upto 2 years”. The Registration of Empanelment of
Grid tied Inverter manufacturers commenced from 16.01.2015.
2. The list of approved vendors for inverters which meet all required IEC standards
are available in BESCOM website. Test reports for the tests conducted as per
IS/IEC standards and Technical specifications of SPV system shall be
submitted along with Work Completion Certificate as per Format-7 before
Commissioning.
15. The Technical, safety, grid connectivity standards to be followed as per the
technical standards enclosed with Format – 5 and 6 are as below:
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Technical Standards to followed for SRTPV systems
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IP 65 (for outdoor)/
vii Ingress protection IP 21 (for indoor)
As per IEC 60529
General Test and Measuring
Method PVC insulated cables for
working voltage upto and
including 1100 V and UV IEC 60227 / IS 694
resistant for outdoor installation
Cables i IEC 60502 / IS 1554
for A.C. cables. (part I & II)
(It is suggested to use D.C. rated,
UV resistant Photovoltaic cable
having plug and play capability
cables)
16. After installation of SRTPV system, AEE C, O&M Sub-division, BESCOM is the
inspection authority for SRTPV systems up to 10kWp and for above 10kWp for
applied load, Chief Electrical Inspectorate, Government of Karnataka is the
inspecting authority to meet safety standards.
18. The applicant should be the owner of the property or authorized person and
Consumer of BESCOM. If the property is in the name of the Company, Trust,
Co-operatives / partnership firms, then authorization shall be assigned to a
person for correspondence, paperwork, execution of various agreements, etc.
Such person must be authorized by the management of the organization. In case
of partnership firms, the authorized signatory must be one of the partners, to
whom written consent has been given by the other partners.
19. The authorization Format - 1A/1B can be downloaded from the website.
20. If consumer is not willing to avail subsidy, shall furnish self-certification for not
availing Capital subsidy.
22. Net metered energy means: The difference of meter readings of energy injected
by the SRTPV system into the grid (export) and the energy drawn from the grid
for use by the Prosumer (import) is recorded in the bi-directional meter.
23. Metering:
The Applicant has to procure Callibrated bi-directional meter from any of the
approved vendors of BESCOM as per CEA guidelines. The vendor list of bi-
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directional meters can be downloaded from BESCOM website.
Cost of various capacities of Net Meters of SECURE make and its prices are
as below:
Note: *All the Meters shall have 60 months of warranty from the date of
supply.
Cost of meter testing fee to be paid at MT lab is as below (as per SR 2014-
15):
Sl. Type of meter Cost of testing fee per
No. meter
1 Bi-directional Single Phase 2 Rs. 200/-
wire meter
2 Bi-directional 3 Phase ETV Rs. 1800/-
meter
3 ABT feature 3 phase meter Rs. 2400/-
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If the grid connectivity is on L.T. side, the applicant shall arrange to connect
Bescom approved L.T. Meter with C.T.’s to read solar generation, as approved
by E.E. M.T. Division, BESCOM.
If the existing meter cubicle is having 2 element system of 2 CTs, 2 PTs and
metering with three wire system, it shall be replaced by 3 element system of
3 CTs, 3 PTs and metering with four wire system.
24. In case of L.T. Power Installations, if the proposed capacity of the SRTPV
system is higher than 50kWp, then, as per KERC tariff Order, the
Applicant/Developer shall provide evacuation facility upto the interconnection
point by extending 11KV line and providing the Distribution transformer &
protection equipment. The applicant shall use equipment such as Transformer,
Conductor etc., from BESCOM approved vendors only.
25. As per CEA guide lines, the applicant/ firm is responsible for planning,
design, construction, reliability, protection and safe operation of all the
equipment’s subject to the regulations for construction, operation maintenance,
connectivity and other statutory provisions.
26. The list of documents to be furnished along with the application are:
a. Copy of the latest Electricity bill.
b. Authorization letter Format-1A in case of Company/Trust/Co-
operatives/ Partnership and Format -1B for Partnership firms.
c. Copy of the Subsidy sanction letter from MNRE.
27. The Commission decides that, the S.T.U. shall arrange necessary facilities to
evacuate power from the interconnection point as below:
Sl. System Capacity Voltage level
No.
1 Upto inclusive of 5 kWp 240 Volts
2 Above 5 kWp to upto 50 kWp 415 Volts
3 Above 50 kWp* & upto 1MWp 415 Volts /11KV
Please note *: In certain cases, the evacuation voltages can either be 415V
or 11kV which will be as determined by the Executive Engineer (Ele,) of
C,O&M division. In case of clarification, the Executive Engineer (Ele,) shall
contact E.E, M.T. Division & GM (DSM), Corporate Office, BESCOM.
28. If the existing power supply of the consumer is of single phase and wishes to
apply for three phase SRTPV system, conversion of 1ph to 3ph installation shall
be sanctioned from AEE, C, O&M Sub-division before applying.
29. If the Consumer is already having a Three Phase Connection and wish to put up
a Single phase Solar roof top Installation, he can do so by procuring a Three
Phase Bi-directional Meter at Inter connection point and a single phase energy
Meter to read Solar Generation. The single phase uni-directional Meter can be
bought at Bescom approved retail Meter outlets.
30. The nodal point of contact for Solar RTPV program shall be the AEE, C, O&M
Sub-division, BESCOM.
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31. BESCOM personnel reserve the right to inspect the entire plant routinely at any
time as per the distribution code approved by KERC.
32. The consumer shall pay the Electricity tax and other statutory levies, pertaining
to SRTPV generation, as levied from time to time.
Both equipment earth (DC) and system earth (AC) shall be checked for
proper earthing.
Equipment earth (DC): All the non-current carrying metal parts such
as PV modules, DCDB are bonded together and connected to earth to
prevent shocks to the manpower and protection of the equipment.
System earth (AC): All the non-current carrying metal parts such as
ACDB, Lightening Arresters are bonded together and connected to
existing earth.
Surge Protection:
Surge protection devises (SPD’s) shall be provided on the DC side and
AC side of the solar system.
The DC surge protection devices shall be installed in the DC
distribution box adjacent to the solar grid inverter.
The AC SPD’s shall be installed in the AC distribution box adjacent to
the solar grid inverter.
The SPD’s earthing terminal shall be connected to earth through the
above mentioned dedicated earthing system. (The SPD’s shall be of
Type 2 as per IEC 60364-5-53.)
34. Data monitoring: Online monitoring will be compulsory for all the systems of
more than 50kWp capacity. The SRTPV plant parameters such as daily
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generated units are measured shall be transmitted to ALDC, BESCOM using
SCADA system through Ethernet Connection and the system Installer should
give Link/Password to the AEE OF C,O& M subdivision for monitoring.
35. Regarding any queries/ complaints/ information, the Applicant/ Consumer can
contact the AEE, C, O & M Sub-division / Solar help desk at DSM section,
Corporate Office, BESCOM.
36. Subsidy:
The Applicant can avail MNRE subsidy for Solar rooftop PV systems.
If MNRE subsidy is availed subsidy, MNRE guidelines and
standards are to be followed, details may be obtained from MNRE
website www.mnre.gov.in
MNRE subsidy may be availed through MNRE approved Channel
partners or through “KREDL”.
37. Dispute Resolution:
All the disputes between the SRTPV consumer and BESCOM arising out of or in
connection with the agreement shall be first tried to be settled through mutual
negotiation. The parties shall resolve the dispute in good faith and in equitable
manner. In case of failure to resolve the dispute, either of the parties may
approach the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF). Details of CGRF
can be obtained from the BESCOM website.
38. The technical specifications stated are subjected to change without notice.
39. Display of caution boards on the Meter Board/Cubicle of SRTPV installation
and on pole as stated below:
The Section officer shall arrange : To paint One Band of Red Colour of 6”
around the pole (at about 8 feet height from the Ground Level), below it,
One Band of Orange coloured Radium paint of 6” around the pole, duly
writing R.R. No. with pre fixing the letters of “SRTPV” in Black coloured paint.
40. Applicability of Wheeling and Banking Charges and Cross Subsidy Charges:
The KERC has decided not to levy any Wheeling and Banking Charges and
Cross Subsidy Charges on the Solar generators who sell electricity on Open
access within the state.
1. The Applicant shall submit the filled-in Application along with the necessary
documents either Online/Offline to jurisdictional O&M, Sub-division office,
BESCOM and pay required registration fee.
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3. On submission of Application form to concerned AEE, Sub-divisional office, will
perform general screening and register the application with acknowledgment to
the Applicant.
4. After revenue verification, the Application shall be sent to concerned Section
officer / Executive Engineer, C, O&M BESCOM as per delegation of powers for
Technical feasibility report.
5. In case of L.T. Power Installations, if the proposed capacity of the SRTPV system
is higher than 50kWp, then, as per KERC tariff Order, the Applicant/Developer
shall provide evacuation facility upto the interconnection point by extending
11KV line and providing the Distribution transformer & protection equipment.
The applicant shall use equipment such as Transformer, Conductor etc., from
BESCOM approved vendors only
12. After verification of all documents and completion reports submitted by the
Applicant, AEE/EE will issue sanction letter for testing and commissioning of
SRTPV system.
13. The testing, commissioning and synchronization of the SRTPV system shall be
carried out by the concerned Sub-divisional/Divisional Engineer along with MT
staff/Section Officer (To asses the SRTPV Load, the Capacity of Inverter or
P.V.Module whichever is Low ,shall be considered).
14. During the period of synchronization of the SRTPV system with BESCOM grid,
the BESCOM personnel shall inspect, calibrate and seal the bi-directional
meter.
15. The AEE/Section Officer shall record G.P.S. Co-ordinates of all the SRTPV
Installations in the Work Completion report submitted by the applicant and
System Installer (Format 7) which will be helpful to map all the serviced
installations at a later date.
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16. The A.E.E. of C, O&M, after commission, shall take a photograph of the Solar
R.T.P.V. power plant, retain one copy along with the service docket and shall
mail copy to the GM, DSM, Corporate Office, BESCOM.
17. The concerned AEE/EE C, O&M will issue for synchronization certificate to the
applicant of the SRTPV system after synchronization and commissioning.
The tariff for injecting surplus energy by rooftop installation will be as per
the prevailing tariff determined by KERC from time to time. At present the tariff
is Rs.9.56 per unit for installations without subsidy and Rs.7.20 per unit for
installations with subsidy
20. Please Note: The terms and conditions are subjected to change without Notice.
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Flow Chart of Interconnection Process
Not Ok
After installation of SRTPV Power plant,
Applicant & S.I. shall
Applicant submits pays facilitation fee, procures undertake corrective
Applicant & S.I.
Submits C.R.
Page 17 of 18
Single Line Diagram of Rooftop Facility
Bi-directional
Meter
AC disconnect
Distribution Switch
Net Consumer
Network Meter Distribution
Panel
AC surge
BESCOM Grid Protection device
AC distribution box
To consumer
Loads