Training Programme on "Grid-connected Rooftop Solar PV Systems" for State Nodal Agencies, DISCOMs and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions

TERI organized a two-days training programme (second in the series) on “Grid-connected Rooftop Solar PV Systems for State Nodal Agencies, DISCOMs and State Regulatory Commissions” on 10th to 11th December (Thursday and Friday), 2015 at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The training programme was designed in such a way that it would enable the target groups (exclusively for the SNAs, DISCOMs and SERCs) to understand technical, financial and regulatory aspects, including grid-interconnection, metering arrangements, and remote monitoring mechanism of rooftop solar PV systems. Practitioners and renowned industry experts from TERI, MNRE, CESC, IEX, Punam Energy (ONergy) and Ujaas Energy presented their views and shared experiences on implementing rooftop PV systems.

25 Officials from various State Nodal Agencies (SNAs)/Solar City Cells under MNRE, Electrical Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) have attended this training programme. The event was concluded with a valedictory session and distribution of certificates to the participants, along-with the site visit to 500kWp Rooftop Solar PV Power Plant, and Laboratory Facilities at KIIT University.

During the training programme the SNA and DISCOM officials highlighted various issues such as:

• SNA officials requesting MNRE to upload the new quality standards for Grid-connected Rooftop Solar PV Projects as presented during the programme and also to be distributed with DISCOMs as well.
• Some of the SNA officials from Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh requested to host such programmes at state-level and regional level as well.
• Officials from DISCOMs requested the regulatory commissions to clarify the metering arrangements and billing from solar rooftop.
• DISCOM officials also requested TERI and MNRE to develop a standardized approach for rooftop power plants inspection which will ease their burden for connectivity as per CEA rules.
• SNA officials requested MNRE to work with RBI and banks for lower interest loan, especially for the domestic and institutional consumers.
• More clarity is required for REC and RPO as applicable for the obligatory entities under rooftop scheme.

Testimonials

"The content, speakers and the participation for the programme was very good. Site visit was very informative."

Mr Souvik Mandal, Damodar Valley Corporation

"Liked every aspect of the programme in terms of content & speakers. The sessions were highly interactive."

Ms Sandhyarani Behara, Central Electricity Supply Utility of Orissa (CESU)