The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission on July 09, 2025, Expands Scope of Solar Tariff & Introduces Virtual/Group Net Metering.
Determined the tariffs and norms for Solar Power Projects, including Distributed Solar Photovoltaic (DSPV) Plants, for the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This order is issued under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, and follows stakeholder consultations and a public hearing.
Key decisions and amendments in this Order include:
Renaming of Solar Rooftop PV (SRTPV) Plants: To reflect the expanded scope beyond just rooftops, SRTPV plants will now be referred to as "Distributed Solar PV (DSPV) Plants" with net-metering/gross metering arrangements.
Expanded Installation Scope for DSPV: KERC now allows for the installation of solar power plants on:
Elevated structures on the ground within premises (with a minimum 8-foot ground clearance).
Facade-integrated solar panels on the walls of buildings within premises.
Traditional solar panels on building rooftops.
All installations are permitted up to the sanctioned load limit under net-metering/gross metering, subject to adherence to building bye-laws and safety regulations.
Introduction of Virtual Net Metering (VNM) and Group Net Metering (GNM):
Virtual Net Metering (VNM): This arrangement allows energy generated from a solar plant (on a roof or ground within the distribution licensee's area) to be exported to the grid and credited to multiple electricity service connections of participating consumers from the same consumer category. Eligible entities include domestic consumers, group housing societies, charitable institutions, government buildings, and local authorities. The minimum plant size for VNM is 5 kW, with the maximum not exceeding the combined sanctioned load of participating consumers. Excess energy exported by the plant will be purchased by the Distribution Licensee at 75% of the generic tariff for ground-mounted/Distributed solar PV projects.
Group Net Metering (GNM): The Commission also decided to allow GNM, although specific operational details are not elaborated in the provided text, implying its enablement alongside VNM.
This order aims to encourage and facilitate the adoption of the latest solar technologies and expand renewable energy capacity in the state.
