The state’s updated rooftop solar policy, which includes the introduction of the innovative concept of Group Net Metering (GNM), has been announced by the Maharashtra Energy Regulatory Commission (MERC). For instance, a person with several businesses may qualify for incentives if they install solar at one location and club other properties in various locations to take advantage of net-metering. Saket Suri, Founder-Director, All India Renewable Energy Association, described the MERC notification as historic and predicted that Maharashtra would soon become one of the leading producers of rooftop solar power.
According to him, users of GNM can generate energy at one place, use it there first, and credit any extra energy to the grid to balance out the power usage of other locations or several locations within the same DISCOM area. Customers with various consumption locations will gain from GNM.
Suri’s gave the following example: “A consumer having a factory or godown at some other location with extra space and a shop/office in a commercial complex can now generate power and compensate for a major part of the consumption.”
The Grid Interactive Rooftop Renewable Energy Generating System (First Amendment) Regulation 2023 has been notified by MERC. According to Suri, it would assist in balancing the high tariff regime that is currently a major source of concern for consumers who consume more.
With the Net Metering Limit now increased to 5 MW or contract demand, whichever is on the lower side, the new policy would prevent industries from moving to other states. Formerly, the cap was 1 MW, but now, by transferring excess power to the grid, big power users can significantly lower their bills.