Jharkhand
The Government of Jharkhand introduced the Jharkhand State Solar Policy 2022 to promote solar energy adoption across the state. The policy aims to deploy a cumulative capacity of 4,000 MW by 2027, encompassing various solar applications.
Net Metering
Description:
- Allows consumers to generate solar energy primarily for self-consumption.
- Surplus energy exported to the grid is adjusted against the energy imported from the grid in the billing period.
- Excess generation after set-off is carried forward to the next billing cycle.
Eligibility:
- Available to all consumer categories, including residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
Benefits:
- Reduces electricity bills by offsetting consumption with self-generated solar energy.
- Encourages self-sufficiency in energy consumption.
Net Billing/Feed-in Tariff
Description:
- Energy generated by the solar system is purchased by the Distribution Licensee at a predetermined tariff.
- Consumers continue to procure their electricity requirements from the Distribution Licensee as per existing tariffs.
Eligibility:
- Applicable to all consumer categories.
Benefits:
- Provides a revenue stream for consumers generating solar energy.
- Simplifies the process by treating generation and consumption separately.
Gross Metering
Description:
- All energy generated by the solar system is exported to the grid and compensated at feed-in tariffs.
- Consumers do not use generated solar power for self-consumption.
Eligibility:
- Large-scale solar producers.
Benefits:
- Ideal for businesses or institutions looking to monetise solar power generation.
- Provides a stable income through feed-in tariff compensation.
Group and Virtual Net Metering
Description:
- Group Net Metering: Energy exported by a group’s solar system is proportionally allocated to its members.
- Virtual Net Metering: Allows solar energy generation from a remote location, with credits adjusted in consumer bills.
Who Can Use It:
- Groups or societies with capacities between 5 kWp and 500 kWp.
Benefits:
- Enables shared benefits for groups and remote solar installations.
Eligibility and Capacity Limits
Minimum Capacity: 1 kWp.
Maximum Capacity:
- Net Metering: 500 kWp.
- Net Billing/Feed-in: 1000 kWp.
- Gross Metering: 5000 kWp.
Voltage Levels:
- LT, 240V (Single Phase): Up to 3 kWp.
- LT, 415V (Three Phase): 3 kWp to 75 kWp.
- HT, 11 kV: 76 kWp to 1500 kWp.
- HT, 33 kV: 1501 kWp to 5000 kWp.
- EHT, 132 kV and above: Above 5000 kWp.
Capacity Limits and Supply Voltage for LT and HT Consumers
LT Consumers:
- For systems up to 3 kW: Supply voltage is 230 V, Single Phase.
- For systems up to 112 kW: Supply voltage is 415 V, Three Phase.
HT Consumers:
- For systems up to 300 kVA: Supply voltage is 11 kV.
- For systems up to 10,000 kVA: Supply voltage is 33 kV.
Interconnection and Metering Arrangements for HT Consumers
- HT Consumers (11 kV & above) may install and connect Renewable Energy Based Power Plants at their LT Bus Bar System.
- The Net Meter must be installed on the HT side of the transformer.
Financial Incentives and Support
Exemptions
Projects are exempted from paying the Electricity Duty for a period of 10 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD). Projects are exempted from Energy Development Cess for power supplied by renewable energy for a period of 10 years from the COD.
Wheeling Charges
Projects are provided a 50% waiver on wheeling charges for a period of 5 years, as approved by the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC)
Land Incentives
Government land is provided at a concessional rate, with a rebate of 50% on the circle rate for developers. A 50% reimbursement on stamp duty on the purchase of private land for the project is available to developers.
LT and HT Tariff Structure in Jharkhand (FY 2024–25)
| Category | Type | Energy Charge | Fixed Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Domestic Consumers (DS) | LT – Rural | ₹5.80/kWh | ₹50/month |
| LT – Urban | ₹6.30/kWh | ₹100/month | |
| HT | ₹6.15/kVAh | ₹150/kVA/month | |
| 2. Non-Domestic/Commercial Consumers (NDS) | LT – Rural | ₹5.80/kWh | ₹100/kW/month |
| LT – Urban | ₹6.15/kWh | ₹150/kW/month | |
| HT | ₹6.15/kVAh | ₹150/kVA/month | |
| 3. Industrial Consumers | LTIS | ₹5.90/kVAh | ₹150/kVA/month |
| HTS (11, 33, 132 kV) | ₹5.65/kVAh | ₹400/kVA/month | |
| 4. Agriculture (IAS) | ALL | ₹5.00/kWh | ₹40/HP/month |
| 5. Street Lighting (SS) | ALL | ₹6.25/kWh | ₹100/kW/month |
| 6. Railway Traction | ALL | ₹5.50/kVAh | ₹350/kVA/month |
Incentives & Penalties
- Prompt Payment Rebate: Up to 2%
- Delayed Payment Surcharge: 1.5%/month
- Power Factor Penalties/Rebates: Applied based on PF maintained
Why Choose Jharkhand's Solar Rooftop Policies?
Flexible Metering Options
Suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial needs.
Financial Benefits
Attractive incentives and exemptions reduce the cost of solar installations and operations.
Sustainability
Contributes to Jharkhand’s clean energy goals and environmental sustainability.
For detailed guidelines or to explore solar integration options, please refer to the official “Jharkhand State Solar Policy 2022.”