Punjab
The Government of Punjab, through the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), has implemented comprehensive policies to promote solar energy adoption across the state. These initiatives aim to encourage rooftop solar installations, utility-scale solar projects, and the integration of solar energy into various sectors, including agriculture and industry.
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
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 shared solar installation is proportionally allocated to multiple beneficiaries.
- Virtual Net Metering: Allows consumers to generate solar energy from remote locations and receive credits on their electricity bills.
Eligibility:
- Housing societies, commercial groups, and institutions with capacities between 5 kWp and 500 kWp.
Benefits:
- Enables collective benefits for group members and remote solar setups.
- Reduces dependency on fossil fuels and supports energy sustainability.
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 Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC).
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 Punjab (FY 2024–25)
| Category | Sub-category / Load | Fixed Charges | Energy Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Domestic Consumers (LT) | 0–100 Units | ₹20/month | ₹3.49/unit |
| 101–300 Units | ₹30/month | ₹5.84/unit | |
| Above 300 Units | ₹50/month | ₹7.30/unit | |
| 2. Non-Residential Supply (NRS) (LT) | Connected Load up to 20 kW | ₹50/kW/month | ₹6.74/unit |
| 3. Small Power Industrial (SP) (LT) | Connected Load up to 20 kW | ₹60/kW/month | ₹6.28/unit |
| 4. Medium Supply Industrial (MS) (LT) | Connected Load above 20 kW and up to 100 kW | ₹70/kW/month | ₹6.18/unit |
| 5. Large Supply Industrial (LS) (HT) | Contract Demand exceeding 100 kVA | ₹250/kVA/month | ₹5.90/unit |
| 6. Bulk Supply (HT) | ALL | ₹250/kVA/month | ₹6.10/unit |
| 7. Railway Traction | ALL | ₹300/kVA/month | ₹6.20/unit |
| 8. Public Street Lighting | ALL | ₹70/kW/month | ₹5.80/unit |
Rebates & Penalties
- Prompt Payment Rebate: 1% if payment made within 7 days
- Delayed Payment Surcharge: 1.25%/month
- Power Factor Incentives: Up to 1% rebate for PF ≥ 0.95; penalties apply for PF < 0.85
Why Choose Punjab's Solar Rooftop Policies?
Flexible Metering Options
Suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Financial Benefits
Attractive incentives and exemptions reduce the cost of solar installations and operations.
Sustainability
Contributes to Punjab’s clean energy goals and environmental sustainability.
For detailed guidelines or to explore solar integration options, please refer to the official PSERC and PEDA documents.