Last updated: September 17th, 2024 10:02 AM

Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy

The Government of Rajasthan implemented the 'Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy 2019'. The policy seeks to meet the rising demand for energy requirements across the state. The policy was framed to install 25GW by 2020. The state would also add 50 GW over the next six years. The Solar Energy Policy will be effective from 18.12.2019. The policy shall promote the following:

• Small decentralised grid-connected solar power at load centres
• Rooftop solar through gross metering and net metering (as per Electricity Act 2003)
• Utility-scale solar projects
• Off-grid solar projects such as home lighting, water heater and others
• Solar energy equipment and storage systems for manufacturing industries
• Canal top, floating or
• Solar parks and reservoir top solar power projects
• Solar-based electric vehicle charging stations

The aim of this policy is to enhance the transmission and distribution network for solar energy projects across the state. The policy also has provision for private entities and third party use.

Policy Target

Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy 2019 has set targets to meet the consumption requirements of the state. The policy aims to accomplish 30,000 MW solar power by the end of 2025. The following are the distribution of solar projects:

S.No.	Particulars	Capacity
1	Utility or Grid-Scale Solar Parks	24,000 MW
2	Distributed Generation	4,000 MW
3	Solar Rooftop	1,000 MW
4	Solar Pumps	1,000 MW

Decentralised Grid Connected Solar Power Projects

To meet the power requirements close to the load centres, the state shall promote Decentralised Grid Connected Solar Power Projects across the state. The power produced through the grids shall support to reduce the transmission and distribution losses. It will also be used to optimise the cost of transmission and distribution system. The following shall be implemented for Decentralised Grid Connected Solar Power Projects:

• The project will be set up with a minimum capacity of 0.5MW to a maximum of 3 MW in the area of 33 kV Grid Sub-Stations for selling power to Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).
• The power projects will be selected by Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (RUVNL) and DISCOMs.
• The tariff will be decided during the bidding process or as defined in the guidelines of State or Central government.
• Increase the participation of farmers in the solar energy sector to increase the source of income, production and sale of solar energy to DISCOMs
• As per clause 8.1, farmers can create decentralised power project on the un-cultivable land. The regulations shall be followed as per DISCOMs, Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) or issued by the State or Central government.

Rooftop PV Solar Power Systems

Rooftop PV Solar Systems with Net Metering

• The state shall install 300 MW of Solar Rooftop Systems through the following methods:
• Develop 33 districts as 'Green Energy Cities' in the next five years
• Promote setting up Net Metering Rooftop PV Solar Systems
• The DISCOMs will promote the additional capacity of 50% of the distribution transformer of the areas
• The solar systems can be set up on government buildings by the model of Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO)
• DISCOMs shall support providing a user-friendly IT application for approval and monitoring the projects
• Steps shall be taken to develop startups to promote Rooftop solar systems

The time period for executing the following activities of Solar Rooftop Systems under Net Metering by DISCOMs:

S.No.	Activity	Maximum Time Period
1	Issuance of NOC	Seven days from receipt of application
2	Solar and Net Meter Testing	Seven days from depositing of meters
3	Execution of Net Metering Agreement	Three days from submission of the draft agreement
4	Commissioning or Connection of Rooftop system	Three days from receipt of application

Rooftop PV Solar Power Systems with Gross Metering

• The solar systems can also be set up under the gross metering scheme. To initiate solar systems with gross metering, the individuals or entities should promote the capacity of up to 1 MW.
• Individuals or entities should follow the guidelines as prescribed by the State or Central government.
• The tariff shall be decided by the RERC.
• The provisions for the use of Rooftop solar systems will be made in the Urban Building Bylaws.

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Off-Grid Solar Applications

• The Off-Grid Solar applications and hybrid systems shall be implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The power produced from the off-grid shall be used for the requirements of domestic and commercial purposes.
• The private entities shall sell the power to consumers through the distribution of local solar grid.
• Off-Grid Solar applications will also be promoted by the state government to produce power in remote villages and hamlets (Dhanis).
• Solar PV Pumps shall be installed for pressure irrigation systems.

Utility Grid Power Projects

Sale of Solar Power Projects to Distribution Companies

• The tariff will be set by the bidding process to project the Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) target as per RERC.
• RUVNL and DISCOMs may purchase beyond the RPO limit and avail the benefit of REC as per the guidelines of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) regulations.

Grid-connected Solar Power Projects for Third-Party Sale

The following are the description to set up grid-connected solar power projects for within and outside the state of Rajasthan:

Solar Power Projects inside the consumer's facility of Rajasthan (under the RESCO mode):

S.No.	Activity	Description
1	Capacity	Up to Contract Demand of the consumer
2	Tariff	As mutually agreed
3	Transmission and Wheeling Charges	Not applicable
4	Banking	As per clause 16.3
5	Electricity Duty	As per GoR Orders
6	Additional Surcharge	As per RERC Regulations
7	Cross Subsidy Surcharge	Not applicable
8	Contribution towards Rajasthan Renewable Energy Development fund	As per clause 22

Solar Power Projects for sale of power within the State:

S.No.	Activity	Description
1	Generating Plant Capacity	Any capacity projects
2	Sale to the consumer	Up to Contract Demand of the consumer
3	Tariff	As mutually agreed
4	Transmission and Wheeling Charges	As per clause 16.5
5	Banking	As per clause 16.3
6	Electricity Duty	As per GoR Orders
7	Additional Surcharge	As per RERC Regulations
8	Cross Subsidy Surcharge	Not applicable
9	Contribution towards Rajasthan Renewable Energy Development Fund	As per clause 22

Solar Power Projects for sale of power outside the State through power exchange or open access:

S.No.	Activity	Description
1	Generating Plant Capacity	Any capacity projects
2	Transmission and Wheeling Charges	As per RERC Regulations
3	Tariff	As mutually agreed
4	Banking	Not applicable
5	Electricity Duty	Not applicable
6	Additional Surcharge	Not applicable
7	Cross Subsidy Surcharge	Not applicable
8	Contribution towards Rajasthan Renewable Energy Development Fund	As per clause 22

Solar Parks

Solar Parks by Private Sectors

Registration Fee for Private Sectors

Any individual or a private entity should provide an application for developing Solar Parks. The application must be sent to RREC. The Solar Power Park Developer (SPPD) shall apply to RREC along with a non-refundable registration fee of Rs.10,000 per MW + GST (maximum of Rs.10 lakh + GST for each solar park.

Validity of the Application

The validity of the application is only for 30 days.

Compliance

The SPPD should create proper power evacuation system, roads, lights, water facility and other administrative support facilities.

Solar Parks for Joint Venture Companies (JVCs)

• The state government of Rajasthan shall collaborate with JVCs by investing up to 50% of the equity. The cost of the land shall be allotted by the State Government, which will be added along with the equity distribution.
• For collaboration, the State Government shall formulate guidelines for Solar Parks.
• The applicant should provide an application to the RREC for the project approval process.

Registring Solar Power Projects

Registration Process

The applicant must submit an online application for the registration process to RREC. The following are the registration charges:

S.No.	Project Capacity	Rate
1	For Project ≤ 10 MW capacity	Rs.50,000 per MW
2	For Projects above 10 MW and ≤ 50 MW capacity	Rs.5 lac per project
3	For Projects > 50 MW and ≤ 100 MW capacity	Rs.10 lac per project
4	For Projects > 100 MW capacity	Rs.30 lac per project

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