OERC Amend Norms To Include Use of Hybrid Inverters For Rooftop Solar Connections

The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has amended its net-metering regulations to address issues faced by rooftop solar consumers seeking to install hybrid solar systems.

The state regulator said the changes were intended to prevent regulatory hurdles for consumers opting for hybrid rooftop solar connections. Unlike conventional grid-tied systems, hybrid systems replace standard inverters with hybrid inverters and include storage, allowing consumers to use solar power even during outages.

Rules Originally Framed In 2016 

In its latest order, OERC amended its regulations on net-metering, bi-directional metering and connectivity for solar power projects under the 2016 rules, which were previously revised on May 5, 2022. The move is expected to ease compliance for rooftop solar users, particularly those installing subsidised systems under schemes such as PM Surya Ghar.

The commission has added Clause 2(e) to define hybrid inverters for billing and regulatory purposes. The clause states: “Hybrid Inverter” is a bi-directional inverter capable of interfacing with both solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and an energy storage system, and designed to manage the flow of electricity between the renewable energy generating system, the battery storage, the consumer’s load, and the distribution licensee’s grid. It enables both grid-interactive and stand-alone operation, ensuring optimal utilization of renewable energy and maintaining system reliability.”

Overview of Solar Rooftop System Amended 

OERC has also included Clause 6 to expand the overview of grid-interactive solar systems, as detailed in Annexure-I. The order states: “…The consumer shall have the option to install either Grid tied inverters or hybrid inverters, the line diagram of which are provided in Annexure-I & Annexure-II respectively.”

The amendments also introduce additional tracking provisions. A new clause specifies: “Inverter communication devices/dongles/data loggers having Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM communication protocol can also be relied upon for real-time measurement and transmission of generation data in lieu of generation meter.”

Further, the regulator added Clause 10(c), allowing consumers to procure meters directly, subject to verification by distribution companies. The order states: “The cost of meters, cost of connectivity and all other related cost for setting up the meters etc. have to be borne by the eligible consumers under guidance of the concerned distribution licensee. Either consumer or distribution licensee shall procure the meter. The distribution licensee shall test and install the same in line with the provisions of the Central E OERC Supply Code as amended from time to time.”