5-Step Procedure to Get Open Access Solar Power for Your Commercial Facility

Harnessing solar power can significantly reduce operational costs and contribute to sustainability goals for commercial facilities. Here's a detailed 5-step guide to obtain open access solar power based on the latest procedural guidelines.

Step 1: Understanding Applicability and Scope

Before initiating the process, ensure your facility meets the eligibility criteria set out in the Green Energy Open Access Rules:

1. Applicability: The rules apply to all types of renewable energy sources as notified by the Government of India, including solar, wind, and other green energy sources.
2. Eligibility: Commercial entities with a contracted demand or sanctioned load of 100 kW or more are eligible for Green Energy Open Access. Captive consumers have no load limitations.
3. Central Nodal Agency: The Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) operates the Green Energy Open Access (GOAR) portal, a single window for all applications and registrations.

Step 2: Connectivity and Registration

Before applying for open access, ensure your facility is connected to the grid:

1. Obtain Connectivity: Secure connectivity to either interstate or intrastate transmission systems as per the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) or State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) regulations.
2. Registration on GOAR Portal:Set up a username and password on the GOAR portal.Fill out and submit registration details as per Format-A.Ensure the registration is processed by the relevant nodal agency (Regional Load Despatch Centre (RLDC) for interstate or State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) for intrastate).Registration validity is three years, renewable upon request.

Step 3: Submission of Application for Green Energy Open Access

Once registered, submit your application through the GOAR portal:

1. Application Details:Use Format-B1/B2/B3, depending on whether the access is short term, medium term, or long term.Include details like contracted demand, point of injection and drawal, and renewable energy type.
2. Approval Process:Applications must be approved within 15 days; otherwise, they are deemed approved if technical requirements are met.Prioritize applications based on first-in-first-out and preference for non-fossil fuel sources.

Step 4: Fee Structure and Charges

Understand and prepare for the fees associated with Green Energy Open Access:

1. Applicable Charges:Transmission chargesWheeling chargesCross Subsidy SurchargeStandby charges (if applicable)Banking chargesLoad Despatch Centre fees, scheduling charges, and deviation settlement charges
2. Energy Banking:Allowed on a monthly basis with a minimum of 30% of total monthly consumption permitted for banking.

Step 5: Monitoring and Compliance

Ensure continuous compliance and reporting:

1. Regular Updates: All information related to approvals, rejections, and curtailments must be updated on the GOAR portal.
2. Reporting: The portal provides records and reports for monitoring energy use and compliance.
3. Indemnification: Maintain indemnity agreements with SLDCs, RLDCs, CTU, and other relevant agencies to safeguard against legal claims and liabilities.