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KERC Introduces Draft Regulations for Rooftop Aero Turbine Installations

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission has introduced draft regulations for Rooftop Aero Turbine plants with or without solar integration, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energy adoption through flexible tariffs and financing options.

October 15, 2024. By EI News Network

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has introduced draft regulations for the installation of rooftop aero turbine (RAT) on various types of buildings.
 
The draft titled ‘KERC (Implementation of rooftop aero turbine with solar or without solar) Regulations, 2024’, includes comprehensive regulatory framework designed to establish tariffs for grid-connected RAT plants, either with or without solar integration.
 
It may be mentioned that RAT is a small-scale wind energy plant that is installed on rooftops to generate electricity by harnessing wind power. These turbines are designed to operate in urban or suburban environments where wind speeds are typically lower and more turbulent than in open areas.
 
The draft gives detailed conditions under which RAT systems can be installed. According to KERC, eligible consumers who already have solar rooftop installations or are planning to install a RAT system with or without solar, within the service area of a distribution licensee, are permitted to proceed under specific guidelines. The installed capacity of the RAT system must be at least 1 KW and the total installed capacity should not exceed the sanctioned load of the consumer’s connection. For hybrid installations combining RAT and solar energy, the capacity of one resource must not exceed the sanctioned load, while the capacity of the second resource can be up to 25 percent of the installed capacity of the primary resource. This means that the total installed capacity of both the RAT and solar systems together should not exceed 1.25 times the sanctioned load.

For example, if a consumer has a sanctioned load of 10 KW and installs a solar or RAT system of 10 KW, they are also permitted to install an additional 25 percent of that capacity in the form of the other resource. Therefore, the total combined capacity of the RAT and solar installations would be 12.5 KW. Similarly, if a consumer opts to install only a RAT system without solar, the installed capacity should be at least 1 KW and must not exceed the sanctioned load of their connection.

KERC has also clarified that the distribution licensee must allow grid-connected RAT installations in accordance with these regulations, provided that the total cumulative capacity of such plants across the state does not exceed the limits determined or approved by the Commission. This ensures that the adoption of RAT systems is balanced and does not overload the grid.

The Commission has further set out important technical and safety requirements for the installation of RAT systems. These turbines must be designed to operate at low wind speeds, with placement and height determined in such a way that there are no obstructions or turbulence from nearby buildings or trees, which could affect efficiency. Noise and vibration levels must also comply with environmental safety standards, ensuring that the RAT installations do not create disturbances for residents or nearby infrastructure.

In addition to the technical guidelines, the KERC framework includes financial mechanisms to determine tariffs for rooftop aero turbines. The Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) plays a central role in this, with a variable CUF ranging from 10-30 percent, depending on wind availability and turbine technology. A single-part tariff structure has been established to cover costs such as operation and maintenance (O&M), depreciation, interest on loans, and return on equity.

KERC has also outlined that consumers can choose between net metering and gross metering systems for energy settlement. Under net metering, excess energy generated by the RAT system can be exported to the grid, with the consumer receiving compensation based on the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) tariff. With gross metering, the consumer’s imported energy from the grid will be billed at either the PPA tariff or the prevailing retail supply tariff, whichever is higher.

Capital costs are another key aspect covered by KERC. Overall, KERC's regulatory framework aims to facilitate the adoption of rooftop aero turbines and solar energy systems in Karnataka by providing a clear and supportive environment for consumers and developers.
 
 By setting out detailed conditions for installation, financial guidelines, and operational parameters, the Commission is paving the way for the growth of rooftop wind and solar energy across Karnataka.
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