Unexpected setback for people installing rooftop solar panels, waiting continues for months

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A huge setback from authorities for people who spent lakhs installing rooftop solar panels. They have been waiting for net meters for months. This comes at a time when solar power generation is expected to increase significantly as rainfall decreases. Around 50,000 domestic solar plants owned by prosumers are lying non-functional due to the lack of net meters.

In a meeting held last month between Minister Sunny Joseph and KSEB officials, it was agreed that the distribution of net meters would begin from the first week of this month. However, the KSEB says it will take at least three more weeks to begin distribution. There is still no clarity on exactly when the distribution will start.

On August 10, the KSEB placed a purchase order for 82,000 single-phase net meters. The contractor company had also invited KSEB officials to visit the manufacturing facility and inspect the quality of the meters. Accordingly, the inspection is expected to take place next week. An assistant engineer has been assigned for this purpose.

According to reports, if the inspection report is favourable, the present plan is to have the meters delivered to KSEB stores before September 15 and distribute them to consumers on a priority basis. Officials concerned hope that the distribution can be completed fully by the end of this month.