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PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE CLEAN ENERGY

DEPLOYMENT (PACE-D)

Technical Assistance Program

Concept Note on Development of Unified Solar Rooftop

Transaction Portal for New and Renewable Energy

Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited

Submitted to USAID on November 10, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................

LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................

LIST OF ACRONYMS .............................................................................................................

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1

1.1 OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF UNIFIED SOLAR ROOFTOP TRANSACTION

PORTAL (USRTP) ................................................................................................................ 2

1.2.1 FEEDBACK OF DEVELOPERS FROM ANDHRA PRADESH ...................................... 2

1.2.2 STUDY ON CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE SOLAR ROOFTOP SECTOR .............. 3

2 MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS OF THE SOLAR ROOFTOP PROGRAM .......................... 5

3 FUNCTIONALITIES OF USRTP ................................................................................... 7

3.1 CURRENT SOLAR ROOFTOP PORTALS ................................................................... 7

3.2 KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE PROPOSED USRTP ........................................................ 8

3.3 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ............................................................................ 11

3.4 FLOW OF INFORMATION FOR USRTP .................................................................... 11

3.4.1 INTERACTION BETWEEN CONSUMERS AND DISCOM ......................................... 13

3.4.2 INTERACTION BETWEEN CONSUMER AND DES AND CEIG OFFICE .................. 14

3.4.3 INTERACTION BETWEEN CONSUMER/CHANNEL PARTNERS AND NREDCAP .. 15

3.4.4 INTERACTION BETWEEN CONSUMER AND BANKS/FIS ....................................... 16

3.4.5 OTHER PUBLICALLY ACCESSIBLE FUNCTIONALITIES ......................................... 17

3.5 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE OF USRTP ..................................................................... 19

3.6 APPROACH FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF USRTP ............... 20

3.7 WORK PLAN AND TIMELINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

OF USRTP .......................................................................................................................... 21

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Developers’ Feedback in the Five States and Andhra Pradesh .............................. 3

Figure 2: Major Stakeholders of Solar Rooftop Program ....................................................... 6

Figure 3: Key Stakeholder Functions on the Portal ............................................................. 10

Figure 4: Flow of Information Between Major Stakeholders ................................................ 12

Figure 5: System Architecture of USRTP ............................................................................ 20

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Major Stakeholders of Solar Rooftop Program ........................................................ 5

Table 2: Comparison of Solar Rooftop Portals ...................................................................... 7

Table 3: Interaction Between Consumer and DISCOM ....................................................... 13

Table 4: Interaction Between Consumer and DES and CEIG Office .................................... 14

Table 5: Interaction Between Consumer/Channel Partner With NREDCAP ........................ 15

Table 6: Interaction Between Consumer and Banks/FIs ...................................................... 17

Table 7: Other Publically Accessible Functionalities of USRTP ........................................... 17

Table 8: Work Plan and Timeline ........................................................................................ 22

LIST OF ACRONYMS

Acronyms Definition

ADE Assistant Division Engineer

APCFSS Andhra Pradesh Center for Financial Systems and Services

APEPDCL Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited

APERC Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission

API Application Programming Interface

APPC Average Pooled Purchase Cost

APSPDCL Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited

BESCOM Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited

BIS Bureau of Indian Standards

C, O&M Commercial, Operation and Maintenance

CEE Chief Electrical Engineer

CEIG

Director of Electrical Safety and Chief Electrical Inspector to Government of

Andhra Pradesh

CERC Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

CFA Central Financial Assistance

CGM Chief General Manager

DC Direct Current

DES and

CEIG Office

Directorate of Electrical Safety and Chief Electrical Inspector to Government of

Andhra Pradesh Office

DISCOMs Distribution Companies

DPR Detailed Project Report

DSM Demand Side Management

EE Executive Engineer

EODB Ease of Doing Business

EoI Expression of Interest

EPC Engineering, Procurement, and Construction

FIT Feed-in Tariff

FI/FIs Financial Institutions

FY Fiscal Year

GM General Manager

GOAP Government of Andhra Pradesh

GOI Government of India

GOK Government of Karnataka

GW Gigawatt

GWp Gigawatt Peak

HT High Tension

HTML HyperText Markup Language

IFSC Indian Financial System Code

JNNSM Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

JS JavaScript

KERC Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission

KPTCL Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited

Acronyms Definition

KREDL Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited

kV Kilovolt

kWp Kilowatt Peak

LCOE Levelized Cost of Energy

LDC Load Dispatch Center

LEC Licensed Electrical Contractor

LT Low Tension

MLA Member of Legislative Assembly

MNRE Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

MT Meter Testing

MVC Model View Controller

MW Megawatt

MWp Megawatt Peak

NEFT National Electronic Funds Transfer

NGO Non-Government Organization

NoC No Objection Certificate

NREDCAP New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh

Limited

O&M Operations and Maintenance

PACE-D Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – Deployment

PPA Power Purchase Agreement

PSU Public Sector Unit

PV Photovoltaic

RDBMS Relational Database Management System

REC Renewable Energy Certificate

RESCO Renewable Energy Services Company

RFID Radio Frequency Identification Device

ROI Return on Investment

RTGS Real Time Gross Settlement

SERC State Electricity Regulatory Commission

SECI Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited

SNA State Nodal Agency

SPIN Online Application for Solar Photovoltaic Installation

SRTPV Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic

TA Technical Assistance

URL Uniform Resource Locator

USRTP Unified Solar Rooftop Transaction Portal

XML Extensible Markup Language

Concept Note on Development of Unified Solar Rooftop Transaction Portal for New and Renewable Energy Development

Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited: PACE-D Technical Assistance Program United States Agency for International

Development Contract AID-386-C-12-00001 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW

Globally, solar has emerged as the fastest growing energy generation technology due to

large-scale adoption of the technology by consumers on the back of rapid cost reduction ,

increased awareness on climate change, energy security, and creation of an enabling

framework for adoption by policy makers. The development of solar has been led by the

large scale deployment of decentralized solar rooftop photovoltaic (SRTPV) systems. These

systems, with their ability to replicate rapidly when provided with an enabling policy and

regulatory environment have been at the forefront of the global solar revolution. By the end

of 2013, almost 60 percent of the global solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity was from SRTPV

systems.

The Government of India (GOI) has set an ambitious target of 100 Gigawatt peak (GWp) for

solar-based generation by 2022, of which 40 GWp will be set up as solar rooftop systems.

The GOI has proposed a target of 2 GWp for solar rooftop systems for the State of Andhra

Pradesh by 2022 under the 40 GWp national target. To promote solar power generation in

the state, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GOAP) issued the “Andhra Pradesh Solar

Power Policy – 2012” vide G.O.Ms.No.39 dated September 26, 2012 and G.O.Ms.No.44

dated November 16, 2012.

Subsequently, to meet the twin objectives of energy security and increased share of clean

energy, the GOAP issued the “Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Policy – 2015” through

G.O.Ms.No.8 dated February 12, 2015. The policy incentivizes solar rooftop adoption by

promoting solar rooftop system installation on public buildings as well as on domestic,

commercial, and industrial establishments connected to the grid through net and gross

metering. The tariff under both these metering arrangements will be the average cost to

serve (ACoS) as determined by the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission

(APERC) every year. As per the “Order on Tariff for Retail Sale of Electricity During Fiscal

Year (FY) 2017-18” by APERC the ACoS is INR 5.54/unit. The policy provides that for

availing net/gross metering, eligible developers have to apply online or through

MeeSeva/Customer Service Centers.

To promote solar rooftop deployment in the State of Andhra Pradesh, the New and

Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (NREDCAP)

developed Solar Rooftop Policy Guidelines for aiding the deployment of consumers and

distribution companies (DISCOMs). The guidelines provide information on application,

technical feasibility, agreement and solar rooftop project installation, pre-commissioning

check and commissioning of the PV system, metering and synchronization, energy

settlement, and billing/invoicing and inspection.

Clean energy policy and regulatory support is one of the focal areas of United States Agency

for International Development (USAID) funded Partnership to Advance Clean Energy

Deployment (PACE-D) Technical Assistance (TA) Program. As a part of this initiative, the

Program is focusing on strengthening the organizational, institutional and resource

capabilities of the state nodal agencies (SNAs) and designated agencies in ten states




including Andhra Pradesh. The Program is associating with NREDCAP to provide necessary

TA in promoting installation of solar rooftop systems.

1.2 NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF UNIFIED SOLAR ROOFTOP TRANSACTION PORTAL (USRTP)

Solar rooftop market is still at a nascent stage and numerous critical links of the market eco-

system are still being developed for scaling up solar rooftop deployment. Also, the

institutional framework around the deployment of solar rooftop is yet to be fully mature. For

instance, any consumer who wishes to install a solar rooftop system, may not have the

detailed information available at one place with respect to potential for installation on their

roofs, area requirements, different types of technologies, information related to major

vendor/channel partners, processes/procedures to be followed for interconnection,

availability of subsidy, and finance. Simultaneously, the DISCOMs also have limited

manpower and skill sets which hamper the process of reviewing and approving the

applications received from different types of consumers. Banks/FIs also lack trained

manpower with an understanding of technical aspects of solar rooftop systems and

standardized process for review and approval of financing the solar rooftop projects.

1.2.1 Feedback of Developers from Andhra Pradesh

The Program in the process of providing Technical Assistance (TA) on solar rooftop

deployment interacted with a number of solar rooftop developers in the partner states and

gathered feedback regarding the solar rooftop framework being implemented in the

respective states. Thirty-six developers were surveyed in five states, namely, Andhra

Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Telangana of which 10 developers were

surveyed in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Figure 1 illustrates feedback received and issues

faced by developers.

Key points noted in the feedback received on interacting with solar rooftop developers in

Andhra Pradesh are as follows:

Absence of online application system makes tracking of solar rooftop application

under net metering tedious. Hence, there is a need to develop an online system to

facilitate ease of application.

Offline solar rooftop application procedure does not follow timelines provided in the

policy.

More clarity is required in the guidelines and procedure to apply for net metering.

More clarity is required in the process of availing subsidy and to facilitate ease in

disbursement of subsidy.

Enhanced inter-departmental coordination in DISCOM will facilitate faster solar

rooftop deployment process.

Enhanced coordination between DISCOM and SNA is required to ensure smooth

commissioning and release of subsidy.

Problems are faced in availing loans due to lack of awareness among FIs regarding

solar rooftop, benefits, and risks. Availing loans is tedious for small developers and

residential consumers.

Time duration to receive the Electrical Inspectorate’s (EIs) approval for projects of

size >10 kilowatt (kW) is lengthy.




Figure 1: Developers’ Feedback in the Five States and Andhra Pradesh

1.2.2 Study on Challenges Affecting the Solar Rooftop Sector

In order to understand the challenges affecting the sector and constraining scale-up, the

Program, as a part of its support to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited

(BESCOM) in Karnataka, undertook a study to understand the state of deployment of solar

rooftop systems. The objectives of the study were to (a) identify the key drivers and

influencers for solar rooftop installation across consumer categories; (b) identify challenges

being faced by each stakeholder, i.e., developers, engineering, procurement and

construction (EPC) players and consumers in scaling up of solar rooftop systems; and (c)

recommend interventions that can provide impetus to the solar rooftop system installation in

the distribution area of the DISCOM. The study was undertaken through personal interviews

and online survey of consumers from different consumer categories and identified the

following major issues:

Time consuming nature of the solar rooftop system installation process including the

time consuming approval process.

Non availability of monitoring and evaluation framework at DISCOM (circle level,

sub-division level or headquarter level).

Multiple rounds of follow ups required with the DISCOM to confirm the site visits.

Lack of feedback and penal mechanism for not adhering to the timelines for each

process by the Discom.

Low consumer awareness (especially domestic consumer category) regarding solar

rooftop system installation and its benefits.

Challenges in securing non-recourse financing from public or private sector banks and

inadequate knowledge of banking staff.

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Availability and delay in procurement of net meters

Lengthy implementation procedure

Lack of training to field engineers

Lack of consumer awareness

Subsidy related issues

Interconnection process should be automated

Inter/Intra departmental issues

Improper implementation procedure

Approval for small capacity from EI

Issue in financing from banks/FIs

Lack of clarity on sanction load

Building bye-Laws and floor area ratio

Accounting and billing related issues

Feedback in Five States Andhra Pradesh




Limited interaction with FIs.

To address the above mentioned challenges, the Program listed several recommendations

covering operational, financial, and information aspects as provided below:

Operational: To make approval and commissioning process time bound, the Program

suggested the development of a web based portal (dashboard), which allows

stepwise tracking from submission of consumer application to final interconnection with

the grid. It is also suggested that timelines for each step of the processes should be

defined and made available online. Target dates for approvals for each applicant to be

set for every step based on the date of application. In case of delay/s, specific reasons

for delays should be updated, as this will help the consumers to track their application

and also find out the specific reasons for delays.

Financial: Development of a project assessment tool for banks and integrating it with

the bank’s disbursement process has been suggested. This can lead to faster

disbursement for solar rooftop projects. In addition, a central information base on

project performance has also been suggested to enhance bank’s confidence on the

expected performance from a system in a given city, substation or geographical area

as well as with respect to the developers and vendors involved.

Informational: Consumers will be able to make informed investment decisions if the

information on empanelled vendors, past performance records of installations and

projects, satisfaction ratings from past consumers who have installed solar rooftop

systems, etc., is made available on a centralized dashboard. In addition, need for

development of a simple tool to help the consumers assess the system size,

investment required, and financial attractiveness would also be a great help to increase

the awareness among the consumers regarding solar rooftop system installation and

its benefits.

Both interactive studies highlight the need for an online platform to facilitate ease in the

process of installation of solar rooftop system. It will be extremely difficult and challenging to

develop and maintain multiple web based tools to address various issues covering multiple

stakeholders. Hence, it is suggested to develop a common integrated platform, which can

display all the information at one single point and allow transactions between multiple

stakeholders to accelerate solar rooftop system deployment. Such a platform will enable

inter and intra stakeholder communication through a single online portal. This concept note

provides an overview of the approach for developing the proposed USRTP for NREDCAP.




2 MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS OF THE SOLAR ROOFTOP PROGRAM

As stated, the solar rooftop market is still at nascent stage. Hence, policy, regulations,

standards, administrative processes, and financing are critical aspects for the overall

development of solar rooftop in the state. Simultaneously, the development of solar rooftop

sector depends upon the concerted action of numerous key stakeholders. The major

stakeholders of solar rooftop program in the State of Andhra Pradesh and their roles and

responsibilities are discussed in Figure 2 and Table 1 respectively.

Table 1: Major Stakeholders of Solar Rooftop Program

Stakeholders Roles and Responsibilities

SNA NREDCAP is the SNA in the State of Andhra Pradesh, which is

operational for the promotion and development of renewable energy

(RE) program/projects. They maintain all applications and records

with requisite brief about the beneficiaries/projects duly conducted

and certified by them.

NREDCAP is responsible for granting approval and disbursement of

central and state government subsidy for the implementation of solar

rooftop projects.

DISCOM Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited

(APSPDCL) and Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra

Pradesh Limited (APEPDCL) are the distribution utilities in the State

of Andhra Pradesh, which interpret and implement the provisions of

policy and follow guidelines thereby allowing consumers to

interconnect their solar rooftop system to the grid.

In this process, they ensure overall safety, adherence to the overall

technical guidelines, and follow commercial process through close

coordination between the corporate office and division/sub-division

offices.

Electrical Inspectorate

(EI)

The Directorate of Electrical Safety and Chief Electrical Inspector to

the Government of Andhra Pradesh Office (DES and CEIG Office)

ensures safety compliance and operations of solar rooftop systems as

per the provisions laid out in the Electricity Act, 2003 and the Indian

Electricity Rules, 1956.

The DES and CEIG Office’s involvement regarding the process is on

two counts; firstly, approval of drawings and design documents, and

secondly, pre-commissioning inspections of the installed solar rooftop

system for issue of safety approval.

Channel Partners/

Implementing Agencies

The channel partners are agencies empaneled by the Ministry of New

and Renewable Energy (MNRE) that facilitate individual and small

group of clients to access the provisions/benefits available to solar

rooftop system owners. The empanelment with MNRE is based on the

certificate from a rating agency in the country for technical and

financial strength.

The channel partners/implementing agencies can include Renewable

Energy Service Providing Companies (RESCOs), system integrators,

project developers, vendors/suppliers of solar equipment, and

manufacturers of solar equipment.




Stakeholders Roles and Responsibilities

Banks/FIs Banks/FIs provide majority of the capital required for the

implementation of solar rooftop projects. They also undertake a

detailed technical, financial, commercial, and regulatory due diligence

before finalizing on financing of these projects.

Consumers Consumers collect information available from the distribution

utility/system installer and evaluate investment, payback, and risk

associated with the installation of solar rooftop system.

Consumers will be responsible for the administrative paper work in

establishing and running the PV system including investment, availing

loan, application to distribution utility, availing subsidy, call for

commissioning, operation, maintenance, and other administrative and

technical compliance.

Figure 2: Major Stakeholders of Solar Rooftop Program

Major Stakeholders of Solar Rooftop

Program

SNA

(NREDCAP)

Consumers

Distribution Utilities

(APSPDCL and APEPDCL)

Banks/FIs

Channel Partners and Implementing

Agencies

EI

(DES and CEIG Office)




3 FUNCTIONALITIES OF USRTP

3.1 CURRENT SOLAR ROOFTOP PORTALS

The “Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Policy – 2015” states that “Eligible developers who wish

to avail the metering facility will have to apply through online mode to the DISCOMs – either

on their websites and/or through designated MeeSeva/Customer Service Centres. All

approvals/clearances shall be disposed by the respective DISCOM within 14 days from the

date of application.” The Policy further states, “An online system will be established by the

nodal agency for acceptance of applications and for providing status updates. The

developers will be given a login access for tracking the status updates. All

approvals/clearances shall be disposed within 30 days from the date of registration.” The

Policy thus provides for development of an online portal to be established by NREDCAP as

the nodal agency. All applications currently are processed through customer service centers

and no online process exists.

Several central and state agencies have developed solar rooftop portals with an objective to

create awareness among the consumers and accelerate the deployment of solar rooftop

systems. These portals provide multiple functionalities that are informative and pertain to

application process. The Program carried out a comparative analysis of the key

functionalities of the portals developed by MNRE and some states such as, Punjab Energy

Development Agency (PEDA), Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA),

Chandigarh Renewal Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST),

‘Solar rooftop online services’ portal of BESCOM, and MNRE’s online application for solar

photovoltaic installation (SPIN) as illustrated in Table 2.

Table 2: Comparison of Solar Rooftop Portals

Functionalities PEDA TEDA CREST SPIN BESCOM

Informative

General Information on Solar Rooftop

Information on Subsidy

Access to Information on Financing

Schemes

Installation Information/Procedures/

Timelines

Information on Policy and Regulatory

Matters

Solar Rooftop Helpdesk/Enquiry

Social Media Outreach

Consumer Feedback

Geotagging of Projects

Solar Rooftop Calculator

Photo Gallery of Installed Projects

Newsfeed/Updates

Status of Installation Capacity

Achieved




Functionalities PEDA TEDA CREST SPIN BESCOM

Application Process and Interaction With the Stakeholders

Online Application for Solar Rooftop

System Installation

Online Application for Empanelment

of Manufactures/Facilitators

Online Submission of Expression of

Interest (EoI) to Banks/FIs for Loan

Requirement

Online Application to SNA for Subsidy

Online Application to EI for Drawing

and Safety Approval

Receiving Approvals/Certificates

Online

Forms/Formats for Offline Application

for Empanelment

From the above analysis, it can be seen that solar rooftop portal developed by DISCOMs

and SNAs have substantial functionalities. Simultaneously, it has been observed that the

portals have certain limitations in terms of catering to multiple stakeholders and allowing

transaction/interaction between the same. Some limitations of the solar rooftop portals

developed are as follows:

The portals are primarily developed with the objective of providing information and

guidance to the consumers. Portals allow consumers to submit their application online

for the installation of solar rooftop systems.

The existing portal only allows consumers to interact with DISCOM/SNA regarding

submission of application. However, several other processes such as tracking of

application, calling for commissioning, receipt of the approval for commissioning, and

final interconnection with the grid are performed offline.

The portals do not allow consumers to approach other important stakeholders such as

EI for drawing and safety approval and banks/FIs for loan application. DISCOM hosted

portals enable online application for installation but do not enable subsidy application.

Whereas SNA hosted portals enable only subsidy application.

The existing portals do not allow suppliers/implementing agency to submit their

application online along with the supporting documents for empanelment.

Not all portals have a solar rooftop calculator to help a consumer assess the system

size, investment requirement, and financial attractiveness regarding solar rooftop

installation.

Hence, we proposed that an integrated portal be developed by NREDCAP which offers all

the information at one single point and allows real time interaction between multiple

stakeholders to address operational, financial, and informational challenges identified during

the survey for accelerating solar rooftop deployment.

3.2 KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE PROPOSED USRTP




The USRTP will be owned by NREDCAP and will enable transparency in the implementation

process of solar rooftop projects. It will facilitate quick interlinking of information between

major stakeholders and reduce the time requirement for effective implementation. The major

functions of USRTP includes:

Allows access to information related to central and state policy (RE/Solar), regulatory

framework (net/gross metering regulations and tariff orders), guidelines for

interconnections, and incentives/subsidy schemes of the central and state government.

Provides access to information on interest rates of banks/FIs, loan tenures, and

schemes introduced to finance solar rooftop projects.

Allows major stakeholders such as consumers, DISCOMs, SNA, FIs, etc., to interact

and transact with each other.

o Allow consumers to interact with the DISCOMs to submit application, track the

application, call for commissioning, receive approval, and final interconnection

with the grid.

o Allow consumers to approach the EI for applying and receiving electrical drawing

and safety approval.

o Allow consumers to interact with banks/FIs for loan requirement for installation of

solar rooftop systems.

o Allow DISCOMs to receive application, coordinate with internal departments,

process applications, grant approvals, and finalize interconnection with the grid.

o Allow SNA to receive and process the application for disbursement of the

subsidy.

Create awareness among general consumers by allowing them to assess the system

size, investment required, and financial attractiveness through installation of solar

rooftop system and its benefits.

Create geo-referenced database of all the solar rooftop systems highlighting consumer

name, address, email address, tariff category, type of meter, size, empanelled installer,

project completion/commissioning date, etc.

Figure 3 illustrates the key functions that can be performed by major stakeholders.

Concept Note on Development of Unified Solar Rooftop Transaction Portal for New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited: PACE-D Technical

Assistance Program United States Agency for International Development Contract AID-386-C-12-00001 10

Figure 3: Key Stakeholder Functions on the Portal




3.3 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

The Program with the perspective of defining detailed functionalities of USRTP undertook

interaction with individual stakeholders. The interaction functionalities described in this note

are the outcome of multiple interactions with NREDCAP, APEPDCL, DES and CEIG Office

as well as consent received from APSPDCL. The Program undertook telephonic and

questionnaire based interactions with the stakeholders. Subsequently, the Program met

APEPDCL, NREDCAP, and DES and CEIG Office officials on September 25 and October 12

and 13 respectively.

3.4 FLOW OF INFORMATION FOR USRTP

One of the vital functions of the integrated USRTP is to enable major stakeholders to interact

and transact with each other for the implementation of solar rooftop projects in an effective

and timely manner. To incorporate all stakeholders on a single portal, it is important to

ensure smooth flow of data among various stakeholders. All stakeholders involved in the

process should be aware of their roles and responsibilities. In the subsequent section, we

have discussed the possible transactions between the major stakeholders and the key

functions that can be performed by them through the USRTP. All consumers choosing to

install a grid connected solar rooftop system under net/gross metering would be required to

register on the USRTP by providing details such as name, address, email address, phone

number, etc. The consumer can interact with stakeholders of the solar rooftop installation

process through the USRTP after completing the registration process. Figure 4 illustrates the

flow of information between the major stakeholders.



Figure 4: Flow of Information Between Major Stakeholders




3.4.1 Interaction Between Consumers and DISCOM

The solar rooftop policy guidelines which provides the process flow for the implementation

framework for solar rooftop system to interconnect with the grid has been issued in the State

of Andhra Pradesh. It is pertinent to understand the key steps and timelines defined for

application, approval, and commissioning of the solar rooftop systems.

Application Process: Application process is the first contact between the eligible

consumers and the distribution utility for the installation of grid-connected solar rooftop

systems. The consumers are required to submit an application with the necessary

information to DISCOM.

Approval Process: Post the receipt of application by DISCOM, a technical feasibility

assessment is required to be completed within seven days. If the proposal is

technically feasible, the consumers must enter into an agreement with the DISCOM

within 15 days or the application is deemed to be cancelled.

Commissioning Process: The consumer is expected to complete the solar rooftop

installation within three months and send a request for inspection by DISCOM.

DISCOM officials conduct inspection within 10 days of receiving the request for

inspection and then synchronize the installed solar rooftop system.

Table 3 enlists the interactions enabled through the USRTP between the Consumer and

DISCOM.

Table 3: Interaction Between Consumer and DISCOM

Application Login using login ID and

password

Fill application form and upload

documents

Pay fees online

Submit application

Receive acknowledgment

receipt (system generated)

Login by DISCOM's approving

authorities to process

applications

Receipt of application by

Assistant Divisional Engineer

(ADE) (Operations) for system

<56 kilowatt peak (kWp) and

Superintending Engineer (SE)

(Operations) for system >56 kWp

Approval Process Receipt of Letter of Approval

Receipt of intimation of

resolution of deficiencies or

receipt of termination of

application

Technical feasibility report (TFR)

prepared by ADE (Operations)/

SE (Operations) within seven

days of receipt of application

Send intimation of resolution of




Submit response of applicant

on removal of deficiencies

deficiencies in case of

deficiencies in application/

technical constraints

Send termination of application if

project is not technically feasible

ADE (Operations)/ SE

(Operations) to send intimation to

submit the Net/Gross Metering

Agreement and approval to

install

Installation and

Commissioning

Process

Upload signed Solar Rooftop

Net/Gross Metering Agreement

Submit Request for meter

procurement

Submit request for meter

testing if meter is self-procured

Send request for

synchronization and

installation of meters to

DISCOM

Payment of meter procurement

and testing fees if meter is

procured from DISCOM

Payment of meter testing fees

if meter is self-procured

Receipt of request for meter

procurement by Assistant

Engineer (AE) (Operations) for

systems <56 kWp

Receipt of request for meter

procurement by AE (Operations)

and Divisional Engineer (DE)

(Operations) for systems

>56 kWp and <1,000 kWp

Confirm availability of meter by

AE (Operations)

Inspection form to be submitted

by ADE (Operations)

Submit synchronization report

3.4.2 Interaction Between Consumer and DES and CEIG Office*

The USRTP will allow consumers to interact with the DES and CEIG Office to obtain drawing

approval and safety certificate, which will enable them to synchronize and connect the solar

rooftop system with the grid. The Deputy Electrical Inspector, Electrical Inspector and

Director of Electrical Safety and Chief Electrical Inspector to Government of Andhra Pradesh

(CEIG) are the authorities responsible for granting drawing and safety approvals to solar

rooftop projects depending on the size. Table 4 enlists the interactions to be enabled

between the consumer and DES and CEIG Office through USRTP.

Table 4: Interaction Between Consumer and DES and CEIG Office

Approval of Electrical

Drawings

Submit application to the

Deputy Electrical Inspector/

Electrical Inspector/CEIG as

per the size of the proposed

Send acknowledgement of

application receipt

Grant of approval for electrical

drawings by the Deputy




system

Submit electrical drawings

Upload supporting

documents

Electrical Inspector (capacity

<125 kilovolt ampere [kVA])


drawings by the EI (capacity

>125 kVA and capacity <500

kVA)


drawings by the CEIG

(capacity >500 kVA)

Send intimation to

correct/accept/reject drawings

Safety Approval

(Pre-Commissioning)

Send request to conduct

inspection of plant

Upload supporting

documents

Send acknowledgement of

receipt of inspection request

and allot the date for

inspection

Grant of safety approval by

the Deputy Electrical

Inspector (capacity <125 kVA)


the Electrical Inspector

(capacity >125 kVA and

capacity <500 kVA)


the CEIG (capacity >500 kVA)

Issue safety approval letter to

allow commissioning and

synchronization of the solar

rooftop system with the grid

*Note: The DES and CEIG Office has developed an ease of doing business (EODB) portal in

association with the Andhra Pradesh Center for Financial Systems and Services (APCFSS)

for granting drawing and safety clearances. Clarification regarding adoption of either EOBD

portal for grid connected solar rooftop projects or development of interactive functionalities

between consumer and DES and CEIG Office is awaited.

3.4.3 Interaction Between Consumer/Channel Partners and NREDCAP

A solar rooftop policy is implemented through various schemes. These schemes provide

necessary policy implementation framework and may differ from time to time within the

tenure of the policy. It may also include specific subsidies and incentives that are also

time-bound, and may be applicable to certain eligible entities and types of systems. The

government is providing financial assistance for installation of grid connected solar rooftop

systems under the central financial assistance (CFA) scheme of MNRE for selected

consumer categories. This portal will allow consumers/channel partner to interact with

NREDCAP for applying and availing subsidy for implementation of solar rooftop projects.

Table 5 illustrates the interaction enabled between the consumer/channel partner with the

NREDCAP.

Table 5: Interaction Between Consumer/Channel Partner With NREDCAP




Application Register and create login ID

and password

Submit application as per the

forms and formats defined by

the MNRE/NREDCAP

Upload photo proof, identity

proof, latest electricity bill,

declaration, DISCOM consent,

rooftop photos, declaration of

District Manager inspection,

etc.

Online payment of processing

fees


receipt

Confirm inspection time-slot

Receive intimation of shortfall

in application

Uploading revised documents

Receipt of In-Principle

Sanction Letter

Login by the NREDCAP Nodal

Officers at the district office and

head office

Receive application for subsidy

Send acknowledgment receipt

Review the application

Allotment of time slot for

inspection

Maintain details of the

consumers

Issuance of In-Principle Sanction

Letter

Verification and

Subsidy Disbursement

Call for inspection

Submit joint inspection report,

project completion report,

statement of expenditure, etc.

Submit declaration for release

of subsidy to system integrator

Receive subsidy

Receive request for inspection

Allotment of time slot for

inspection

Verify the commission of the

system and technical

specification of the system

Receive reports submitted by

consumer/beneficiary

Release subsidy online through

National Electronic Funds

Transfer (NEFT)/Real Time

Gross Settlement (RTGS) in

consumer/beneficiary account

3.4.4 Interaction Between Consumer and Banks/FIs

Banks and FIs play a key role in encouraging home loan/home improvement loan seekers to

install solar rooftop system. The Ministry of Finance advised banks to include the cost of

installation of solar rooftop system in their housing loan proposal. Therefore, several banks

are now issuing detailed guidelines to consider financing solar rooftop system as a part of




home loan. Banks and FIs are also in the process of introducing dedicated loan products for

grid connected solar rooftop systems. Consumers will be able to access information related

to eligibility criteria, interest rates, loan tenures, and various schemes introduced by major

banks/FIs through USRTP. This portal will also allow consumers to interact with banks/FIs to

avail loan for installation of solar rooftop systems. Table 6 illustrates the interactions enabled

through the portal between banks/FIs and consumer.

Table 6: Interaction Between Consumer and Banks/FIs

Information Access and

EoI Submission

Register and create login ID

and password

Access to information related

to eligibility criteria, interest

rate, loan tenure, and various

schemes introduced by major

banks/FIs

Submit EoI to avail loan for

installation of solar rooftop

system in a standard template


receipt

Receive contact information of

Nodal Officer of banks/FIs for

future correspondence

Login by Nodal Officer of

banks/FIs

Update information related to

eligibility criteria, loan tenure,

interest rate, and other schemes

at regular interval

Receive the EoI from the

consumers

Submit acknowledgement of

receiving EoI

3.4.5 Other Publically Accessible Functionalities

Consumers will be capable of taking informed investment decisions if all the information

related to existing policy and regulatory framework, subsidy and financing options, list of

empanelled vendors, past performance records of installations and projects, and satisfaction

ratings from past consumers who have installed solar rooftop systems, is available on a

centralized dashboard. This will help to create awareness among the consumers regarding

solar rooftop system installation and its benefits. Table 7 illustrates the publically accessible

functionalities envisaged for the portal.

Table 7: Other Publically Accessible Functionalities of USRTP




Information General Information:

o Benefits of installation of solar rooftop systems

o Information regarding net metering and gross metering with

animation to provide information concerning the flow of electricity in

both set ups

o Solar rooftop potential calculator

Installation Information:

o Procedures and timelines of setting up the solar rooftop system

o Procedure for empanelment of suppliers/implementing agencies

o Lists of empanelled suppliers and MNRE channel partners for solar

rooftop system installation

o Technical specifications of the solar rooftop systems to be installed

o Technical specifications of meters

o Technical specifications of modem

Finance and Subsidy Specific Information:

o Information related to central and state government subsidy and

information on interest rates of banks, loan tenures, and schemes

introduced by banks for financing solar rooftop projects

Policy and Regulatory Information:

o Information related to policy (solar policy, etc.)

o Regulations (net metering and gross metering)

o Tariff Order (net metering and gross metering)

o Guidelines and circulars issued regarding implementation of solar

rooftop projects

Help Solar Rooftop Helpdesk:

o Login ID for customer service executives to access information on

the portal

o Addressing consumers queries as well as other stakeholders queries

through email and telephone

Social Media:

o Links to social media pages of the stakeholders

o Consumers can receive quick updates and post queries on social

media pages

o Publicize information related to solar rooftop system installation

Useful Link Tabs for Quick Access to Websites:

o MNRE

o APERC

o APSPDCL

o APEPDCL

Consumer Feedback




Locate Geotagging Feature Indicating Projects Under Progress and

Projects Completed

Selection of geotag will provide the following details:

o Consumer name

o Email address

o Consumer number

o Tariff category

o Address

o Type of meter

o Size

o Empaneled installer

o Countdown to project completion/date of commissioning

(expected/actual)

Photo Gallery of Installation Under Progress/Completed

Updates Achievements in Andhra Pradesh relating to the installation of solar

rooftop systems will be updated in the portal at regular intervals.

Also, Statistics of year/quarter wise installed capacity will be

provided.

3.5 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE OF USRTP

Figure 5 illustrates the system architecture as well as technologies, which will be used to

develop the USRTP

Front End: C# .net(Model View Controller [MVC]), jQuery, JavaScript (JS), Bootstrap

Template

Back End: Web Application Programming Interface (API) (C#), Relational Database

Management System (RDBMS) (Structured Query Language [SQL]

Server/Oracle/PostgreSQL)




Figure 5: System Architecture of USRTP

3.6 APPROACH FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF USRTP

It is proposed that USRTP will be owned and hosted by NREDCAP. The Program will assist

NREDCAP in development and implementation of the USRTP. Considering multiple

stakeholders expected to use this portal, it is essential to capture their inputs/suggestions at

the design stage. Hence, it is suggested to establish a coordination committee with

representatives of all major stakeholders. (e.g., NREDCAP, APSPDCL, APEPDCL, DES and

CEIG Office, banks/FIs, and manufacturers) to finalize the functionalities and facilitate

development and implementation of the USRTP. The Program will carry out the following

activities for the development and implementation of USRTP:

Conceptualization of Transaction Portal: The Program will carry out detailed

analysis of the existing framework developed by APSPDCL and APEPDCL for

consumer engagement and implementation framework for solar rooftop systems to

interconnect with the utility grid. The Program will review the processes adopted by the

NREDCAP for subsidy disbursement. It will also perform comparative analysis of the

various functionalities of existing solar rooftop portals developed by the state and

national level agencies. Based on the same, the Program will develop draft conceptual

framework for USRTP covering various aspects such as need for the development of

USRTP, major stakeholders covered, key functionalities, information flow between

major stakeholders, approach for the development of portal, system architecture, and

time frame for development, etc.

Database

Oracle/SQL Server/PostgreSQL

Data Tier

Web API

MVC

Architecture

Presentation Tier

View, HyperText Markup Language (HTML),

Extensible Markup Language (XML), JS

Business Tier

Controller, Model, Class Library




Formation of Coordination Committee: A coordination committee will be formed to

address the potential challenges faced during the development and implementation of

USRTP. This committee will have representatives of all the major stakeholders such as

NREDCAP, APSPDCL, APEPDCL, DES and CEIG Office, Banks/FIs, and

manufacturers. The Coordination Committee will deliberate on draft functionalities of

the USRTP and ensure smooth data flow among various stakeholders. The Program

will finalize the conceptual framework in consultation with the coordination committee.

Development of USRTP: Upon finalization of conceptual framework, the Program will

provide necessary support to NREDCAP to develop the USRTP:

o Development of business requirement definition (BRD)

o Development of design interface with major stakeholders such as banks/FIs,

consumers, utility, regulatory commission, facilitators/manufacturers, and SNA.

o Development of system requirement specification (SRS) and webhosting

requirement document

o Development of Beta Version of the transaction portal

Implementation of USRTP: Upon development of Beta Version of the portal, the

Program will provide necessary support to NREDCAP to implement the USRTP:

o Testing and user acceptance testing of the portal

o Support in security audit and performing necessary modifications

o Preparation of manual for transaction portal

o Organization of training program to demonstrate the key functionalities of the

USRTP to major stakeholders

3.7 WORK PLAN AND TIMELINE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF USRTP

Table 8 illustrates the work plan and timeline for development of the USRTP, which will

enable faster deployment of solar rooftop systems in the State of Andhra Pradesh due to

streamlining of process with multiple stakeholders. The portal will provide all information,

documentation, and approvals for project set up at a single source; encouraging more

consumers to set up solar rooftop systems owing to the ease in process. Upon development

of the portal for NREDCAP, similar portals can be developed for other utilities/SNAs in other

states, to boost solar rooftop deployment.



Table 8: Work Plan and Timeline

Activity Major Tasks Deliverables Month (June 2017 to January 2018)

June July August September October November December January

1 Concept Note

1.1 Conceptualization of Transaction Tool

Concept Note

1.2 Finalization of Concept Through Stakeholder Consultation

Final Concept Note

2 Development of BRD BRD Document

3 Development of Design Interface With Banks, Utilities, and SNAs

Note on Design Interface

4 Development of SRS and Webhosting Requirement Document

Note on Webhosting and SRS

5 Development of Transaction Portal

Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of Portal

6 User Acceptance Testing

PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) on Data Testing

7

Support in Security Audit and Performing Necessary Modifications

Security Audit Report/Certificate

8 Preparation of Manual for the Tool

Training Manual



Activity Major Tasks Deliverables Month (June 2017 to January 2018)

June July August September October November December January

9

Organization of Training Program on Tool for Capacity Buildings of NREDCAP, Banks, Financing Institutions, and SNAs

PPT on Training Manual and Training Program




U.S. Agency for International Development

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20523

Tel: (202) 712-0000

Fax: (202) 216-3524

www.usaid.gov

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