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
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 2
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.
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 3
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
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 4
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.
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 5
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.
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 6
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)
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 7
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
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 8
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
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 9
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
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 11
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.
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 12
Figure 4: Flow of Information Between 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 13
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
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 14
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
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 15
system
Submit electrical drawings
Upload supporting
documents
Electrical Inspector (capacity
<125 kilovolt ampere [kVA])
Grant of approval for electrical
drawings by the EI (capacity
>125 kVA and capacity <500
kVA)
Grant of approval for electrical
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)
Grant of safety approval by
the Electrical Inspector
(capacity >125 kVA and
capacity <500 kVA)
Grant of safety approval by
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
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 16
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
Receive acknowledgment
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
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 17
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
Receive acknowledgment
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
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 18
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
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 19
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)
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 20
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
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 21
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.
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 22
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
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 23
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
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 24
U.S. Agency for International Development
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20523
Tel: (202) 712-0000
Fax: (202) 216-3524
www.usaid.gov