PUCSL launches public consultation on rooftop solar PV development

Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) launched a public consultation on the rooftop solar PV development in Sri Lanka as PUCSL intends to issue guidelines and advice on government policy to support the successful implementation of the rooftop solar and achieve the set policy targets. 

The government of Sri Lanka has set a target to achieve one million rooftop solar PV plants within the next ten years. The government also launched ‘Battle of Solar’ or Soorya Bala Sangramaya in view of promoting Rooftop Solar PV in the country with a target of achieving 200MW of capacity by the year 2020 and increase up to 1000MW capacity by 2025.

Sri Lanka recorded 74MW of total installed capacity through rooftop solar PV by August 2017, data showed.  The same stood at 28 MW, a year earlier.  

A 46MW of a capacity of rooftop solar was added to the national grid since the Battle of Solar was launched. 

It is also seen that the day peak of electricity demand in Sri Lanka is growing faster than the night peak. Therefore, “Aggressive implementation of these schemes will also benefit Sri Lankan utilities and consumers by reducing the reliance on diesel power generation of the national grid and reducing costs,” the consultation paper said. 

PUCSL invites stakeholders views, suggestions, recommendations, concerns and comments related to  following areas; 

1. Suggestions to improve the existing framework (eg. Net-metering Application process, an estimate for net-meter installation, cost etc..). 
2. Financing for Solar PV installation, cost, payback etc. and the benefits of solar PV as an individual and the country as a whole.
3. Installation standards, workmanship and installation best practices.
4. Technical constraints and options for grid connection.
5. Any other concerns and ideas to ensure the achievement of targets set by the government under “SooryabalaSangramaya” program.

The draft consultation paper is now available at www.pucsl.gov.lk for reference. A printed copy of this report also is available at the Information Centre of the Commission. Those who are interested can submit their written comments/submissions to the Commission by post/fax or e-mail and online via www.pucsl.gov.lk on or before 24th October. 

Further, PUCSL plans to hold an oral submission on the same.The venue and the date of the meeting will be communicated to the interested parties at an early date.