MERC (Maharashtra Energy Regulatory Commission) is trying to make a policy that will make the solar roof-top and un-viable affair. As per the new circular floated by MERC, Maharashtra can enjoy the advantage of a net-metering policy only for small residential projects. Other solutions will not have the net-meter advantage if this policy comes to reality.

As per the new draft, MERC / MSEDCL will disallow the net-meter for new renewable energy installation. “Gross metering / Net Billing” will be the new renewable energy killer. In this, the complete electricity generated out of renewable energy has to be sold out to Discom / MSEDCL and Discom / MSEDCL will repay the user at an average rate of Rs. 3.5 to 4 per unit of electricity. The will make the complete installation unviable and the user will hardly have the return on investment.

The complete MERC draft can be Read here.