The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has rolled out new guidelines for net metering and energy banking, aiming to promote rooftop solar installations while ensuring grid stability. The new regulations, part of the Renewable Energy and Related Matters Regulations, 2025, will remain in force until March 31, 2030.
Under the revised rules, residential solar systems up to 10 kW can continue with net metering without the need for battery storage. However, systems between 10 kW and 20 kW must now include battery backup to qualify. Starting April 1, 2027, any new solar plant above 5 kW will be required to have battery storage.
The KSERC has also revamped the energy banking system. Excess solar power can now be banked on a monthly basis and adjusted against consumption within the same financial year. At the year’s end, producers will be compensated at revised rates — ₹3.80 per unit for existing users and ₹2.79 per unit for new entrants.
To balance the load on the grid, the commission has introduced a “grid support charge” for installations exceeding 10 kW — 50 paise per unit for the first 300 units drawn and ₹1 per unit thereafter.
Officials say the new framework is designed to encourage wider adoption of rooftop solar energy while promoting the use of battery storage technology. The move aligns with Kerala’s broader commitment to clean energy, sustainability, and energy independence under its Green Kerala Mission.
With these reforms, Kerala is positioning itself as one of the leading states in India to integrate smart solar solutions into the power grid — ensuring both eco-friendly energy generation and long-term grid reliability.
