Training & Capacity Building for DISCOM Employees under PM SURYA GHAR :

MUFT BIJLI YOJANA (PMSGMBY)

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1
 Contents

• Introduction
• Inspection Procedure
• Interconnection Parameters
• Component Inspection Checklist
• Grid Connected Functional Safety Checklist
• O&M of RTS Systems and Troubleshooting
• Issues and challenges
 Introduction
• Inspections and Evaluations: The Scheme Implementation Agencies
(National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) nationally and State
Implementation Agencies (SIA) at State level) as well as other designated
agencies by State/UT governments shall conduct regular
inspections/evaluation of RTS systems installed under the scheme, both at
the time of commissioning and post commissioning.
• SIA Monitoring: The SIA may establish adequate mechanism to ensure
post-commissioning inspection of installed systems on a sampling basis.
• The SIA may conduct additional independent third party assessments of
systems.
 Introduction (cont.)
• Minimum Technical Specifications: The Ministry shall identify the minimum
technical specifications to be adhered to by all vendors for RTS systems
installed under the scheme.
• It will be the responsibility of the vendors to ensure that the system meets
the minimum technical specifications as detailed in Annexure 3 (Annexure 3
• TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR ROOFTOP SOLAR PLANTS INSTALLED
UNDER THE COMPONENT OF “CFA TO RESIDENTIAL CONSUMERS” OF PM-
SURYA GHAR: MUFT BIJLI YOJANA, No 318/17/2024-Grid Connected rooftop
dated 07.06.2024).
• This will also be checked by the DISCOMs at the time of inspection
 Introduction (cont.)
• DISCOM Inspection: The concerned DISCOM shall conduct a physical
inspection of the system, sign the appropriate agreements with the
consumer (net meter agreement or otherwise), conduct a checklist-based
inspection as per the National Portal and approve the application on the
National Portal for release of CFA.
• Alternatively, the DISCOMs may send back the application for corrections or
reject the claim with adequate justification.
• The CFA will be processed only after the DISCOM has physically verified
the system and completed the process on the Portal.
 Introduction (cont.)
• E-Token: The release of the CFA shall be operationalized through an e-
token. The e-token will be generated after submission of application on the
National Portal and will be visible on the consumer profile in the Portal.
• After the necessary documents have been uploaded and inspection by the
DISCOM has been completed, the e-token shall be activated with the
amount of eligible CFA as per the actual installed capacity.
• The e-token shall then be redeemed by the consumer by logging into her/his
profile on the Portal and the CFA shall subsequently be released to the
consumer account.
 Introduction (cont.)
• Integration with State Portals: The National Portal will provide a seamless
and fully integrated experience to prosumers in the residential sector.
• The portal will be fully integrated with State DISCOM portals for a
harmonized experience for consumers in all stages of rooftop installations,
including requests for net metering, load sanctions, inspections etc.
• Multimode Messaging: The National Portal will be accessible through apps,
chatbots and WhatsApp also, enabling wider outreach to all segments.
• The Portal will also generate multi-level triggers for delays in DISCOM
inspection and net meter installations and the DISCOMs shall be
encouraged to ensure timely commissioning of RTS plants, once the vendors
have installed the systems.
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
S. No. Parameters Description
1. General Information
• On the successful
commissioning of the 1.1 Name of the System Owner
plant, the following 1.2 Contact phone number of owner
information sheet has 1.3 Email address if any
to be completed and 1.4 System location (physical address)
signed jointly with the 1.5 Geo-spatial coordinates (Take GPS data up
plant owner. to 6 decimal place)
• A copy of the same has 1.6 System capacity (DC capacity kWp)
to be handed over to 1.7 Date of commission
the system owner and 1.8 Implementing company
one copy should be 1.9 Service center contact details of Land phone contact:
kept with the installer. implementing company Mobile phone contact
Email contact:
Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
2. Solar PV Array Description
2.1 Make and Model No.
2.2 Country of origin (separately for solar cells and module)
2.3 Power at STC with Tolerance
2.4 Total number of modules
2.5 Unique Serial Nos.
2.6 Presence of RFID tag
2.7 Quality Standard (BIS/IEC)
2.8 Safety Standard (BIS/IEC)
2.9 Date and year of obtaining BIS/IEC PV module qualification
certificate
2.10 Name of the test lab issuing BIS/IEC certificate.
2.11 Warrantee against any manufacturing or material defect
2.12 Warrantee on performance (Power output)
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
3. PV Inverter

3.1 Make 3.10 Voltage tolerance

3.2 Model 3.11 Inverter efficiency
3.3 Capacity 3.12 Total Harmonic Distortion
3.4 Total number of inverters 3.13 Power factor
installed
3.5 AC output voltage and 3.14 Quality and Safety Standard (BIS/IEC)
frequency
3.6 Installed outdoor or indoor? 3.15 Date and year of obtaining BIS/IEC for the inverter
3.7 IP rating? 3.16 Name of the test lab issuing BIS/IEC certificate
3.8 Built-in meter and data logger 3.17 Warrantee against any manufacturing defect and
for remote monitoring violation of conformity of regulatory requirement
3.9 Frequency tolerance
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
4. Array Structure
4.1 Type of structure used 4.9 Are the modules are installed facing true
south? If not which orientation and angle of
deviation from true south.
4.2 Material of structure 4.10 Clearance of lowest part of structure to the
roof in mm
4.3 Frame size and orientation (Portrait /
landscape)
4.4 Thickness of structure materials
4.5 Type of coating
4.6 Type of grouting to RCC roof and size of
PCC block if used
4.7 Material of fasteners (nuts, bolts,
clamps, hooks etc.)
4.8 Tilt angle
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
5. DC String Combiner Box
5.1 Make
5.2 Materials and IP rating
5.3 Rating of DC fuses if used
5.4 Rating of DC isolators
5.5 Type of and SPDs used
5.6 Have you marked cable ferrules for polarity identification?
5.7 Have you used one cable gland for one cable?
5.8 Have you tightened the cable glands properly?
5.9 Height of DCCB from ground/ floor in mm
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
6. AC Distribution Box/ Board
6.1 Make
6.2 Materials and IP rating
6.3 Type and Rating of AC isolator between inverter and grid network
6.4 Type of and SPDs used
6.5 Have you used one cable gland for one cable?
6.6 Have you tightened the cable glands properly?
6.7 Height of ACDB from ground/ floor in mm

7. AC Distribution Box/ Board Solar meter Net meter

7.1 Make
7.2 Type and Model
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
8. Safety and System Protections
8.1 Have you followed all fire safety norms as mentioned in the SOP for installation?
8.2 Make, current and voltage rating of DC isolators
8.3 Make, current and voltage rating of AC isolators
8.4 Earthing conductor material
8.5 Size of earthing conductor
8.6 Type of earthing rod and earth pit
8.7 Means of equipotential bonding of PV module frame and mounting structure
(WEEB/ grounding bolt/clamp)
8.8 Measured Earthing Resistance (To be measured as a part of pre commissioning tests)
8.9 Type of SPDs used in DC side
8.10 Type of SPDs used in AC side
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
9. DC Cables
9.1 Make
9.2 Type
9.3 Voltage rating
9.4 Size of string cables
9.5 Size of array cable from DCDB to inverter
9.6 Type of conduit/ cable tray used
9.7 Marking of cables/ cable route?
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
10. AC Cables
10.1 Make
10.2 Type
10.3 Voltage rating
10.4 Size of AC cables from inverter to ACDB
10.5 Type of conduit/ cable tray used
Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
11. Drawings and Manuals
11.1 Whether all engineering drawings and SLDs provided?
11.2 Whether datasheet of all equipment provided?
11.3 Whether test results and commissioning procedure provided
11.4 Whether O&M manual / user manual provided which include the following
minimum information?
Safety instruction
Procedures for verifying correct system operation
A checklist of what to do in case of a system failure
Emergency shutdown and isolation procedures.
Maintenance and cleaning recommendations
 Inspection Procedure: Sample Format for
system documentation and handover
12. Energy generation and performance ratio
12.1 Projected annual energy generation of the installed PV plant
12.2 Estimated and guaranteed performance ratio of the plant
12.3 Tested performance ratio of the plant

13. Shadow
13.1 Is the PV array free from shadow (8:30 am to 3:30 pm)
13.2 Any object closed to the array that can create noon shadow?
13.3 Is there any mountain or tall object away from the system which can create far shadow?

14. Result of anti-islanding functionality test

14.1 Disconnection time for anti-Islanding functionality test
14.2 Reconnection time for anti-Islanding functionality test
 Sample
inspection
approval
 Sample
inspection
approval
 Interconnection Parameters
Parameters Reference Requirement
Overall Grid Central Electricity Authority (Grid Standard) regulations Compliance
Standards 2010
Equipment BIS / IEEE / IEC Compliance
Meters Central Electricity Authority (Installation and Compliance
Operation of Meters) Regulation 2006 & Amendments
thereof, OERC Generic Tariff Order 2013
Safety and Supply Central Electricity Authority (Measures of Safety and Compliance
Electricity Supply) Regulation 2010

Harmonic Current IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for Connectivity shall not exceed the limits specified in
of the Distributed Generation Resources) Regulations IEEE 519
2013
Synchronization IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for Connectivity Every time the generating station must
of the Distributed Generation Resources) Regulations be synchronized to the grid. Voltage
2013 fluctuation < ± 5% at point of inter
connection
 Interconnection Parameters
Parameters Reference Requirement
Voltage-operating window should be under
IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for operating range of 80% to 110% of the nominal
Voltage Connectivity of the Distributed Generation connected voltage. Beyond a clearing time of 2
Resources) Regulations 2013 second, the photovoltaic system must isolate itself
from the grid
IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for
Should not cause voltage flicker in excess of the
Flicker Connectivity of the Distributed Generation
limits stated in IEC 61000
Resources) Regulations 2013
When the Distribution system frequency deviates
IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for outside the specified conditions (50.5 Hz on upper
Frequency Connectivity of the Distributed Generation side and 47.5 Hz on lower side), there should be
Resources) Regulations 2013 over and under frequency trip functions with a
clearing time of 0.2 seconds.
 Interconnection Parameters
Parameters Reference Requirement
IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for Should not inject DC power more than 0.5% of full
DC injection Connectivity of the Distributed Generation rated output at the interconnection point
Resources) Regulations 2013
IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for While the output of the inverter is greater than 50%, a
Power Factor Connectivity of the Distributed Generation lagging power factor of greater than 0.9 should
Resources) Regulations 2013 operate
IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for In the event of fault, voltage or frequency variations
Islanding and
Connectivity of the Distributed Generation the PV system must island / disconnect itself within
Disconnection Resources) Regulations 2013 IEC standard on stipulated period
IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for The inverter should have the facility to automatically
Overload and Connectivity of the Distributed Generation switch off in case of overload or overheating and
Overheat Resources) Regulations 2013 should restart when normal conditions are restored
IEEE 519 and CEA (Technical Standards for Paralleling device of photovoltaic system shall be
Paralleling
Connectivity of the Distributed Generation capable of withstanding 220% of the normal voltage at
Device
Resources) Regulations 2013 the interconnection point.
 Component Inspection Checklist
S. No. Item Type Yes No

1 Installation Layout – is it as per drawing?

2 Inverter IS / IEC standards qualified

3 PV panel IS / IEC standards qualified

4 PV isolators / PV cables IS / IEC standards qualified

String level and cumulative protections are provided for over-current

5
and surges

6 AC disconnect manual switch provided with locking arrangement

7 Meters approved by concerned authority

 Functional Safety Checklist
S. No. Item Type Yes No

1 Check whether solar power generation stops automatically when DISCOM supply shut off

2 Confirm Bi-directional flow recorded on net meter

3 Check ‘Consumption (Import) only’ mode operation

4 Check operation of Solar (Generation) meter

5 Check all Protections and Earthing points

6 Confirm Solar and Bi-directional meter tested & sealed by DISCOM meter testing lab

7 Meters approved by concerned authority

O&M of RTS Systems & Troubleshooting
The performance of a PV System is highly affected due to the following
reasons:
• Dust accumulation
• Module Shading
• Module Mismatch
• Physical Integrity
 Dust Accumulations
• The performance of the solar arrays can be significantly
impacted by dirt accumulation, which can also shorten
the panels’ lifespan and lower energy output and
potential savings or revenue.
• To reduce energy loss, the modules must be cleaned on a
regular basis.
• Maintaining clean solar panels contributes to the system’s
optimal electricity generation.
• Regular cleaning and inspection are necessary in areas
that are typically dusty and contaminated.
Dust Accumulations
 Module Shading
• When a shadow is cast on panels either by clouds, trees, building,
vegetation, wires or any object that blocks the pathway of sunlight
falling on PV modules, the power output decreases substantially.
• As a general rule, an array should be free of shade from 9:00 A.M.
to 5:00 P.M.

• The performance of an array as a whole can be greatly impacted

by even a little amount of shade on a few modules.
• Certain cells in a shaded module or section of a shaded module
become reverse biased and function as loads rather than
generators.
 Module Shading
• The shading caused by the object may be seasonal or occur for a
few hours every day, generating variations in the power.

• The loss of energy generation from partial shadowing on PV

modules is unpredictable since it depends on a number of factors,
including internal module cell connections, module orientation,
how modules are connected within an array, and the inverter
arrangement.
 Module Mismatch
• To obtain high power production, several solar cells, modules, and
arrays are connected in parallel and series.
• All of the devices in this scenario must have the same electrical
specifications.
• However, there are almost always a few variations that may be
turn out to be significant.
• When the electrical properties of a single cell or a group of cells
differ noticeably from one another, mismatch errors in PV modules
arise.
• Furthermore, mismatch faults arise from the connectivity of solar
cells or modules that are subjected to disparate environmental
variables, such as temperature or irradiance.
 Module Mismatch
• For eg: If one has placed a 220Wp and a 240Wp module together
in one string with Isc 8.07A & 8.44A then the output will be 8.07A.
• Therefore, the resultant current will be limited to the lower rating.
This in turn would affect the performance and the overall plant
output.
 Physical Integrity
• Hairline cracks that would have gone undetected during testing
can occur in cells throughout the manufacturing process.
• Under working conditions after installation, these small cracks
enlarge and become noticeable.
• Vapor penetration causes cracks to widen, which in turn causes
delamination and bubble formation.
• This in turn has an impact on the module's total lifetime and
power output.
• The adhesion between the modules' parts (glass, encapsulant,
active layers, and back layers) is impacted by a constant cycle of
temperature stress on solar cells, mechanical stress, humidity, UV
light, physical stress, and chemical stress. This results in
delamination of constituents.
 Physical Integrity

• Visual inspections are required to determine the physical integrity of

PV modules.

• The primary issues are visually detectable with the least amount of
instruments are moisture condensation inside the photovoltaic
modules, contact corrosion, cell delamination, and tiny hairline
fractures that may develop on the cells.
Physical Integrity
 Wet Cleaning Method
• Water is used to eliminate dirt from the surface of the solar PV
module.
• The cleaning process can either be manual or automated. Manual
cleaning is done by using a soft cloth, brush, detergent (non-
abrasive) and clean water.
• Preferable quality for cleaning the modules is de-ionized water.
• If de-ionized water is not available, rainwater or tap water can be
used. Water from a domestic reverse osmosis (RO) plant may be
used.
• The water must be free from sand and physical contaminants that
could damage the module surface.
 Wet Cleaning Method
• Tap water must be of low mineral content with total hardness not
more than 200 ppm.
• Cleaning agent must be mild, non-caustic and non-abrasive
detergent may be used.
• Before cleaning it must be noted that cleaning damaged panels
can result in electric shock.
• Hence, Thoroughly inspect the panels for any crack, damage, and
loose connections.
• Low light conditions when production is lowest (Before 7:30 A.M.
and after 6:00 P.M.) from dusk to dawn is the best time to clean
modules as the plant is not in operation and risk of electric shock
hazard is minimum.
 Dry or Brush Cleaning Method
• The most obvious benefit is that dry cleaning can reduce the need for
water.
• A brush, sponge, or cloth can be used if there is a lot of soiling. This
needs to be done carefully though, as it can cause scratches on the
module.
• It's important to avoid scraping or rubbing vigorously as this could
scratch the PV module's surface.
Disconnection Device as per CEA Regulation

• It must Interrupt the active conductor.

• Be capable of being locked in open position.
• Be located at a height of at least 2.44m above the ground level.
• May be rated for load break and may have feature of over-current
protection.
• Comply with all other specifications as per CEA Regulations.
 Issues and challenges during RTS
installation, way-out to address these
challenges through technical institutional
capacity building
 Imbalance of Power
Imbalance can arise due to the following causes:
• Different capacities on different single phases
• Demand variations across locations and times
• Varying radiation leading to variability of generation
 Imbalance of Power
• This imbalance leads to higher reverse flows and losses (both of energy
and revenue). It also affects retail power/distribution as well as bulk
power/transmission imbalances.

The possible mitigation methods include:

• Scheduling and dispatch of demand response
• Energy storage
• Even distribution of solar power projects on each phase
 Imbalance of Power
Three important aspects for balancing:
• Monitoring demand, loads, storage, generation and grid (SCADA) –
meters, communication
• Short term forecast and real time dispatch control possible parameters
(load not possible)
• Forecasting and Scheduling
• Balance Zones or Micro Balancing Areas
• Phase / circuit / feeder / substation
• Leading to Micro-Grids, Storage devices, Smart grids, adjustments to
transformer voltage levels
Solar PV Rooftop Feed to the DISCOM
Network
Limited DG Penetration Reduces Feeder
Loading
Effect of High PV penetration
Effect on Voltage due to SPVRT Generation
Challenges and Suggestions for
Implementation Phases
Challenges and Suggestions for
Implementation Phases
 Challenges and Suggestions for
Implementation Phases
More Actions:
• Set up procedures for approvals
• Set up procedures for payments, credits, inspection, arbitration
• Empanel vendors / manufacturers
• Register / certify products and particular models
• Capacity development within organization
• New dimension for grid management – real time monitoring, load shedding,
outages, balancing and so on
• Data collection and analysis for learning and further actions
 General Issues of Consumers
• Issue-1:
– Consumers wish to install oversized solar arrays which are greater
than the sanctioned capacity.
• Actions:
– Technically it is correct to oversize the PV array as compared to
inverter capacity.
– The design should be vetted for each system to check whether
oversizing is as per inverter specifications
 General Issues of Consumers
• Issue-2:
– Three phase consumer wishes to install smaller single phase RTS
system under net metering.
• Actions:
– This may be permitted on case to case basis or should be
completely rejected for all cases.
– The main issue would be of phase imbalance created due to such
systems.
 General Issues of Consumers
• Issue-3:
– Consumer says existing building earthing will be used for system
earthing.
• Actions:
– Each system needs to have minimum three separate earthings.
– The AC earthing of these can be joined to existing building earthing.
DC and Lightning Arrester earthings need to be separate.
 General Issues of Consumers
• Issue-4:
– After installing net metered system, the consumer is complaining
that grid is off frequently and he is not able to utilize solar.
• Actions:
– The grid availability should be checked before implementing
rooftop system.
– The consumer has an option of grid-connect hybrid inverter in such
cases where he would be using solar energy for battery charging
rather than wasting it.
 General Issues of Consumers
• Issue-5:
– Lineman needs to work on a feeder or pole where number of PV
systems are installed
• Actions:
– He needs to switch off all the systems, complete the work and then
put on all the systems.
– For ease of operation a common switch on upper grid line from
number of systems should be planned and implemented.
 Guidelines for CFA TO RESIDENTIAL
CONSUMERS” OF PM SURYA GHAR: MUFT
BIJLI YOJANA, (No 318/17/2024-Grid
Connected rooftop dated 07.06.2024)
 List of dos and don’ts to follow during the net
metering installation under the Rooftop Solar (RTS)
Scheme:
Dos Description
1. Conduct a Feasibility Ensure a thorough site assessment and feasibility study before
Study applying for net metering.
2. Follow DISCOM Adhere to the specific technical and safety guidelines issued by the
Guidelines DISCOM for net metering installations.
Use only certified and approved solar modules, inverters, and other
3. Use Certified Equipment
equipment as per the standards prescribed by DISCOM.
Employ certified and experienced installers who are familiar with
4. Hire Qualified Installers
local regulations and net metering procedures.
5. Ensure Proper Maintain and submit all required documents, such as site drawings,
Documentation equipment details, and test certificates, to DISCOM.
 List of dos and don’ts to follow during the net
metering installation under the Rooftop Solar (RTS)
Scheme:
Dos Description
Ensure the installation of a bi-directional meter that can
6. Install a Bi-Directional Meter
accurately measure both the electricity imported and exported.
Conduct comprehensive testing of the system before
7. Test the System Thoroughly
commissioning to ensure it meets all operational standards.

Follow all safety standards, including proper earthing, surge

8. Comply with Safety Standards
protection, and grid synchronization.

Implement a monitoring system to track the performance of

9. Monitor the System Regularly
the solar installation and net metering process.

Promptly report any operational issues or discrepancies in

10. Report Any Issues to DISCOM
metering to the DISCOM for timely resolution.
 List of dos and don’ts to follow during the net
metering installation under the Rooftop Solar (RTS)
Scheme:
Don'ts Description
Avoid installing a solar system without conducting a proper
1. Don’t Skip Site Assessments
site assessment and feasibility study.
Do not use substandard or unapproved equipment, as it may
2. Don’t Use Unapproved
lead to safety risks and non-compliance with DISCOM
Equipment
guidelines.
Avoid installing a solar system that exceeds the capacity limits
3. Don’t Install Over-Sized Systems
prescribed by the DISCOM or your sanctioned load.
4. Don’t Overlook Local Ensure compliance with all local regulations and grid codes;
Regulations failure to do so may result in penalties or disconnection.
Do not compromise on safety measures such as proper
5. Don’t Neglect Safety Precautions
earthing, circuit protection, and isolation devices.
 List of dos and don’ts to follow during the net
metering installation under the Rooftop Solar (RTS)
Scheme:
Don'ts Description
6. Don’t Bypass the Metering Never attempt to tamper with or bypass the bi-directional
System meter, as it is illegal and punishable under law.
Avoid neglecting regular maintenance of the solar system, as it
7. Don’t Ignore Maintenance
can lead to reduced efficiency and potential hazards.
Do not delay in reporting any issues or malfunctions in the
8. Don’t Delay Reporting Problems
system to DISCOM, as this can affect grid stability.
9. Don’t Disconnect Without Do not disconnect the solar system from the grid without prior
Approval approval from DISCOM.
Ensure accurate tracking and use of energy credits; do not
10. Don’t Misuse Energy Credits
attempt to manipulate billing or credit calculations.
Thank You