APERC Allows Up To 5 kW Rooftop Solar Installations For Single-Phase Consumers In Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has issued a significant order to promote rooftop solar adoption by relaxing capacity restrictions for single-phase electricity consumers across the state. Through an order dated August 5, 2026, the Commission has allowed consumers with single-phase Low Tension (LT) service connections to install Grid Interactive Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic (SRTPV) systems of up to 5 kW. The revised provision aligns the maximum solar installation capacity with the sanctioned load of single-phase consumers, providing greater flexibility for residential users.

The decision was taken following a representation submitted by the Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited (APEPDCL) on August 3, 2026. In its submission, APEPDCL highlighted an inconsistency between the state’s Retail Supply Tariff rules and the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Grid Interactive Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems under Net/Gross Metering) Regulation, 2023 (Regulation No. 4 of 2023).

According to the utility, the existing tariff regulations permit single-phase electricity connections for sanctioned loads of up to 5 kW. However, Clause 5.7 of the 2023 rooftop solar regulation restricted the installation of solar systems on single-phase connections to only 3 kW. This mismatch created confusion for consumers and delayed approvals for rooftop solar projects.

The issue became particularly significant for households participating in the Central Government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Several consumers with sanctioned single-phase loads of up to 5 kW planned to install rooftop solar systems of the same capacity under the scheme. However, many applications for net-metering approvals were rejected because the existing regulation permitted only 3 kW systems for single-phase connections.

After examining the matter, APERC observed that the 3 kW restriction had become a major barrier to the growth of rooftop solar installations in Andhra Pradesh. The Commission noted that the limitation was also affecting the effective implementation of the PM Surya Ghar scheme, which aims to accelerate residential rooftop solar adoption across the country.

To address the issue, APERC exercised its powers under Clause 20, titled “Removal of Difficulty,” of Regulation No. 4 of 2023. Using these powers, the Commission granted an exemption from the provisions of Clause 5.7, thereby allowing single-phase consumers to install rooftop solar systems equal to their sanctioned load, subject to a maximum capacity of 5 kW.

The revised order came into effect immediately on August 5, 2026. APERC has also directed that copies of the order be circulated to major power sector entities in the state, including APEPDCL, APSPDCL, APCPDCL, APTransco, and NREDCAP, to ensure uniform implementation of the revised provisions across Andhra Pradesh. The move is expected to remove a key regulatory hurdle, simplify rooftop solar approvals, and support faster adoption of residential solar systems in the state.