An assessment of rooftop solar pv policies and domestic energy use: scenario of Sri Lankan residential sector

Abstract

The net metering scheme in Sri Lanka has experienced a fast diffusion due to the economic, social and environmental benefits for the consumers and the country. This paper examines the changes in energy consumption behaviour of the solar PV consumers after the installation. Further, this analyses the reasons behind the consumption change and the issues associated with the change. According to the study results, 69% of the respondents have increased the consumption up to more than 400 kWh and the tendency of previously low consumed customers to have higher post consumption is significant. Although, the existing net metering scheme favours the social, environmental and economic conditions of the consumer, the increase in the night time peak is the main issue associated with it. The study proposed three policy options; time of use net metering, battery pack and net metering attached with payment scheme, which need to be integrated to achieve a sustainable net metering scheme