Sale of solar energy meets new obstacles

Interested parties should ARESEP concession process and wait contests ICE

July 03rd,2015

If I was in his plans to become a small solar power generator and sell excess, you should know that run into new and complex obstacles.

The requirements were established in an opinion on the energy produced on a small scale (or distributed generation), issued this week by the Attorney General of the Republic (C-165-2015).

According to this, no matter what the capacity of solar panels, the generator must meet the same requirements as are private megaplants require up to 20 megawatts (MW) of power.

That is, you must follow to the letter the law No. 7200 (1990), which requires it to obtain a public service concession to the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (Aresep), enabling it to operate up to 20 years.

To acquire this award, you must request a letter of eligibility by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE). Once obtained, you should wait for that entity, by necessity, open a competitive bidding process and awarded him a space in the electrical system.

Do not forget that the quality and appeal of its generation system and its kilowatt hours (kWh) will compete with those offered by large private plants.

If the capacity of your PV system exceeded 2 megawatts (MW), add to the list of requirements endorsed by an environmental impact by the National Environmental Technical Secretariat (SETENA). Consider that at least 35% of the share capital of its "company" shall to belong to Costa Ricans.

You must also keep up with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) and the Fund for Development and Family Allowances (FODESAF).

If you live in Guanacaste, for example, or is paid in a different electrical signature at ICE or the National Power and Light Company (CNFL), will be prevented from placing their kilowatts, as the law No. 7200 only supports the sale those two companies.

Juan Manuel Quesada, mayor of Energy ARESEP, admitted yesterday that these obstacles, the sale of surplus lost any possible appeal.

What if he wants to sell? If your interest is to generate consumption, simple netting (kWh exchange with its distributor, as its consumption needs), the Office also clarified requirements.

In that case - as it was determined that the netting is not a public-service concession should not ask or eligibility, but comply with various formalities.

First, contact your distributor (to anyone, in this case) and negotiate a contract. Once you get it, go to the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) to register. Then, you are ready to enter the national grid.

It is recommended that before undergoing this process for netting, then numbers: the initial interconnection will be paid between ¢ 48,700 and ¢ 1.2 million and then inject per kWh to the network, it will spend between ¢ 9 ¢ 28 (varies by distribution).

Finally, you should know by now that the netting is impossible. Pending the Minae published new rules that define, for example, how records will be new generators.

Irene Cañas, Deputy Minister of Energy, said this Thursday that regulation must meet the criteria established by the Office and then be sent for public consultation. Once published, the simple netting would be a reality.

Remember, there is always the option of purchasing the panels and stay off the grid, for which it is not necessary to meet any requirement.

Source: 'La Nación'