Sri Lanka shifts rooftop solar policy to Net Plus system

Sri Lanka has transitioned its rooftop solar policy for new installations from Net Metering and Net Accounting to a Net Plus system. Under the new Net Plus arrangement, electricity generated by rooftop systems is treated separately from household consumption. Owners receive a fixed payment for electricity fed into the grid, while their own consumption is billed separately under standard tariffs.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has criticized the move, alleging it undermines the solar sector and favors thermal power generation. He argued that the policy change, combined with reduced solar tariffs, could discourage private investment and benefit a “fuel and thermal power plant mafia.” Premadasa also noted that solar tariffs for systems up to 500 kW had previously dropped from Rs 37 to approximately Rs 27 per unit.

Government authorities and the Ceylon Electricity Board have defended the reform, stating it is necessary to reflect actual electricity costs and ease the financial burden on the national utility. Officials claim the Net Plus model creates a more transparent and equitable pricing structure, ensuring grid maintenance costs are shared more fairly among all consumers.