Dhrubajyoti.Malakar@timesofindia.comRanchi: The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FJCCI) urged CM Hemant Soren to promote solar energy in the state and accelerate rooftop solar projects.FJCCI in a letter to the CM on Thursday demanded simplification of the net metering approval process and to make it time-bound and consumer-friendly.In the letter, FJCCI secretary general Rohit Agrawal, acknowledging the state govt’s initiative in promoting renewable energy in the state, said that practical difficulties encountered in obtaining net metering approvals are hindering the momentum of the initiative.“Feedback received from various industrial units, commercial establishments, and domestic consumers indicates several challenges, including unnecessary delays in net metering approvals, prolonged inspection procedures, technical objections, and lack of coordination at different levels. These issues are adversely affecting the enthusiasm of consumers and investors interested in installing solar power systems,” Agrawal added.Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar system owners for the excess electricity their panels send back to the electric grid.FJCCI urged the CM to make the net metering approval process transparent, time-bound, and consumer-friendly, along with fixing a definite timeline to process applications.Furthermore, FJCCI has sought appropriate directions to district-level and electricity division officials to adopt a supportive and facilitative approach towards solar energy consumers and entrepreneurs.The chamber has recommended the development of an online tracking system to enable applicants to monitor the status of applications, inspections, approvals, and meter installations.Apart from this, establishment of a dedicated email ID and helpdesk at the level of the energy department or Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) for prompt resolution of complaints and grievances related to net metering was also suggested in the letter, Agrawal said.EOM