Net Metering in India, Explained Simply

Net metering lets your solar system export excess power back to the grid. Your DISCOM credits those units against your consumption, so your bill drops to zero, or close to it.

Who's eligible

Any LT or HT consumer whose state regulator permits net metering for their category - in most states up to 1 MW, with lower caps for some consumer classes. Your inverter must be on the approved list and the system must use a bi-directional meter.

The 5-step application

1. Submit application with site details and system size
2. DISCOM technical feasibility check
3. Sign the net metering agreement
4. Install the bi-directional meter
5. Commissioning + first export reading

The process is broadly identical whether you're dealing with TGSPDCL, BESCOM, MSEDCL, DGVCL, TPDDL or CESC. What differs by state is the capacity cap, the settlement period, the export credit rate, and whether commercial consumers are pushed toward gross metering instead.

What varies state to state (check before you size)

• Capacity cap as a percentage of sanctioned load, usually 100%, sometimes lower
• Distribution transformer loading limit for aggregate solar capacity in your area
• Settlement: monthly, half-yearly or annual carry-forward of surplus units
• Net metering vs net billing vs gross metering for commercial and industrial categories
• Electrical inspectorate (CEIG) approval threshold, typically around 50 kW

Common mistakes

• Oversizing beyond sanctioned load (rejection)
• Skipping CEIG approval where the state requires it
• Using non-ALMM panels or non-listed inverters
• Assuming another state's rules apply to yours
• DIY-ing the paperwork (delays of 2-3 months)

We handle every step in-house, in whichever state your site sits. You sign, we file.