Submitting a net metering application in India in 2026 is the essential step to legally connect your rooftop solar system to the grid and earn credits for surplus power you export. With over 50 lakh net-metered connections now active across India, the process has been streamlined, but still varies significantly by state and DISCOM. This guide covers everything — documents, timelines, state-specific forms, and tariff rates — to help you complete your net metering application smoothly.
Table of Contents
- Net Metering Basics for India
- Regulatory Framework (2026 Update)
- Documents Required
- General Application Process
- State-Wise Guide (Major States)
- Net Metering Tariff Rates by State
- What to Do If DISCOM Delays
- Frequently Asked Questions
Net Metering Basics for India
Net metering allows rooftop solar owners to feed surplus electricity into the grid and receive credit against their future electricity consumption. The electricity meter runs backward when you export and forward when you import. At the end of the billing period, you pay only the net consumption (consumption minus export).
There are two main approaches in India:
- Net Metering: Exported units are credited at retail tariff rate (the same rate you pay to buy electricity)
- Net Billing: Exported units are credited at a lower Feed-In Tariff (FIT), typically Rs 2.50-4.50/unit vs retail of Rs 5-9/unit
The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020 mandates net metering (not just net billing) for residential systems up to 10 kW and commercial systems up to 500 kW. States must comply with this central rule.
Regulatory Framework (2026 Update)
- Electricity Act 2003, Section 86(1)(e): Mandates renewable energy promotion by SERCs
- Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020: Central government rules mandating net metering for residential consumers up to 10 kW within 30 days of application
- CERC Grid Code 2023: Technical standards for grid-tied solar inverters (IS/IEC 62116 anti-islanding mandatory)
- PM Surya Ghar Integration: Applications through pmsuryaghar.gov.in automatically include net metering application to DISCOM
- 2026 Update: Ministry of Power has directed all DISCOMs to implement online net metering applications with 30-day approval SLA
Documents Required
Standard documents required across all states:
- Electricity consumer number / account number
- Copy of recent electricity bill (past 3 months)
- Property ownership proof (sale deed, property tax receipt, or registered rent agreement with NOC from owner for rented property)
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID)
- Single line diagram of proposed solar installation (provided by installer)
- Datasheet of solar panels (make, model, BIS certification number)
- Datasheet of grid-tied inverter (make, model, IEC 62116 certificate)
- Site plan showing panel placement on roof
- Installer’s electrical contractor licence number
- Application form (DISCOM-specific format)
For PM Surya Ghar applicants, most of this is submitted through the portal and passed to DISCOM automatically.
General Application Process
- Feasibility check (before installation): Apply to DISCOM for feasibility. DISCOM checks feeder capacity, transformer capacity, and technical constraints. Timeline: 7-15 days.
- Installation: Get system installed by an empanelled installer after feasibility approval. Do not install before approval or you risk rejection.
- Inspection application: After installation, apply for DISCOM inspection with commissioning certificate from installer.
- DISCOM inspection: DISCOM engineer visits site within 7-30 days. Checks technical compliance, safety earthing, anti-islanding protection.
- Net meter installation: DISCOM replaces existing meter with bi-directional net meter. Fee varies by state (Rs 0-5,000).
- Connection agreement: Sign the Net Metering Agreement with DISCOM. This activates your net metering account.
- Billing commencement: First net-metered bill issued in next billing cycle.
State-Wise Guide (Major States)
Maharashtra (MSEDCL)
- Portal: mahadiscom.in (Rooftop Solar section)
- Approval timeline: 15-30 days for feasibility, 30 days for meter installation
- Net meter fee: Rs 1,000-3,000 (varies by connection capacity)
- Special: PM Surya Ghar applications automatically processed via national portal
Gujarat (PGVCL/DGVCL/UGVCL/MGVCL)
- Portal: each DISCOM has separate portal; Gujarat has the most streamlined process in India
- Approval timeline: 7-15 days (best in India)
- Net meter fee: Free for PM Surya Ghar applicants
- Special: Gujarat also offers gross metering option at higher FIT for some commercial consumers
Rajasthan (JVVNL/AVVNL/JDVVNL)
- Portal: energy.rajasthan.gov.in
- Approval timeline: 30-45 days
- Net meter fee: Rs 2,000-4,000
Karnataka (BESCOM/HESCOM/MESCOM)
- Portal: bescom.org (for BESCOM area covering Bengaluru)
- Approval timeline: 21-30 days
- Net meter fee: Rs 1,500-3,500
- Special: BESCOM has highest number of rooftop solar connections in India
Tamil Nadu (TANGEDCO)
- Portal: tangedco.gov.in
- Approval timeline: 30-60 days (slower than other southern states)
- Net meter fee: Waived for systems below 5 kW
Delhi (BSES/TPDDL)
- Portal: bsesdelhi.com or tatapower-ddl.com
- Approval timeline: 15-30 days
- Special: Delhi provides additional state subsidy on solar installations
Net Metering Tariff Rates by State (2026)
| State | Import Tariff (Rs/kWh) | Export Credit (Rs/kWh) | Carry Forward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Rs 6.50-8.00 | Same as import (net metering) | 3 months |
| Gujarat | Rs 4.50-6.50 | Same as import | 12 months |
| Rajasthan | Rs 5.50-7.50 | Rs 3.14 (net billing for excess) | 12 months |
| Karnataka | Rs 5.00-7.00 | Same as import | 12 months |
| Tamil Nadu | Rs 4.00-7.50 | Same as import | 12 months |
| Delhi | Rs 5.00-8.00 | Same as import | 12 months |
Note: Surplus credits that exceed annual consumption are typically purchased by DISCOM at the lower Feed-In Tariff (around Rs 2.00-3.50/unit depending on state). Size your system to not exceed annual consumption to maximise value.
What to Do If DISCOM Delays
- The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020 mandates 30-day approval. If exceeded, escalate to SERC (State Electricity Regulatory Commission)
- Most SERCs have online consumer grievance portals (e.g., mserc.in, kerc.ind.in)
- File complaint on PM Surya Ghar portal’s grievance section if under that scheme
- National Consumer Helpline: 1800-11-4000 (toll-free)
- Forum for Adjudication of consumer disputes exists under Section 42 of Electricity Act
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does net metering approval take in India?
The legal requirement is 30 days under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020. In practice, Gujarat and Karnataka process applications in 15-21 days. Some DISCOMs in UP, Bihar, and North-East take 60-90 days despite the legal mandate.
What is the maximum solar capacity allowed for net metering in India?
Residential consumers: up to 10 kW (central mandate). Commercial: up to 500 kW (state-dependent). Some states allow higher capacity with SERC approval. System capacity should not exceed your contracted load (sanctioned load) in most states.
Can I get net metering for a flat/apartment?
Yes, but it is complex. The solar system should connect to the common building meter or a dedicated meter. Many housing societies apply for net metering as a collective (a bulk consumer), sharing the savings among members. Individual flat metering with rooftop solar is approved in some states.
What inverter is required for grid-tied net metering in India?
The inverter must comply with IEC 62116 (anti-islanding) and IS 16169 standards, and carry BIS certification (CM/L number). Popular certified brands in India include SolarEdge, Fronius, Growatt, Solis, Delta, and Huawei. Always check the MNRE-approved inverter list.
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