Everything you need to know about net metering concept in India
Vishal Phadke Aug 30th, 2020 | Sunday
When one considers all the different sources of renewable energy, solar is coming up to be the most viable and sustainable source, both at institutional as well as at individual levels. A simple rooftop could be converted into a solar power plant. It is that easy!
These days, not only can you generate and use the energy, you could also transfer the excess production to the grid and earn credit, something in industrial terms called “net metering” .
Net metering:The concept
Net metering is an electricity policy for utility customers who operate their own on-site self-generation solar power systems. It allows consumers to feed surplus solar power into the grid when they don’t need it, and receive a credit on their electricity bill. This takes care of the problem of matching power supply and demand, which will never match perfectly for any building. Net metering effectively uses the grid as a huge battery, which helps to balance this demand/supply mismatch.Without solar net metering , many rooftop solar plants – and residential ones in particular – would require a battery backup to even out the power consumption through the day. Battery costs have been falling rapidly, and will become an important part of the solar industry someday – but today, very few solar plants would be financially attractive once battery costs are built in. Although, the concept of net metering first emerged in United States in 1979 as a way to compensate customers for their investment in renewable energy , it makes much more sense than just being a financial implication.
How it works
The solar power systems are connected to the utility grid via the customers’ main service panel and meter and, when generating more power than is needed at the site, return excess electricity to the grid through the power meter, reversing the meter from its usual direction. Thus, a bi-directional meter is needed to avail net metering. Since the meter works in both directions (i.e. bi-directional meter)– one way to measure power purchased (when on-site demand is greater than on-site power production), and the other way to measure power returned to the grid – the customer pays the “net” of both transactions.
It changes the game
The solar net metering policy makes solar energy more attractive and affordable for users. It can help users save a huge amount of money, and it makes the process of accounting for the energy flowing to and from the utility simpler and easier to administer.For example, if you live in a state which has implemented the solar net metering policy, then you get credited for the electricity you deliver back to the grid at the same retail price that you pay for the electricity you take from the grid. The banking happens for a period of time, usually annually. This not only brings down the energy cost drastically, but helps create small power generation units in almost every nook and corner of the country.
Net Metering: The challenges
With fundamental economics getting stronger, solar doesn’t require subsidies so much as enabling policies like net metering.Many states in India have now created net metering policies, although implementation has been slow in most cases, and in others there are arbitrary constraints and limits. For example, net metering in Tamil Nadu is not allowed for high-tension consumers, which are the largest consumers. In many states, there is a cap on the size of the project which can avail net metering, which prevents large customers from fully using their rooftops.
For example, in Maharshtra, there is an artificial capacity constraint of 1 MWp. This means that even if the consumer has the space to accommodate more than 1 MWp system, net metering policy would allow only 1 MWp system to be installed under its scheme.
“Rooftop solar sector has not really taken off mainly due to the poor implementation of net metering policy,” Kuldeep Jain, Managing Director, CleanMax recently stated in The Hindu. He further suggested that the net metering policies in most states are not being implemented. There is a lack of follow-through. For example, in Maharashtra, no forms have been released and no processes have been put in place on how to implement net metering.
The below tabs gives you and easy to use reference of the different Net Metering policies across Indian states and the different approvals, charges applicable across states.
| States | Year of release of Net Metering policies | Gross / Net Metering | Specifications on capacity | Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range allowed | Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load | Limitations on transformer capacity | Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption | Billing period for settlement | Compensation period for surplus | |||
| Maharashtra | 2015 | Net | 1 kW–1 MW | 100% | 40% | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Uttar Pradesh* | 2019 | Both | 1 kW–2 MW | 100% | 25% | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Rajasthan | 2015 | Net | 1 kW–1 MW | 80% | 30% | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Karnataka | 2016 | Both | 1 kW–1 MW | 100% | 80% | Above 100% | Monthly | Monthly |
| Haryana | 2014 | Both | 1 kW–1 MW | 100% | 30 % for LT and 15% for HT | 90% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Tamil Nadu | 2019 | Net | Consumers under Low Tension category except Hut and Agricultural category of tariff – Not sure | 100% | 90% | 90% | Bi-monthly | Yearly |
| Delhi | 2014 | Net | 1 kW – NA; for group / virtual metering 5 kW – 5 MW | 100% | 20% | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Telangana | 2016 | Both | 1 kW–1 MW | Residential: 100% Others: 80% | 80% | Above 100% | Monthly | Half-yearly |
| Gujarat | 2016 | Both | 1 kW–1 MW | Residential- Above 100%; Non- residential 50 % (for initial two years) | 65% | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Andhra Pradesh | 2015 | Both | 1 kW–1 MW | 100% | 80 % | Above 100% | Monthly | Quarterly |
| West Bengal | 2013 | Net | 5 kW–not specified | NA | NA | 90% | Monthly | Yearly |
| UTs – Andaman & Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, Puducherry | 2019 | Both | NA–500 kWp; for group/ virtual net metering 5 kWp–NA | 100% | 75% | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Madhya Pradesh | 2015 | Net | NA–1 MW | 100% | 30%, as per amendment in 2017 | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Punjab | 2015 | Net | 1 kW–1 MW | 80% | 30% | 90% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 2015 | Net | 1 kW–1 MW | 50% | 20% | 90% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Orissa | Amended in 2018 | Net | Up to sanctioned load | 100% | 75% | 90% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Kerala | 2014 | Net | 1 kW–1 MW | NA | 80% | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Assam | 2015 | Both | 1kW–1 MW | 80% | 20% | 90% | Monthly | Yearly |
| Jharkhand | 2015 | Both | 1 kW–2 MW | 100% | 100% | Above 100% | Monthly | Yearly |
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2015
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
40%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2019
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–2 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
25%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2015
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
80%
Limitations on transformer capacity
30%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2016
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
80%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Monthly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2014
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
30% for LT and 15% for HT
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
90%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2019
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
Consumers under Low Tension category except Hut and Agricultural category of tariff – Not sure
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
90%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
90%
Billing period for settlement
Bi-monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2014
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW – NA; for group / virtual metering 5 kW – 5 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
20%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2016
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
Residential: 100% Others: 80%
Limitations on transformer capacity
80%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Half-yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2016
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
Residential- Above 100%; Non- residential 50 % (for initial two years)
Limitations on transformer capacity
65%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2015
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
80 %
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Quarterly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2013
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
5 kW–not specified
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
NA
Limitations on transformer capacity
NA
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
90%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2019
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
NA–500 kWp; for group/ virtual net metering 5 kWp–NA
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
75%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2015
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
NA–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
30%, as per amendment in 2017
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2015
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
80%
Limitations on transformer capacity
30%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
90%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2015
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
50%
Limitations on transformer capacity
20%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
90%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
Amended in 2018
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
Up to sanctioned load
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
75%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
90%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2014
Gross / Net Metering
Net
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
NA
Limitations on transformer capacity
80%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2015
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1 kW–1 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
80%
Limitations on transformer capacity
20%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
90%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
Year of release of Net Metering policies
2015
Gross / Net Metering
Both
Specifications on capacity
Range allowed
1kw –3 MW
Max. capacity w.r.t sanctioned load
100%
Limitations on transformer capacity
100%
Specifications for grid integration (electricity or power)
Export of electricity allowed when compared to consumption
Above 100%
Billing period for settlement
Monthly
Compensation period for surplus
Yearly
* The applicable rate will be 30 % of the weighted APPC rate at which the DISCOM has purchased power from the ground mounted solar PV plant up to 5 MW capacity
Source: Centre for Energy Finance, Individual DISCOM websites
Disclaimer: The information presented above is for educational purposes only. All the data provided in the table above are approximate values derived from third party sources, research articles or on ground experience and CleanMax would take no responsibility or have any obligation over the correctness of data. The regulatory policies get updated from time to time and it is highly encouraged that you head over to individual DISCOM sites to refer the latest changes.
Acronyms Used:
| APPC | Average Power Purchase Cost |
| State Pages on Website | Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap | Banking Norms for Rooftop | Key Approvals required for Rooftop | DISCOMs | Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 1 kW–1 MW | Yearly | 1. CEIG approval 2. The consumer and the DISCOM will enter into a Net Metering Connection Agreement, which shall remain in force for 20 years, in the prescribed format after the roof-top solar PV system is installed but before it is synchronized with the distribution network |
The rooftop solar system installed on eligible consumer premises, are exempt from payment of banking and wheeling charges and losses, cross subsidy and additional surcharge etc. Project wise Statutory fees, testing fees, supervision charges, application fees etc. are applicable and varies time to time as policy changes | |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1 kW–2 MW | Yearly | 1. CEIG approval 2. No net metering |
Rooftop solar PV system under gross metering scheme / net metering scheme, whether self-owned or third party owned and installed on eligible consumer premises are exempt from payment of wheeling and cross subsidy surcharge. | |
| Rajasthan | 1 kW–1 MW | Yearly | 1. CEIG approval 2. Any eligible consumer under the Rajasthan Net Metering Regulations may obtain approval for installation of rooftop solar system on its premises under net metering arrangement in accordance with the Rajasthan Net Metering Regulations and execution of an interconnection agreement for net metering with the distribution licensee. |
Rooftop PV solar power plants under net metering arrangement are exempt from payment of wheeling, banking and cross subsidy surcharges. | |
| Karnataka | 1 kW–1 MW | Monthly | 1. CEIG approval (Applicable above 1MW) 2. Net metering approval (if applicable up to 1 MW) |
Transmission and wheeling charges will not be applicable to rooftop solar projects to the extent there is no wheeling of such electricity. In case it is a ground mount project then banking and wheeling charges may be applicable | |
| Haryana | NA–1 MW | Yearly | 1. CEIG approval 2. Net metering approval (if applicable) or a ‘no-objection certificate’ from the applicable local distribution utility. The consumer and the distribution utility will enter into a Net Metering Connection Agreement in the prescribed format after the roof-top solar PV system is installed but before it is synchronized with the distribution network. |
While the Haryana Solar Policy has waived electricity taxes, electricity cess, electricity duty, and cross subsidy charges etc., but Transmission, wheeling and banking charges may be applicable as per the guidelines and orders issued by the HERC from time to time. | |
| Tamil Nadu | Consumers under Low Tension category except Hut and Agricultural category of tariff | Yearly | 1. CEIG approval |
Transmission and wheeling charges will not be applicable to rooftop solar projects to the extent there is no wheeling of such electricity. | |
| Delhi | 1 kW – NA* | Yearly | 1. CEIG approval 2. Net metering approval (if applicable) or NOC from DISCOM |
In order to promote the third party owned systems and avoid complexities around evaluation and monitoring of wheeling/banking/open access charges, the net metering rooftop solar arrangements are specifically exempted from these charges | |
| Telangana | 1 kW–1 MW | Half-yearly | 1. CEIG Approval 2. The Net metering connection agreement has to be executed by the Consumer with the DISCOM within 15 days of receipt of the technical feasibility approval 3. On inspection of the equipment SPV system are to be synchronized within 10 working days, provided the systems are installed as per the norms and standards |
1. Tariff payable by the DISCOM is the APCC of the DISCOM 2. Exempted from transmission charges, transmission loss, wheeling charge, wheeling loss, cross subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge 3. The CDM benefits shall be retained by the consumer for the first year and second year onwards, 10%, progressively increasing by 10% each year till the benefits are shared in equal proportion |
|
| Gujarat | 1 kW–1 MW | Yearly | 1. CEIG approval 2. Net metering approval (OPEX project not allowed under net metering regulation. Only CAPEX projects considered for net metering) or NOC from DISCOM |
Project wise Statutory fees, testing fees, supervision charges, application fees etc. are applicable and varies time to time as policy changes | |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1 kW–1 MW | Quarterly | 1. CEIG approval 2. Net metering approval (if applicable) or NOC from DISCOM |
No Distribution losses and charges will be collected from the Eligible Developers /Group /Society /Individuals by the DISCOMs. All other charges shall be applicable as per the Tariff Order amended from time to time. | |
| West Bengal | 5 kW–not specified | Yearly | 1. CEIG approval 2. Net metering approval (if applicable) or NOC from DISCOM |
Transmission and wheeling charges will not be applicable to rooftop solar projects to the extent there is no wheeling of such electricity. | |
| Puducherry | NA–500 kWp; | Yearly | 1. CEA (Central electrical authority) approval 2. Net metering approval (if applicable) |
Transmission and wheeling charges will not be applicable to rooftop solar projects to the extent there is no wheeling of such electricity |
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
1 kW–1 MW
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- The consumer and the DISCOM will enter into a Net Metering Connection Agreement, which shall remain in force for 20 years, in the prescribed format after the roof-top solar PV system is installed but before it is synchronized with the distribution network
DISCOMs
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
The rooftop solar system installed on eligible consumer premises, are exempt from payment of banking and wheeling charges and losses, cross subsidy and additional surcharge etc. Project wise Statutory fees, testing fees, supervision charges, application fees etc. are applicable and varies time to time as policy changes
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
1 kW–2 MW
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- No net metering
DISCOMs
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
Rooftop solar PV system under gross metering scheme / net metering scheme, whether self-owned or third party owned and installed on eligible consumer premises are exempt from payment of wheeling and cross subsidy surcharge.
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
1 kW–1 MW
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- Any eligible consumer under the Rajasthan Net Metering Regulations may obtain approval for installation of rooftop solar system on its premises under net metering arrangement in accordance with the Rajasthan Net Metering Regulations and execution of an interconnection agreement for net metering with the distribution licensee.
DISCOMs
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
Rooftop PV solar power plants under net metering arrangement are exempt from payment of wheeling, banking and cross subsidy surcharges.
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
1 kW–1 MW
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval (Applicable above 1MW)
- Net metering approval (if applicable up to 1 MW)
DISCOMs
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
Transmission and wheeling charges will not be applicable to rooftop solar projects to the extent there is no wheeling of such electricity. In case it is a ground mount project then banking and wheeling charges may be applicable
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
NA–1 MW
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- Net metering approval (if applicable) or a ‘no-objection certificate’ from the applicable local distribution utility.The consumer and the distribution utility will enter into a Net Metering Connection Agreement in the prescribed format after the roof-top solar PV system is installed but before it is synchronized with the distribution network.
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
While the Haryana Solar Policy has waived electricity taxes, electricity cess, electricity duty, and cross subsidy charges etc., but Transmission, wheeling and banking charges may be applicable as per the guidelines and orders issued by the HERC from time to time.
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
Consumers under Low Tension category except Hut and Agricultural category of tariff
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- Net metering approval (if applicable) or NOC from Tangedco
- Ministry clearance
- Reverse test report (RTR) from local Tangedco
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
Transmission and wheeling charges will not be applicable to rooftop solar projects to the extent there is no wheeling of such electricity.
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
1 kW – NA*
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- Net metering approval (if applicable) or NOC from DISCOM
DISCOMs
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
In order to promote the third party owned systems and avoid complexities around evaluation and monitoring of wheeling/banking/open access charges, the net metering rooftop solar arrangements are specifically exempted from these charges
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
1 kW–1 MW
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Half-yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- The Net metering connection agreement has to be executed by the Consumer with the DISCOM within 15 days of receipt of the technical feasibility approval
- On inspection of the equipment SPV system are to be synchronized within 10 working days, provided the systems are installed as per the norms and standards
DISCOMs
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
- Tariff payable by the DISCOM is the APCC of the DISCOM
- Exempted from transmission charges, transmission loss, wheeling charge, wheeling loss, cross subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge
- The CDM benefits shall be retained by the consumer for the first year and second year onwards, 10%, progressively increasing by 10% each year till the benefits are shared in equal proportion
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
1 kW–1 MW
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- Net metering approval (OPEX project not allowed under net metering regulation. Only CAPEX projects considered for net metering) or NOC from DISCOM
DISCOMs
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
Project wise Statutory fees, testing fees, supervision charges, application fees etc. are applicable and varies time to time as policy changes
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
1 kW–1 MW
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Quarterly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- Net metering approval (if applicable) or NOC from DISCOM
DISCOMs
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
No Distribution losses and charges will be collected from the Eligible Developers /Group /Society /Individuals by the DISCOMs. All other charges shall be applicable as per the Tariff Order amended from time to time.
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
5 kW–not specified
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEIG approval
- Net metering approval (if applicable) or NOC from DISCOM
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
Transmission and wheeling charges will not be applicable to rooftop solar projects to the extent there is no wheeling of such electricity.
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering i.e. Upper cap and Lower cap
NA–500 kWp;
Banking Norms for Rooftop
Yearly
Key Approvals required for Rooftop
- CEA (Central electrical authority) approval
- Net metering approval (if applicable)
Key Regulatory Charges/exemptions for Rooftop (if any) For more details visit individual DISCOM website.
Transmission and wheeling charges will not be applicable to rooftop solar projects to the extent there is no wheeling of such electricity
* Subject to
- feasibility of interconnection with grid
- available capacity of service line connection of consumer of premise
- the sanctioned load of consumer of the premise
Source: Centre for Energy Finance, Individual DISCOM websites
Disclaimer: The information presented above is for educational purposes only. All the data provided in the article above are approximate values derived from third party sources, research articles or on ground experience and CleanMax would take no responsibility or have any obligation over the correctness of data. The regulatory policies get updated from time to time and it is highly encouraged that you head over to individual DISCOM sites to refer the latest changes.
Acronyms Used:
| NOC | No Objection Certificate |
| HERC | Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission |
| APPC | Average Power Purchase Cost |
| CEIG | Chief Electrical Inspector to Government |
| CDM | Clean Development Mechanism |
The way ahead
Agreed, a greener and cleaner environment is the biggest benefit one could have because of solar energy adoption but complimenting it with additional monetary benefit always helps. As the union government is extending all help to expand the solar base, it must come up with better ways to implement the policy framework on net metering in India so that the ambitious national targets can be met.CleanMax has helped 150+ largest corporates in India in their solar journey. It's one of the largest rooftop solar developers in Asia. Connect with us to know more about solar energy at Contact Us or write to [email protected].