Ethan BrooksBy Ethan Brooks

Updated November 2026

Solar net metering in India lets your rooftop system send surplus electricity to the grid and receive credit against the power you draw later. By the end of this guide, you will know how the process works, what paperwork your distribution company (discom) expects, and how to avoid the delays that slow most applications. The rules differ by state, so treat the steps below as a framework and confirm local details with your discom.

How Net Metering Works in Practice

Your rooftop solar system generates power during the day. Whatever your home does not use flows through a bidirectional meter into the grid. The meter records both directions, and at the end of the billing cycle the discom nets the exported units against the units you imported. You pay only for the net consumption, provided it is positive.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Net Metering in Virginia vs Virginia Community Solar: Which Should You Choose?.

Most states that use net metering carry unused credits forward month to month, with a settlement at the end of the financial year. Some states pay for leftover units at a set rate instead. Check which approach your discom applies before you size your system.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Net Metering Connection

  1. Confirm your sanctioned load and connection type. Net metering is generally available to residential consumers, with capacity limits tied to the load on your connection.
  2. Choose an installer empanelled or approved by your state nodal agency or discom, and ask for a feasibility study of your roof and wiring.
  3. Submit the net metering application through your discom’s portal or office, with the system design, ownership documents and identity proof.
  4. Wait for the discom’s technical inspection and approval. Do not energise the system until you have written approval.
  5. Have the bidirectional meter installed, then commission the system and keep the commissioning report and inspection certificate.

Factors That Affect Your Credits

Your annual savings depend on how well your system matches your consumption pattern. A home that uses most of its power in the evening will export less during peak sun hours, so the credit balance will be smaller than the generation figure suggests. Shading, panel orientation and tilt also reduce output, and output drives the credits you can bank.

Factor Effect on net metering
Daytime household use Higher self-consumption, fewer exported units
Roof orientation and shading Lower generation, smaller credit balance
Sanctioned load and capacity limit Caps the system size you can connect
State settlement rules Determines whether surplus is carried forward or paid out

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Installing before getting discom approval, which can lead to rejected connections or penalties.
  • Oversizing the system for your load, which leaves surplus that may be settled at a lower rate.
  • Ignoring the meter reading schedule and not checking that credits appear on your bill.
  • Assuming the rules are identical across states. Each state electricity regulator sets its own terms.
  • Skipping written records of the approval, commissioning report and meter serial number.

FAQ

Is net metering available to all homes in India?

Eligibility depends on your state, discom and connection type, and many states set capacity limits for residential systems. Ask your discom whether your sanctioned load qualifies before you buy equipment.

Do I get paid for extra electricity I export?

It depends on the rules in your state. Some states carry surplus credits forward, while others settle unused units at a set rate at the end of the year.

How long does approval usually take?

Timelines vary by discom and workload. Filing a complete application with accurate system documents tends to avoid the back-and-forth that causes most delays.

Conclusion

Solar net metering in India works by netting your exports against your imports, so your bill reflects only the net electricity you use. Get your application approved before installation, size the system to your daytime use, and keep your paperwork organized. Confirm current rules with your discom or state regulator, and consult a licensed professional for electrical work.

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Ethan Brooks

About Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home solar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.