Net metering is one of the most important policies supporting solar energy adoption in India. It allows solar system owners to export excess electricity to the grid during the day and import electricity from the grid at night — paying only for the net difference. This effectively turns your electricity meter into a two-way device and can reduce your bill to near zero.
How Net Metering Works
When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home or business needs (typically during afternoon hours), the excess power flows into the DISCOM grid. Your bidirectional meter records both the units exported and imported. At the end of the billing cycle, the DISCOM calculates:
Net bill = Units imported from grid − Units exported to grid
If you export more than you import, you accumulate credits that carry forward to future bills.
Example: Nagpur Home with 5kW Solar
- ✓Monthly generation: 550 units
- ✓Monthly consumption: 400 units
- ✓Exported to grid: 150 units
- ✓Imported from grid: 0 units
- ✓**Net bill: ₹0 + fixed charges only (~₹150–300)**
Net Metering Rules in Maharashtra (MSEDCL)
- ✓Eligible for systems up to 1 MW (residential systems typically 1–10 kW)
- ✓Export tariff: same as your import tariff (1:1 ratio) for residential
- ✓Billing period: monthly
- ✓Carry-forward credits: valid for 12 months, then lapse
- ✓Annual settlement: any remaining credits paid at MSEDCL's determined rate
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Valid electricity connection with DISCOM
- ✓Solar system size must not exceed your sanctioned load
- ✓System must use MNRE approved equipment
- ✓Installed by MNRE empanelled installer (like Techera Solar)
- ✓No battery storage can be connected in net metering mode (off-grid exempted)
How to Apply for Net Metering
Step 1: Apply to your DISCOM (MSEDCL for most of Maharashtra) through the PM Surya Ghar portal or directly.
Step 2: Technical feasibility assessment by DISCOM (7–15 days).
Step 3: Connection agreement signed.
Step 4: Solar system installed by empanelled vendor.
Step 5: Bidirectional meter installed by DISCOM (30–60 days after installation).
Step 6: System commissioned — net metering begins.
Techera Solar handles the entire net metering application and follow-up with MSEDCL on your behalf.
Documents Required
- ✓Existing electricity bill (consumer number)
- ✓Solar installation details (system specs, inverter details)
- ✓Single-line diagram (SLD) of the solar system
- ✓Test reports of panels and inverter (BIS/IEC certified)
- ✓MNRE empanelment certificate of installer
Net Metering vs Gross Metering
Under net metering, you only pay for net units consumed. Under gross metering (used in some states), all solar output is exported to the grid at a fixed feed-in tariff and you pay for all consumption separately. Net metering is generally more beneficial for small consumers.
Maximizing Your Net Metering Benefits
- ✓Run heavy appliances (washing machine, dishwasher, water heater) during peak solar hours (10 AM–3 PM) to directly use solar power
- ✓Shift EV charging to daytime hours
- ✓Use time-of-use tariff awareness to export during high-tariff hours in states where applicable
- ✓Monitor your system with a real-time app (all Techera Solar installations include monitoring)
Common Questions
How long does net meter approval take? MSEDCL typically takes 30–60 days. Techera Solar follows up proactively to expedite approvals.
What happens if my inverter shuts down (grid failure)? Grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down when grid power fails (anti-islanding protection). This is mandatory for safety.
Can I have net metering with battery storage? Yes — hybrid systems with approved battery configurations can have net metering in most states.
Call Techera Solar at +91 96238 13120 — we've registered 1,000+ net metering connections with MSEDCL across Maharashtra. We handle all paperwork and DISCOM follow-up so you don't have to.
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