The Net Metering Process – Hassle-free and Simple

We keep getting queries as to what is Net- Metering, how much it cost, how it works etc

Let’s make it simple.  Net meter is a meter that records the import of power that comes from utility and export of power from the solar system. Thus it provides us a platform to send the surplus units generated by solar plant back to the grid. For example if a family is gone for a holiday for ten days, the generation of these ten days will be recorded and send back to grid which can be utilised later.

The process and cost of Net-metering differs from utility to utility. Usually the expenditure can be in the range of 10,000-25000 INR. It largely follows these steps.

1. Filling up Net application form with the utility along with relevant documents and submission of fees.
   
   
2. Concerned office shall register the Application in separate register on first come first basis and acknowledge its receipt within three working days; or intimate the Applicant within that period of any deficiency or incompleteness.
   
   
3. Concerned office shall conduct a technical feasibility study within 15 working days from the registration of the Application.
   
   
4. If found technically feasible, utility within 7 working days of the completion of the feasibility study, convey its approval for installing the Roof-top Solar PV System. The approval shall indicate the maximum permissible capacity of the System, and shall be valid for a period of 6 months from the date of approval, or such extended period as may be agreed to by the Utility.
   
   
5. The Applicant shall, within the period of validity of such approval, submit the work completion report, along with relevant details (such as technical specifications, test reports received from manufacturer / system provider, etc.), with a request to the Utility for the testing and commissioning of the Roof-top Solar PV System.
   
   
6. Concerned authority shall complete the testing and commissioning of the System within 10 working days from receipt of such request, and shall install the Net Metering equipment and synchronise the Roof-top Solar PV System within 10 working days thereafter.
   
   
7. The Eligible Consumer and utility shall 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.