Net-Metering
Net -Metering Definition
Net-metering allows you to import/export electricity from the grid when you have a rooftop solar (“on‐grid”) system. Some important points:
- Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) “Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme” (Phase II) the mechanism for rooftop solar includes net-metering via your local distribution company (DISCOM). (Mercomindia.com)
- The net-metering cap and rules vary by state, and sometimes DISCOMs or state regulations limit system size or net export eligibility. (Mercomindia.com)
- For a residential home: you install a rooftop solar system, connect on‐grid, the excess you generate (during daylight) is fed back to the grid, and you’re credited for it (depending on state/utility tariff & rules).
- Important: If you want subsidy/assistance, you’ll often need to go through the states’ and MNRE’s approved vendor lists, follow state DISCOM processes, etc.
💰 Subsidy / Financial Assistance – Key Scheme (2024-25)
A major recent scheme is the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (launched by the central government) plus the existing MNRE rooftop solar programme. Here are the details:
Central Financial Assistance (CFA) / Subsidy via MNRE & PM Surya Ghar
A major recent scheme is the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (launched by the central government) plus the existing MNRE rooftop solar programme. Here are the details:
- Under the nationwide MNRE rooftop solar programme (Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme) you are eligible for “Central Financial Assistance (CFA)” if you’re a residential consumer installing a grid‐connected rooftop solar (GCRTS) system. (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)
- Under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the Union Cabinet approved an outlay of ₹75,021 crore to help about 1 crore households. (The Economic Times)
The subsidy amounts (for households) are broadly:
For ~1 kW
₹ 30,000 subsidy. (ClearTax)
For ~2 kW
₹ 60,000. (The Times of India)
For ~3 kW (or up to that cap)
78,000 (or slightly more) subsidy. (The Indian Express)
Eligibility typical points:
- Resident of India, have your own house/roof suitable for solar. (ClearTax)
- oValid electricity connection. (ClearTax)
- Use “Made in India” solar panels (for that particular scheme) and install via a vendor empanelled for the scheme. (The Times of India)
Application process
- Use the National Portal for Rooftop Solar (or relevant state DISCOM portal) to apply, select vendor, submit documents, and once installation & verification are done, subsidy gets transferred. (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)
Loan
- The scheme includes access to collateral‐free, low‐interest loans (around ~7% interest) for residential rooftop systems up to about 3 kW. (The Times of India)
Important Considerations / Caveats
- Even though the central subsidy is high for up to ~3 kW systems, if you install a larger system (say 5 kW or more) most of the subsidy covers only up to 3 kW — the remaining part you’ll pay full cost.
- Net‐metering rules vary by state & DISCOM: export tariff, meter upgrade costs, time taken for approval, etc. Some states are slower. (Mercomindia.com)
- Make sure to pick a quality vendor and equipment (solar panels, inverters) because you’ll want the system to perform reliably for 20+ years.
- Battery storage: Note that in many subsidy schemes battery storage is not eligible (if you want the central subsidy). For example, for the PM Surya Ghar scheme: battery storage is not allowed if you want subsidy. (The Times of India)
- Roof lease, shadowing, structural load, maintenance — all these practical factors matter.
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