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Under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, net metering in India is allowed for rooftop solar up to 500 kW or the sanctioned load, whichever is lower. Systems above 500 kW are placed under net billing or gross metering. A draft 2026 amendment proposed mandatory storage for prosumers above 500 kW while keeping net metering for small residential systems. In October 2025 the Ministry of Power directed states to waive separate net metering agreements and application, testing and commissioning fees under PM Surya Ghar.
Quick Summary Box
What it is
A 2026 guide to India net metering framework, including the national 500 kW envelope, the proposed storage condition for large prosumers and the fee waivers introduced for small residential systems.
Who it is for
anyone whose payback depends on how exported solar units are valued, from a 3 kW home system to a large commercial rooftop
Main benefit
It tells you which metering model applies to your system size, which is the single biggest driver of rooftop solar payback.
Key risk
Assuming unit-for-unit net metering at retail tariff when your state applies net billing or a capped transformer limit can stretch payback by years.
Typical cost
Under net metering, every exported unit offsets an imported unit at retail tariff, which is commonly Rs 7 to Rs 9 per unit for residential consumers in many states. Under net billing or gross metering, exports are valued at a lower feed-in or settlement rate, which lowers project returns. Application, testing and commissioning fees were directed to be waived for PM Surya Ghar residential applicants, though state-level implementation varied.
Best next step
Find your state regulator order and DISCOM process, confirm the metering model that applies to your system size and sanctioned load, and model payback under that specific model rather than an assumed best case.
Introduction
The metering model matters more than the panel brand. Two identical 8 kW systems with the same modules, inverter and roof can pay back in five years in one state and take much longer in another, purely because of how exported units are valued.
This page explains the national envelope, the 2026 amendment direction and the fee changes that affect ordinary households, then gives you the checks that decide your own number.
Table of Contents
Main Content
How net metering 500 kW limit Works in India
net metering 500 kW limit should be decided from your real Indian site conditions, not from a brochure number. The practical answer depends on tariff, approval, wiring or roof condition, equipment warranty and how you will use the system month after month.
For homeowners, housing societies, commercial prosumers and solar installers, the useful approach is to convert the topic into a short checklist: what is being installed or compared, who approves it, what it costs, how it is metered or warranted, and what happens if something fails.
- National framework: net metering is allowed up to 500 kW or the sanctioned load, whichever is lower.
- Systems above 500 kW move to net billing or gross metering rather than true net metering.
- A draft 2026 amendment proposed mandatory storage for prosumers above 500 kW.
- The direction of travel splits the market: simple and generous for small homes, conditional and storage-linked for large prosumers.
- In October 2025 the Ministry of Power directed states to waive separate net metering agreements under PM Surya Ghar and to fold a digital agreement into the application portal.
- Application, testing and commissioning fees were also directed to be waived under PM Surya Ghar, though state adoption varied.
- Residential systems up to 10 kW were commonly treated as deemed feasible and connected under net metering in most states.
- State commissions still set export rate, banking rules, settlement period and transformer-capacity caps within the national envelope.
Decision Factors That Actually Matter
A good decision starts with the constraint that can stop the project: load, parking, roof rights, net-metering rule, vendor quality or battery warranty. Once that is clear, the cost comparison becomes far more reliable.
Do not optimise only for the headline number. A cheap charger with poor protection, a solar quote with weak structure, a battery claim without warranty clarity, or a subsidy promise without portal status can cost more later.
- Check the official rule or warranty document first.
- Use your own electricity bill, kilometres, roof area or battery report.
- Ask for itemised hardware, labour, tax and maintenance costs.
- Keep written approvals and invoices before routine use.
Costs, Savings and Payback Logic
For 2026 planning, use the numbers that are actually being quoted in the market instead of older blog figures. ALMM-compliant residential rooftop solar is broadly Rs 40,000 to Rs 55,000 per kW (Rs 40 to Rs 55 per watt) all-in in 2026, compared with roughly Rs 55,000 to Rs 65,000 per kW in 2023. Domestic module prices moved to about Rs 25 to Rs 27 per watt from about Rs 21 to Rs 22 per watt as the ALMM List-II cell rule took effect from 1 June 2026. The central PM Surya Ghar subsidy is unchanged at Rs 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and Rs 18,000 per kW for the third kW, capped at Rs 78,000.
For payback, use conservative assumptions. Count real monthly units or kilometres, charging losses, export value, maintenance and loan EMI. If the page involves policy or subsidy, calculate both with and without subsidy so the project still makes sense if processing is delayed.
| Cost item | Practical planning note |
|---|---|
| One-time cost | Under net metering, every exported unit offsets an imported unit at retail tariff, which is commonly Rs 7 to Rs 9 per unit for residential consumers in many states. Under net billing or gross metering, exports are valued at a lower feed-in or settlement rate, which lowers project returns. Application, testing and commissioning fees were directed to be waived for PM Surya Ghar residential applicants, though state-level implementation varied. |
| Running cost or saving | For 2026 planning, use the numbers that are actually being quoted in the market instead of older blog figures. ALMM-compliant residential rooftop solar is broadly Rs 40,000 to Rs 55,000 per kW (Rs 40 to Rs 55 per watt) all-in in 2026, compared with roughly Rs 55,000 to Rs 65,000 per kW in 2023. Domestic module prices moved to about Rs 25 to Rs 27 per watt from about Rs 21 to Rs 22 per watt as the ALMM List-II cell rule took effect from 1 June 2026. The central PM Surya Ghar subsidy is unchanged at Rs 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and Rs 18,000 per kW for the third kW, capped at Rs 78,000. |
| Payback logic | Payback improves when monthly use is high, tariff is high, equipment is correctly sized and avoidable rework is prevented. |
| Hidden cost to check | DISCOM charges, cable route, structure, protection devices, app fees, maintenance and warranty exclusions. |
Best Fit by User Type
Homeowners should prioritise safety, long-term running cost and serviceability. Apartment residents should prioritise written approval, cable route and billing clarity. Fleet operators should prioritise uptime, utilisation and load management. First-time buyers should prioritise total cost, warranty and practical access.
The right answer is usually the option that is easiest to operate every week, not the one that looks most impressive in a quote.
- Independent house: easier wiring or roof access, but still needs load and safety checks.
- Apartment: approval, metering and route discipline matter as much as equipment.
- Fleet or business: utilisation and downtime decide economics.
- First-time buyer: choose the simplest reliable option before adding advanced features.
Safety, Compliance and Documentation
For EV charging and solar, the safety chain includes correct equipment, installation method, protection devices, earthing, isolation, waterproofing where needed and clear ownership of maintenance. For batteries, it includes temperature control, charger behaviour, warranty compliance and service diagnostics.
Keep documents boring and complete: invoice, datasheet, warranty, approval, inspection record, photos and portal acknowledgement. Boring paperwork is what saves time when a society, DISCOM, insurer or service centre asks questions later.
- Verify current official rules before payment.
- Use qualified installers for electrical work.
- Do not bypass safety devices or approval conditions.
- Review the setup after the first month of actual use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can reduce confusion around net metering 500 kW limit with a clear decision path.
- Helps compare cost, safety, approval and warranty in one place.
- Useful for family, society or vendor discussions because assumptions are visible.
- Reduces the chance of buying oversized or unsuitable equipment.
Cons
- Final answer can change by state, DISCOM, society and vendor.
- Policy, subsidy and tariff numbers need official verification before payment.
- Poor installation can erase the benefit of a good product choice.
- Low monthly usage may make payback slower than headline examples.
Costs, Savings and Payback Analysis
Planning range
Under net metering, every exported unit offsets an imported unit at retail tariff, which is commonly Rs 7 to Rs 9 per unit for residential consumers in many states. Under net billing or gross metering, exports are valued at a lower feed-in or settlement rate, which lowers project returns. Application, testing and commissioning fees were directed to be waived for PM Surya Ghar residential applicants, though state-level implementation varied.
Savings logic
For 2026 planning, use the numbers that are actually being quoted in the market instead of older blog figures. ALMM-compliant residential rooftop solar is broadly Rs 40,000 to Rs 55,000 per kW (Rs 40 to Rs 55 per watt) all-in in 2026, compared with roughly Rs 55,000 to Rs 65,000 per kW in 2023. Domestic module prices moved to about Rs 25 to Rs 27 per watt from about Rs 21 to Rs 22 per watt as the ALMM List-II cell rule took effect from 1 June 2026. The central PM Surya Ghar subsidy is unchanged at Rs 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and Rs 18,000 per kW for the third kW, capped at Rs 78,000.
Payback caution
Use local tariff, actual consumption and written quote values. Do not assume subsidy, export credit or warranty claim until the official process confirms it.
Comparison Table(s)
Comparison Table 1
| Metering model | How exports are valued | Who it typically suits |
|---|---|---|
| Net metering | Exports offset imports unit for unit at retail tariff, net units billed | Homes and small systems that consume most of their own generation |
| Net billing | Exports credited at a separate, usually lower, rate | Larger systems where the regulator has moved away from full net metering |
| Gross metering | All generation sold at a feed-in rate and all consumption billed at retail | Large prosumers under separate generation and consumption accounting |
| Net feed-in | A single feed-in tariff applied to exported units | Markets transitioning away from unit-for-unit credit |
Step-by-Step Guide
-
1
Identify your system size band first
If your proposed capacity is under 500 kW and within your sanctioned load, the national framework allows net metering subject to state conditions. Above that band, expect net billing, gross metering or a storage-linked condition.
-
2
Read your state regulator order, not a national blog
Electricity is a concurrent subject. Your State Electricity Regulatory Commission sets the export rate, banking rules, settlement period and any transformer-capacity cap, so the state order decides your payback.
-
3
Ask your DISCOM which metering model applies
Get the answer in writing before you buy modules. The difference between unit-for-unit credit and a lower export rate changes the value of every surplus unit your system produces.
-
4
Check the sanctioned load and transformer cap
Net metering is limited by the lower of 500 kW or your sanctioned load, and local transformer capacity can further restrict approvals in practice. Confirm feasibility before finalising system size.
-
5
Size to your own consumption pattern
The more solar you consume on site, the less your return depends on export valuation. Homes that use most of their generation in the day are far more resilient to rule changes.
-
6
Ask about the PM Surya Ghar fee waivers
The Ministry of Power directed states to waive separate net metering agreements and application, testing and commissioning fees under the scheme. Ask your DISCOM and vendor how that is being applied in your area.
Common Mistakes
- Deciding net metering 500 kW limit from a single YouTube video, vendor claim or neighbour example.
- Ignoring sanctioned load, roof rights, cable route, meter type or warranty wording.
- Comparing only upfront price and not service, safety, warranty and maintenance.
- Using outdated subsidy, tariff or policy screenshots.
- Paying a large advance before portal status, written approval or itemised quote.
- Assuming the same rule applies across all Indian states and DISCOMs.
- Forgetting to keep invoices, photos, datasheets and approval records.
- Treating temporary charging, temporary wiring or verbal approval as permanent.
FAQs
What is net metering 500 kW limit?
A 2026 guide to India net metering framework, including the national 500 kW envelope, the proposed storage condition for large prosumers and the fee waivers introduced for small residential systems.
Who is net metering 500 kW limit for?
It is mainly for anyone whose payback depends on how exported solar units are valued, from a 3 kW home system to a large commercial rooftop. The decision is especially important when money, safety, approval or long-term warranty is involved because a wrong choice can create avoidable monthly cost or rework.
What is the main benefit of net metering 500 kW limit?
It tells you which metering model applies to your system size, which is the single biggest driver of rooftop solar payback.
What is the key risk of net metering 500 kW limit?
Assuming unit-for-unit net metering at retail tariff when your state applies net billing or a capped transformer limit can stretch payback by years.
How much does net metering 500 kW limit typically cost?
Under net metering, every exported unit offsets an imported unit at retail tariff, which is commonly Rs 7 to Rs 9 per unit for residential consumers in many states. Under net billing or gross metering, exports are valued at a lower feed-in or settlement rate, which lowers project returns. Application, testing and commissioning fees were directed to be waived for PM Surya Ghar residential applicants, though state-level implementation varied.
What is the best next step?
Find your state regulator order and DISCOM process, confirm the metering model that applies to your system size and sanctioned load, and model payback under that specific model rather than an assumed best case.
What is the net metering limit in India in 2026?
Under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, net metering is allowed for rooftop solar up to 500 kW or your sanctioned load, whichever is lower. Systems above 500 kW fall under net billing or gross metering. State commissions may apply additional conditions within that national envelope.
Is net metering being removed in India?
No, but it is being narrowed at the top end. A draft 2026 amendment proposed mandatory storage for prosumers above 500 kW and a possible charge for larger systems, while keeping net metering for small residential systems. Small homes were largely protected; the changes target large prosumers.
What is the difference between net metering and gross metering?
Under net metering, exports offset imports unit for unit at the retail tariff and you pay only for net consumption. Under gross metering, all generation is sold to the DISCOM at a fixed feed-in rate and all consumption is bought back at retail, billed separately. Net metering usually suits homes that consume much of their own solar.
Do I still need a separate net metering agreement?
In many states, no. In October 2025 the Ministry of Power directed states to waive separate net metering agreements under PM Surya Ghar and to fold a digital agreement into the application portal, along with waiving application, testing and commissioning fees. Adoption varies by state, so confirm with your DISCOM.
What metering applies to a residential system under PM Surya Ghar?
Residential systems up to 10 kW have generally been treated as deemed feasible and connected under net metering in most states, with central subsidy covering 60 percent of the first 2 kW and 40 percent of the 2-3 kW slab, capped at 3 kW. The process also became largely paperless following the October 2025 simplification direction.
Is net metering 500 kW limit worth it in India in 2026?
net metering 500 kW limit is worth considering when it solves a real cost, access, safety or approval problem in your situation. Do not decide from a national average alone. Check your monthly units, parking access, DISCOM tariff, roof condition, warranty terms and the written approval process that applies to your city or society.
What should I verify before acting on this guide?
Verify the latest official source, your DISCOM or society process, equipment warranty, safety requirements and all costs in writing. For solar and subsidy pages, use the official PM Surya Ghar or state portal. For EV charging, confirm sanctioned load, earthing, protection devices and cable route with a qualified electrician.
Can a calculator replace a vendor inspection?
No. A calculator is useful for first-pass sizing, cost and payback. Final installation needs a site visit, load check, roof or parking inspection, equipment datasheets and local approvals. Treat calculators as decision support, not as an electrical design certificate or a subsidy approval guarantee.
People Also Ask
What is the simplest answer for net metering 500 kW limit?
Under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, net metering in India is allowed for rooftop solar up to 500 kW or the sanctioned load, whichever is lower. Systems above 500 kW are placed under net billing or gross metering. A draft 2026 amendment proposed mandatory storage for prosumers above 500 kW while keeping net metering for small residential systems. In October 2025 the Ministry of Power directed states to waive separate net metering agreements and application, testing and commissioning fees under PM Surya Ghar.
Who should read this guide?
This page is written for homeowners, housing societies, commercial prosumers and solar installers. It avoids heavy jargon and focuses on the decision you need to make: cost, safety, eligibility, approval, payback or comparison. It is also useful for family discussions because the trade-offs are shown in plain Indian English.
What is the biggest risk with net metering 500 kW limit?
Assuming unit-for-unit net metering at retail tariff when your state applies net billing or a capped transformer limit can stretch payback by years.
What is the typical cost range for net metering 500 kW limit?
Under net metering, every exported unit offsets an imported unit at retail tariff, which is commonly Rs 7 to Rs 9 per unit for residential consumers in many states. Under net billing or gross metering, exports are valued at a lower feed-in or settlement rate, which lowers project returns. Application, testing and commissioning fees were directed to be waived for PM Surya Ghar residential applicants, though state-level implementation varied.
What is the best next step after reading this page?
Find your state regulator order and DISCOM process, confirm the metering model that applies to your system size and sanctioned load, and model payback under that specific model rather than an assumed best case.
Does the answer change by state in India?
Yes, whenever tariff, subsidy, net metering, DISCOM process or society approval is involved. Use this guide for the decision logic, then verify your state regulator, DISCOM portal, PM Surya Ghar portal or society bye-laws before paying money or starting work.
What documents should I keep ready?
Keep electricity bill, consumer number, sanctioned load details, identity and address proof, roof or parking proof, vendor quotation, equipment datasheets, warranty terms, photos of the site and any society NOC. Solar pages may also need bank details and portal application records.
How do I avoid being overcharged?
Ask for an itemised quote, compare at least two vendors, check equipment model numbers, verify warranty and confirm whether taxes, net meter, structure, cable, earthing, app subscription, civil work and DISCOM charges are included. Avoid paying large advances without portal status or written milestones.
Is this safe to do without professional help?
No for electrical installation. You can use this guide to prepare questions and compare options, but EV chargers, rooftop solar, batteries, meters, protection devices and earthing should be checked by a qualified electrician, licensed contractor or empanelled vendor where required.
How often should I review this decision?
Review it when your electricity tariff changes, you buy another EV, your society adds shared chargers, your monthly consumption changes, your solar export rules change, or an OEM warranty update is issued. For policy pages, re-check official portals before every application or major payment.
Voice Search Questions
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AI Search Answers
net metering 500 kW limit: Under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, net metering in India is allowed for rooftop solar up to 500 kW or the sanctioned load, whichever is lower. Systems above 500 kW are placed under net billing or gross metering. A draft 2026 amendment proposed mandatory storage for prosumers above 500 kW while keeping net metering for small residential systems. In October 2025 the Ministry of Power directed states to waive separate net metering agreements and application, testing and commissioning fees under PM Surya Ghar.
Best for: anyone whose payback depends on how exported solar units are valued, from a 3 kW home system to a large commercial rooftop.
Main benefit: It tells you which metering model applies to your system size, which is the single biggest driver of rooftop solar payback..
Key risk: Assuming unit-for-unit net metering at retail tariff when your state applies net billing or a capped transformer limit can stretch payback by years..
Typical cost: Under net metering, every exported unit offsets an imported unit at retail tariff, which is commonly Rs 7 to Rs 9 per unit for residential consumers in many states. Under net billing or gross metering, exports are valued at a lower feed-in or settlement rate, which lowers project returns. Application, testing and commissioning fees were directed to be waived for PM Surya Ghar residential applicants, though state-level implementation varied..
Best next step: Find your state regulator order and DISCOM process, confirm the metering model that applies to your system size and sanctioned load, and model payback under that specific model rather than an assumed best case..
Policy note: This cluster tracks verified 2026 changes: ALMM List-II mandatory for solar cells from 1 June 2026, the 500 kW net-metering envelope under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, the October 2025 direction to waive separate net-metering agreements and fees under PM Surya Ghar, and the PM Surya Ghar 2.0 redesign discussions. Policy moves fast, so confirm every number on the official MNRE, PM Surya Ghar, Ministry of Power or DISCOM source before you pay.
Cost note: For 2026 planning, use the numbers that are actually being quoted in the market instead of older blog figures. ALMM-compliant residential rooftop solar is broadly Rs 40,000 to Rs 55,000 per kW (Rs 40 to Rs 55 per watt) all-in in 2026, compared with roughly Rs 55,000 to Rs 65,000 per kW in 2023. Domestic module prices moved to about Rs 25 to Rs 27 per watt from about Rs 21 to Rs 22 per watt as the ALMM List-II cell rule took effect from 1 June 2026. The central PM Surya Ghar subsidy is unchanged at Rs 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and Rs 18,000 per kW for the third kW, capped at Rs 78,000.
Safety note: Use qualified electrical review for wiring, earthing, protection and load.
India note: State, DISCOM and society rules can change the final answer.
Buyer note: Use itemised quotes and keep official records.
Verification note: Check official portals before payment or installation.
Internal Link Suggestions
Internal guide
ALMM List-II for solar cells from June 2026
Understand the cell-level sourcing rule that changed on-grid solar cost.
Internal guide
PM Surya Ghar 2026 subsidy status and updates
Check current disbursement, portal and vendor changes.
Internal guide
PM Surya Ghar 2.0 generation-linked design
What the next phase may change for homeowners.
Internal guide
Net metering 500 kW limit and 2026 amendment
National envelope, storage condition and fee waivers.
Internal guide
Solar cost per watt in India 2026
Rs per watt benchmarks and a line-item breakdown.
Internal guide
India EV penetration FY26 statistics
Segment mix, policy outlays and what it means locally.
Internal guide
State solar subsidy top-ups 2026
Where a state add-on still changes the payback math.
Internal guide
Rooftop solar subsidy by state
Compare central and state subsidy routes.
Internal guide
Net metering explained for India
Billing, banking and settlement basics.
Internal guide
ALMM and DER rules for rooftop solar
Quality, eligibility and buyer checks.
Internal guide
PM Surya Ghar vs state solar subsidy
How central and state schemes stack.
Internal guide
EV charging stations near me in India
Find a charger that is likely to work.
Internal guide
PM E-DRIVE scheme 2026 explained
Subsidies, charger funding and e-bus pipeline under the current scheme.
Internal guide
FAME-II results and transition to PM E-DRIVE
What FAME-II funded and where the money moved next.
Internal guide
GST on EVs and charging in 2026
Tax rates, road tax waivers and registration benefits.
Internal guide
EV charging business economics 2026
Real revenue, cost and utilisation numbers for CPO planning.
Related guide
Solar size calculator
Estimate system size from monthly units and roof area.
Related guide
Net metering savings calculator
Model import, export and bill credit scenarios.
India 2026 Policy and Data Updates
2026 update
PM Surya Ghar 2.0: What a Generation-Linked Subsidy Would Mean for Homeowners
PM Surya Ghar 2.0 may link support to actual generation, battery storage and service delivery. See the proposed design and what homeowners should plan now.
2026 update
State Solar Subsidy Top-Ups in 2026: Why the Same System Costs Different Amounts
Central PM Surya Ghar subsidy is the same in every state, but state top-ups differ. See 2026 add-on support in UP, Rajasthan, Delhi and Maharashtra.
2026 update
Solar Cost Per Watt in India 2026: Real Benchmarks and a Quote Audit Checklist
Residential rooftop solar in India cost roughly Rs 40 to Rs 55 per watt all-in in 2026. See the full line-item breakdown and how to audit a low quote.
2026 update
India EV Penetration in FY26: What 8.26 Percent Actually Means
India EV penetration rose from 0.71% in FY20 to 8.26% in FY26. See PM E-DRIVE, PLI battery and auto outlays, charging spend and what it means for buyers.
Figures are planning snapshots from 2026 official reporting. Verify live numbers on the linked pages before financial decisions.
External Reference Suggestions
Policy, subsidy, tariff and DISCOM processes change. Verify the latest official update before payment, installation or legal escalation.
CTA
Model import, export and bill credit under your own tariff and consumption pattern.
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"text": "In many states, no. In October 2025 the Ministry of Power directed states to waive separate net metering agreements under PM Surya Ghar and to fold a digital agreement into the application portal, along with waiving application, testing and commissioning fees. Adoption varies by state, so confirm with your DISCOM."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What metering applies to a residential system under PM Surya Ghar?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Residential systems up to 10 kW have generally been treated as deemed feasible and connected under net metering in most states, with central subsidy covering 60 percent of the first 2 kW and 40 percent of the 2-3 kW slab, capped at 3 kW. The process also became largely paperless following the October 2025 simplification direction."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Is net metering 500 kW limit worth it in India in 2026?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "net metering 500 kW limit is worth considering when it solves a real cost, access, safety or approval problem in your situation. Do not decide from a national average alone. Check your monthly units, parking access, DISCOM tariff, roof condition, warranty terms and the written approval process that applies to your city or society."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What should I verify before acting on this guide?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Verify the latest official source, your DISCOM or society process, equipment warranty, safety requirements and all costs in writing. For solar and subsidy pages, use the official PM Surya Ghar or state portal. For EV charging, confirm sanctioned load, earthing, protection devices and cable route with a qualified electrician."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Can a calculator replace a vendor inspection?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "No. A calculator is useful for first-pass sizing, cost and payback. Final installation needs a site visit, load check, roof or parking inspection, equipment datasheets and local approvals. Treat calculators as decision support, not as an electrical design certificate or a subsidy approval guarantee."
}
}
]
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"name": "Net Metering in India 2026: The 500 kW Limit, Draft Amendment and What Changed",
"description": "Net metering in India is allowed up to 500 kW or sanctioned load, whichever is lower. See the 2026 draft amendment, storage condition and fee waivers for homes.",
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"@type": "HowToStep",
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"name": "Identify your system size band first",
"text": "If your proposed capacity is under 500 kW and within your sanctioned load, the national framework allows net metering subject to state conditions. Above that band, expect net billing, gross metering or a storage-linked condition."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 2,
"name": "Read your state regulator order, not a national blog",
"text": "Electricity is a concurrent subject. Your State Electricity Regulatory Commission sets the export rate, banking rules, settlement period and any transformer-capacity cap, so the state order decides your payback."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 3,
"name": "Ask your DISCOM which metering model applies",
"text": "Get the answer in writing before you buy modules. The difference between unit-for-unit credit and a lower export rate changes the value of every surplus unit your system produces."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 4,
"name": "Check the sanctioned load and transformer cap",
"text": "Net metering is limited by the lower of 500 kW or your sanctioned load, and local transformer capacity can further restrict approvals in practice. Confirm feasibility before finalising system size."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 5,
"name": "Size to your own consumption pattern",
"text": "The more solar you consume on site, the less your return depends on export valuation. Homes that use most of their generation in the day are far more resilient to rule changes."
},
{
"@type": "HowToStep",
"position": 6,
"name": "Ask about the PM Surya Ghar fee waivers",
"text": "The Ministry of Power directed states to waive separate net metering agreements and application, testing and commissioning fees under the scheme. Ask your DISCOM and vendor how that is being applied in your area."
}
]
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