Your solar panels generate electricity. On a bright Delhi afternoon, they often generate more than your home can use. Without net metering, that surplus power is simply wasted. With net metering, it flows back to your DISCOM’s grid and earns you credits that offset your evening and nighttime consumption — effectively making your electricity meter spin backwards during the day. For a city with Delhi’s combination of high tariffs, strong sunlight, and rising bills, this mechanism is the difference between a solar system that “reduces” your bill and one that virtually eliminates it.
Working with the best solar power company in Delhi ensures your net metering application is filed correctly the first time — avoiding the delays, rejections, and missed subsidy deadlines that cost homeowners weeks of waiting and sometimes the entire PM Surya Ghar subsidy. Best Solar Company in Delhi
This guide covers the complete net metering process for all three Delhi DISCOMs — BSES Rajdhani (BRPL), BSES Yamuna (BYPL), and Tata Power-DDL (TPDDL) — with verified 2026 timelines, charges, Delhi’s unique Generation Based Incentive (GBI), and a clear picture of what your solar system will actually earn you.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows rooftop solar owners to export surplus electricity to the DISCOM grid and receive credits against their future consumption. In practical terms:
- During the day, your solar panels produce electricity — some you use directly, excess goes to the grid
- At night or on cloudy days, you draw from the grid as usual
- At month end, you pay only for the net units — what you imported minus what you exported
- If exports exceed imports in a month, credits carry forward to the next billing cycle
- Annual surplus (April–March) is settled at APPC rate (₹3–₹4/unit) by the DISCOM
Your existing unidirectional meter is replaced by a bi-directional net meter — a DLMS-compliant smart meter that separately records import and export units. This is installed by your DISCOM as part of the net metering approval process.
Why Net Metering Changes Everything for Delhi Solar Users
Delhi’s electricity tariff structure makes net metering uniquely powerful. As of July 2026, DERC’s approved base tariff runs up to ₹8/unit for consumption above 800 units — and with PPAC surcharges running at BRPL 17.94%, BYPL 17.43%, and TPDDL 16.00%, effective per-unit costs for high-consumption households are approaching ₹9–₹10/unit.
Here’s why this matters for net metering: every unit your solar system exports to the grid offsets a unit you would have purchased at these high tariff rates. The financial value of each exported unit is not a fixed “feed-in tariff” — it’s the retail rate you’re avoiding. For Delhi households crossing the 400-unit subsidy threshold, that value is significant.
⚡ Net Metering vs No Net Metering — The Real Difference
Without net metering: Surplus generation during office hours (when nobody is home) is wasted. System only saves on units actually consumed simultaneously with generation.
With net metering: Every unit generated has monetary value, regardless of when it’s produced. A 5kW system generating 600 units/month offsets 600 units from your bill — whether you’re home or not.
This typically doubles the effective financial return of a rooftop solar installation in Delhi.
DERC Net Metering Regulations 2026
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has streamlined net metering under the Delhi Solar Policy 2024–2027. Here are the current technical limits applicable across all three DISCOMs:
| Parameter | Residential | Commercial / Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| System Capacity Limit | Up to 100% of sanctioned load | Up to 100% of sanctioned load |
| Voltage | 230V single-phase (up to 5kW) | 415V three-phase (above 5kW) |
| Settlement Period | April to March (annual) | April to March (annual) |
| Monthly Credits | Carried forward — no expiry within year | Carried forward — no expiry within year |
| Year-End Surplus | Paid at APPC rate (~₹3–₹4/unit) | Paid at APPC rate (~₹3–₹4/unit) |
| Inverter Standard | Anti-islanding mandatory (DERC spec) | Anti-islanding mandatory |
| Net Meter Type | DLMS-compliant bi-directional | DLMS-compliant bi-directional |
| GBI Eligibility | ✅ Yes — ₹2–₹3/unit for 5 years | ✅ Yes — ₹1/unit for 5 years |
DISCOM-wise Net Metering Process in Delhi (2026)
Delhi has three electricity distribution companies, each with slightly different application portals, fee structures, and processing speeds. Here’s exactly how the process works for each:
- Apply on rts.bsesdelhi.com
- Feasibility check: 7–10 days
- Site inspection: 10–15 days
- Meter installation: 10–15 days
- Agreement: OTP-based digital
- Total: 30–45 days
- Apply on rts.bsesdelhi.com
- Feasibility check: 10–12 days
- Site inspection: 12–18 days
- Meter installation: 12–18 days
- Agreement: OTP-based digital
- Total: 35–50 days
- Apply on tatapower-ddl.com/solar
- Feasibility check: 5–7 days
- Site inspection: 7–10 days
- Meter installation: 10–12 days
- Agreement: Online digital process
- Total: 25–35 days
Step-by-Step Process (Common to All DISCOMs)
Feasibility Approval
Before installation, your solar installer applies to the DISCOM for technical feasibility. The DISCOM checks whether the local distribution transformer can handle additional solar load from your area. This step happens before panels go on the roof.
Installation by MNRE-Empanelled Vendor
Once feasibility is approved, the solar system is installed using ALMM-listed panels and a DERC-approved inverter with anti-islanding protection. Only installations by MNRE-registered vendors qualify for subsidy and net metering.
Work Completion Report
Your installer submits a Work Completion Report to the DISCOM with photographs of the installed system, inverter documentation, and earthing/lightning arrester confirmation.
DISCOM Site Inspection
A DISCOM engineer visits your property to verify: inverter anti-islanding settings, earthing and lightning arrester installation, manual disconnect switch (isolator) accessibility, and panel placement compliance.
Bi-directional Net Meter Installation
Your existing unidirectional electricity meter is replaced with a DLMS-compliant bi-directional net meter. This meter separately records import and export units and is installed by the DISCOM at your property.
Net Metering Agreement
A legal net metering agreement is signed between you and the DISCOM — now done digitally via OTP-based e-signing for all three Delhi DISCOMs. No office visit required.
Commissioning Certificate & Subsidy
Once the net meter is active and the agreement is signed, the solar commissioning certificate is generated. This triggers the PM Surya Ghar subsidy application — you submit bank details on the portal and receive the subsidy via DBT within 30–60 days.
DISCOM Timeline Comparison — BRPL vs BYPL vs TPDDL
| Process Stage | BSES Rajdhani (BRPL) | BSES Yamuna (BYPL) | Tata Power DDL (TPDDL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feasibility Approval | 7–10 days | 10–12 days | 5–7 days ✅ Fastest |
| Site Inspection | 10–15 days | 12–18 days | 7–10 days ✅ Fastest |
| Net Meter Installation | 10–15 days | 12–18 days | 10–12 days |
| Agreement Signing | OTP-based digital | OTP-based digital | Online digital |
| Total Estimated Time | 30–45 days | 35–50 days | 25–35 days ✅ Fastest |
| Application Portal | rts.bsesdelhi.com | rts.bsesdelhi.com | tatapower-ddl.com |
| PPAC Rate (Jun 2026) | 17.94% | 17.43% | 16.00% ✅ Lowest |
Documents Required for Net Metering in Delhi
Submitting complete and accurate documents from day one is the single most effective way to avoid delays. Here’s the full checklist:
- Latest electricity bill — applicant name must match exactly
- Property ownership proof — registered sale deed, GPA, or house tax receipt
- Aadhaar Card — linked to registered mobile number for OTP
- PAN Card — for subsidy bank transfer
- Site photographs — showing installed solar panels on roof and meter cabin location
- Inverter datasheet — confirming anti-islanding compliance (provided by installer)
- Panel datasheets — confirming ALMM list compliance (provided by installer)
- Single line diagram — electrical layout of the system (prepared by installer)
- Bank account details — cancelled cheque for subsidy DBT credit
- Signed declaration form — available on DISCOM portals
Net Metering Charges in Delhi — What You Actually Pay
One area where many homeowners are surprised: net metering is not free. Here are the standard charges across Delhi DISCOMs in 2026:
| Charge Type | Amount (Approx.) | Paid To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Meter Testing Fee | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | DISCOM | Varies by system capacity |
| Meter Replacement Cost | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 | DISCOM | Included by some DISCOMs |
| Application Processing Fee | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | DISCOM | Online payment |
| Security Deposit (if revised) | As applicable | DISCOM | Usually no additional deposit |
| Total Estimated Charges | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000 | — | Included in Thermosun quotes |
Thermosun includes net metering application charges in all rooftop solar installation proposals — there are no surprise bills after the system is commissioned. Solar Panel Installation Delhi
Delhi GBI (Generation Based Incentive) — Your Extra Earnings Explained
Delhi’s Generation Based Incentive is what makes the capital’s solar policy arguably the most attractive in India. Unlike the PM Surya Ghar capital subsidy (a one-time upfront benefit), the GBI is an ongoing monthly cash reward for every unit your solar panels produce — for 5 full years from commissioning date.
Key GBI Facts
- GBI is paid on total solar generation — not just exported units. Every unit produced earns GBI, whether you consume it or export it.
- GBI is adjusted against your monthly DISCOM bill first. Any surplus beyond your bill amount is credited to your bank account monthly.
- No minimum generation requirement — even low-output months earn GBI
- GBI runs for 5 years from commissioning date and then stops. The solar system continues generating for 20+ more years.
- A functional net meter is mandatory to receive GBI
- Commercial GBI may be subject to annual budget allocation caps
GBI Calculation Example — 5kW System in Delhi
📊 Monthly Earnings Breakdown for a 5kW Residential System
System: 5kW on-grid | Monthly Generation: 600 units | Monthly Consumption: 700 units
| Benefit Type | Calculation | Monthly Value |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Reduction (Net Metering) | 600 units × ₹8/unit (slab rate) | ₹4,800 |
| Delhi GBI (₹2/unit for 3–10kW) | 600 units × ₹2/unit | ₹1,200 |
| Total Monthly Benefit | — | ₹6,000/month |
| Annual Benefit | ₹6,000 × 12 | ₹72,000/year |
| 5-Year GBI Earnings | ₹1,200 × 60 months | ₹72,000 (GBI alone) |
Net Metering for Housing Societies & Apartments in Delhi
If you live in an apartment or a builder floor without dedicated roof access, you’re not left out. Delhi’s Solar Policy 2024–2027 introduced several models specifically for this situation:
🏘️ Group Net Metering (GNM)
A housing society or RWA installs a solar system on the common rooftop and the generated electricity offsets bills across multiple individual connections within the same DISCOM area. The society pays for the installation; savings are distributed proportionally or as lower maintenance bills. Eligible for central subsidy at ₹18,000/kW for common facilities up to 500kW capacity.
🔗 Virtual Net Metering (VNM)
For consumers with multiple properties — or those who can’t install panels on their own roof — Virtual Net Metering allows solar generation from one location to offset bills at a different location within the same DISCOM territory. Ideal for builder floors, rented properties, or properties with shaded rooftops.
☀️ Community Solar
Delhi’s 2024–2027 policy introduces Community Solar where consumers without any roof access can purchase a “share” of a larger solar plant and receive proportional GBI credits on their monthly bill. This is still being rolled out by DISCOMs but represents the future of solar access for apartment dwellers.
Commercial Net Metering in Delhi
Commercial and industrial consumers follow the same core net metering process as residential — but with important differences that affect cost, timeline, and financial returns.
| Parameter | Residential | Commercial / Industrial |
|---|---|---|
| System Size | 1kW – 10kW typical | 10kW – 500kW+ |
| Phase | Single-phase (up to 5kW) | Three-phase mandatory above 5kW |
| GBI Rate | ₹2–₹3/unit | ₹1/unit |
| PM Surya Ghar Subsidy | Up to ₹78,000 | Not applicable |
| Net Metering Application | PM Surya Ghar portal | DISCOM commercial portal directly |
| Payback Period | 4–7 years | 3–5 years (higher consumption) |
| Technical Requirements | Standard | Protection relay, APFC panel may be needed |
For factories, schools, hospitals, offices, and hotels in Delhi NCR, commercial net metering typically delivers the fastest payback because daytime consumption is consistently high — maximising direct self-consumption of solar power at peak tariff rates. Solar Installation Company Delhi
Common Net Metering Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them
You cannot install a 10kW system if your DISCOM-approved sanctioned load is only 5kW. The DISCOM will reject the net metering application immediately. If you need a larger system, apply for “Load Enhancement” first — a separate DISCOM process. Always verify your sanctioned load before finalising system size.
The electricity bill must be in the applicant’s name. If the bill is in a landlord’s, parent’s, or deceased relative’s name, you’ll need a No Objection Certificate and ID copy — prepare this before installation to avoid post-installation delays.
Installing panels not on the MNRE’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) disqualifies your application from both the PM Surya Ghar subsidy and GBI. Always verify panel brand and model on the ALMM portal before signing any installation contract.
If your electricity meter is inside a locked garage, basement, or private room, the DISCOM may require you to shift the meter cabin to a boundary wall — at your own expense (₹10,000–₹30,000). Check meter accessibility before installation.
Only MNRE-empanelled vendors can file net metering applications on your behalf and qualify your system for PM Surya Ghar subsidy. Installing through an unregistered vendor means losing ₹78,000 in subsidy and GBI eligibility — verify MNRE registration before signing any contract.
Real Savings Example — 5kW System in Rohini, Delhi (Tata Power DDL Area)
📊 Complete Financial Picture — Year 1
Property: 3 BHK independent floor, Rohini, TPDDL consumer
Monthly bill (before solar): ₹6,500 (approx. 700 units)
| Cost / Benefit Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| System cost (5kW, on-grid) | ₹2,85,000 |
| PM Surya Ghar central subsidy | -₹78,000 |
| Net investment | ₹2,07,000 |
| Monthly bill reduction (net metering) | ₹4,800/month |
| Monthly GBI earnings (₹2/unit × 600 units) | ₹1,200/month |
| Total monthly benefit | ₹6,000/month |
| Annual savings (Year 1) | ₹72,000 |
| Payback period | ~2.9 years |
| 25-year total savings (at 5% tariff escalation) | ₹28–₹35 lakh |
Why Thermosun Is the Right Partner for Your Net Metering Application
Net metering is not just a paperwork formality — it directly determines whether your solar system pays back in 3 years or 6. A single missed document or incorrect panel specification can delay your commissioning by 4–6 weeks, costing you both GBI earnings and subsidy processing time. As the best solar company in Delhi, Thermosun manages this process end-to-end — so you don’t lose a single day of earnings to process errors.
📋 End-to-End DISCOM Coordination
We handle feasibility applications, inspection scheduling, meter testing, and agreement signing with BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL — you don’t visit a single office.
✅ MNRE Registered — Subsidy Eligible
Every Thermosun installation qualifies for PM Surya Ghar subsidy and Delhi GBI. We’re registered on pmsuryaghar.gov.in and empanelled with all three Delhi DISCOMs.
🏛️ Government-Grade Experience
Completed solar projects at Delhi Fire Stations, Tees Hazari Court, and Tihar Jail — institutional credentials that reflect consistent quality and documentation standards.
⚡ ALMM-Listed Panels Only
We install only panels from Adani Solar, Waaree, Vikram Solar, and Tata Power Solar — all on the ALMM list, guaranteeing net metering and GBI eligibility.
📱 Post-Commissioning Support
After your net meter is installed, we help you read your bill correctly, verify GBI credits, and monitor system performance — support doesn’t stop at installation day.
🔍 1,000+ Installations in Delhi NCR
Over a thousand completed solar installations in homes, offices, and institutions across Delhi NCR. Our DISCOM application team knows exactly what each office requires.
Delhi NCR Areas Served by Thermosun
Thermosun provides rooftop solar installation and net metering coordination across all major Delhi NCR locations. Whether you’re served by BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna, or Tata Power-DDL, our team handles the full process — from site survey to net meter activation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Net metering is the financial backbone of every rooftop solar investment in Delhi. Without it, your system saves only on units consumed simultaneously with solar generation. With it, every unit your panels produce has direct monetary value — day or night, whether you’re home or at work. Combined with Delhi’s unique GBI, which pays ₹2–₹3 per unit generated for five years, a well-sized net-metered solar system in Delhi delivers returns that are hard to match in any other investment category available to homeowners today.
The process itself — across BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna, or Tata Power-DDL — is entirely manageable when handled by an experienced team that knows each DISCOM’s specific requirements. The common delays and rejections are almost entirely preventable with correct documentation and the right installer.
Thermosun Engineering and Power India Pvt. Ltd. has completed 1,000+ solar installations across Delhi NCR and manages the complete net metering process for every project — from first feasibility application to the final subsidy credit in your account. As a recognised best solar company in Delhi, we’re here to make the process as smooth for your home or business as we’ve made it for Delhi Fire Stations, Tees Hazari Court, and Tihar Jail.
☀️ Start Your Net Metering Journey Today
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