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Last Reviewed: June 25, 2026 •
Next Review: Sept 2026
Delhi DISCOM Solar Net Metering Flow Diagram: Bi-directional energy banking and settlement cycle
Understanding DERC Net Metering Regulations (2026)
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) enforces a robust 1:1 net metering policy that ensures homeowners receive maximum value from their solar systems.
📋 The 1:1 Unit Offset Rule:
Under DERC guidelines, you get a 1-to-1 unit offset. If you import 500 units from the grid but export 400 surplus solar units, BSES/TPDDL will bill you for exactly 100 units. If you are billed under the standard domestic slab, your export units are effectively valued at the highest slab rate you offset.
Annual Settlement & Carry Forward
Delhi handles excess energy gracefully:
Monthly Roll-Over: If you export more power than you consume in a single month (common in winter when ACs are off), the surplus units carry forward to the next month.
Annual Settlement: At the end of the financial year, if you hold a net surplus, the DISCOM pays you at the Average Power Purchase Cost (APPC). This credit is added to your account ledger.
Group Net Metering & Virtual Net Metering (GNM/VNM)
Delhi is unique in allowing advanced metering frameworks, particularly useful for high-density housing:
Group Net Metering: If you own a solar system on one property but have another electricity connection in Delhi (under the same DISCOM), you can import surplus credits from Property A to offset the bill at Property B.
Virtual Net Metering: Designed for Group Housing Societies (CGHS). A large solar plant is installed on the common roof, and the energy generated is distributed virtually as credits across the individual apartment bills.
Sanctioned Load Limits
In Delhi, the maximum capacity of a rooftop solar plant cannot exceed 100% of the sanctioned load of your premises. If your sanctioned load is 4kW, you can install up to a 4kW inverter.
Your Solar Journey Continues
Keep reading the Delhi cluster to ensure a successful rooftop installation:
Official 2026 Consumer Rights & DISCOM Escalation Protocol in Delhi
Under the latest regulations notified by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) and MNRE guidelines, consumers across South Delhi, Dwarka, Rohini, Pitampura, Laxmi Nagar, Janakpuri, and Vasant Kunj are legally protected by strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs). If your rooftop solar net meter installation, feasibility inspection, or subsidy disbursement is delayed, follow this formal escalation hierarchy:
Escalation Level
Designated Authority
Mandated SLA Timeline
Action & Remedy
Level 1: Local Sub-Division
Assistant Engineer / Junior Engineer (BSES Rajdhani (BRPL), BSES Yamuna (BYPL), and Tata Power DDL (TPDDL))
3 Working Days
Submit written grievance ticket regarding net meter testing or portal document hold.
Level 2: Circle Superintending Engineer
Executive Engineer (Solar Renewable Cell)
7 Working Days
Formal grievance filing on DISCOM portal with application acknowledgement number.
Level 3: Regulatory Ombudsman
Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) under Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC)
15 Working Days
Binding legal hearing. Utility can be fined daily penalties for willful commissioning delays.
Mandatory Inspection Documents Checklist
When the DISCOM inspection team visits your premises for the final bi-directional meter synchronization, have these exact physical documents signed and organized in a physical file:
Joint Inspection Report (JIR): Signed by the homeowner and the empanelled solar engineer.
Factory Flash Test Report: Showing peak watt test results matching your panel serial numbers.
DCR Undertaking Stamp Paper: Affirming domestic solar cell content as mandated by MNRE.
Inverter Type Test Certificate: Confirming anti-islanding compliance (IS 16221 / IS 16169).
💡 Consumer Tip: Always keep a timestamped digital copy of your Work Completion Report (WCR) and joint inspection form. If your net meter is not installed within 15 days of successful plant inspection, your vendor can register a formal complaint on the PM Surya Ghar National Grievance Portal.
5. In-Depth Energy Banking & Settlement Regulations in Delhi
Net metering rules in Delhi are established by DERC (Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission). The fundamental principle is that the power grid functions as an infinite, 100% efficient virtual battery for your rooftop system:
1:1 Energy Offset: Every kilowatt-hour (unit) you push into the grid during daytime hours offsets exactly one unit consumed from the grid during nighttime on a 1:1 basis, saving electricity at your highest retail tariff slab.
Settlement Cycle: Surplus banked units roll over month to month throughout the financial year (April 1 to March 31). In months with heavy air conditioning use, you automatically draw upon credits accumulated during mild spring months.
Annual Buyback Settlement: On March 31, if you still have remaining surplus units in your credit account, your DISCOM (BSES Rajdhani (BRPL), BSES Yamuna (BYPL), and Tata Power DDL (TPDDL)) settles and buys out the remaining units at predetermined regulatory rates (typically ₹2.00 to ₹3.00 per unit).
Net Meter Register
Direction of Electricity
Billing Formula
Import Register (kWh)
Power drawn from grid at night or rainy days
Total units consumed from utility
Export Register (kWh)
Surplus solar power sent into neighborhood grid
Total clean units exported
Net Billed Energy Units
Billed amount = (Import Units - Export Units)
If Export > Import, Energy Charge = ₹0 + Surplus Units Banked!
7. Net Metering vs. Gross Metering: What Consumers in Delhi Must Know
Understanding the fundamental billing difference between net and gross metering protects you from unfavorable contract terms:
Net Metering (Residential Homes up to 10kW): You save electricity at your full retail tariff rate (undefined). Units exported cancel out units imported 1:1, delivering the fastest 3-year payback.
Gross Metering / Net Billing (>10kW or Commercial): All solar generation is exported to the grid at a pre-fixed feed-in rate (typically ₹2.50 to ₹3.00/unit), while power consumed is purchased at full commercial tariff rates. This model extends the payback period to 5-6 years.
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