SolarSavings
Understanding Gujarat's Net Metering Regulations (2026)
Gujarat's net metering policies are highly favorable for residential consumers. Administered by GUVNL and local DISCOMs (MGVCL, DGVCL, PGVCL, UGVCL), the rules ensure that you are fairly compensated for the clean energy your roof produces.
📋 The 1:1 Unit Offset Rule:
Gujarat operates on a 1:1 net metering framework. During the day, if your system generates more power than your home uses, the surplus is exported to the local grid. At night, you import power from the grid. At the end of the month, you are only billed for the net difference (Imported Units minus Exported Units).
Gujarat operates on a 1:1 net metering framework. During the day, if your system generates more power than your home uses, the surplus is exported to the local grid. At night, you import power from the grid. At the end of the month, you are only billed for the net difference (Imported Units minus Exported Units).
The Settlement Cycle & APPC Compensation
What makes Gujarat's policy excellent is its treatment of annual surplus energy.
- Monthly Carry-Forward: If you export more than you import in a given month, the surplus units are carried forward to the next month's bill as an energy credit.
- Annual APPC Settlement: The billing cycle for net metering in Gujarat resets every year (usually March 31st). If you have a net surplus of units at the end of the year, your DISCOM will purchase them from you at the Average Power Purchase Cost (APPC).
The APPC rate varies slightly by year, but it typically hovers around ₹2.25 to ₹2.50 per unit. This credit is adjusted against your fixed charges in subsequent bills.
Capacity Limitations
Before sizing your system, be aware of the DISCOM constraints:
- Sanctioned Load Rule: In Gujarat, you can install a rooftop solar system with a capacity of up to 100% of your sanctioned connected load. If you want a 5kW solar system, your home's electricity meter must have a sanctioned load of at least 5kW.
- Transformer Capacity: The cumulative capacity of all solar systems connected to your local neighborhood distribution transformer cannot exceed 65% to 80% of the transformer's capacity (depending on local DISCOM rules).