Net Metering in Maharashtra: How Export Credit Works

Net metering is the mechanism that made rooftop solar financially attractive: the DISCOM’s bidirectional meter records both the units you import and the units you export, and the difference is what you pay for.

The mechanics in short

1. Solar generation is first consumed by your own loads — this is where you save the most, because you avoid retail tariff.
2. Surplus units flow to the grid through the export register of the meter.
3. At billing, exported units are adjusted against imported units, typically on a monthly basis, with unused credit carried forward as per the prevailing regulation for the settlement period.
4. Fixed charges, meter rent, electricity duty and taxes are always payable — solar cannot offset those.

Why daytime consumption matters

Solar offsets your highest tariff slabs most effectively when you consume the generation directly. If your home is empty between 10 AM and 4 PM, a large share of the energy is exported at a lower credit rate instead of offsetting expensive units. In that situation, shift adjustable loads — washing machine, dishwasher, water pumping, EV charging, geyser preheating — into the solar window.

Capacity limits

Net-metering capacity is generally linked to your sanctioned load, not your roof size. If your roof can host 10 kW but your sanctioned load is 5 kW, you will be asked to enhance the load or accept a smaller export-approved capacity. We plan for this at the survey stage so approvals do not stall.

Practical steps for faster approval

• Keep the connection name, Aadhaar and bank account consistent.
• Submit the net-metering application immediately after commissioning, not after the subsidy is credited.
• Keep the commissioning certificate, test report and photographs of the meter ready.
• Ask your vendor who follows up at the circle office — this is where a local team matters.

The honest summary

Net metering makes export worthwhile, but self-consumption is what maximises your return. Any proposal that does not discuss your load pattern is really just a hardware quotation.