Net Metering for Rooftop Solar in Andhra Pradesh: Documents, Charges and Timeline
Net Metering in Andhra Pradesh: Documents, Charges & Timeline Sept 2026 Solar Cost Net Metering for Rooftop Solar in Andhra Pradesh: Documents, Charges and Timeline Rooftop solar can reduce the electricity purchased from the grid. However, solar panels often generate more electricity than a building consumes during sunny hours. Net metering allows an eligible consumer to export this surplus electricity to the distribution network and receive an adjustment according to the prevailing regulations. This guide explains eligibility, required documents, possible charges, application stages and the approximate net-metering timeline in Andhra Pradesh. Important update: Regulations, fees, settlement rules and application requirements can change. Confirm the latest conditions with APERC and the DISCOM shown on your electricity bill before purchasing equipment or submitting an application. Link guide: Internal links point to Daksha Solar Energy pages and open in the same tab. External links point to official portals, open in a new tab and display an arrow (↗). 1. What Is Solar Net Metering? Net metering is a billing mechanism for a grid-connected rooftop-solar system. Solar electricity is first used by the appliances operating inside the home, office, shop, institution or factory. When generation exceeds on-site consumption, the unused electricity flows into the distribution grid. When the system does not generate enough electricity—at night, during cloudy weather or under heavy loads—the consumer imports power from the grid. A bidirectional meter records: Electricity imported from the distribution grid Surplus solar electricity exported to the grid The electricity bill is calculated under the applicable APERC regulations and tariff category. The inverter application generally shows total solar generation, while the net meter records grid imports and exports. Read APEPDCL’s official net-metering explainer . 2. How Does Net Metering Work? Consider a house with a 5 kW rooftop-solar system. During one billing period: Total solar generation: 600 units Electricity consumed directly from solar: 350 units Surplus electricity exported: 250 units Electricity imported from the grid: 300 units Imported electricity − exported electricity = net grid consumption 300 units − 250 units = 50 net units This is a simplified illustration. Fixed charges, customer charges, taxes, duties, minimum charges and the applicable settlement method can affect the final bill. Equal solar generation and electricity consumption do not automatically guarantee a zero bill. 3. Who Can Apply for Net Metering? Eligibility depends on the latest regulation, consumer category, sanctioned load or contracted demand, proposed system capacity and distribution-network feasibility. Potential applicants may include: Individual residential consumers Independent houses and villas Apartment associations and group-housing societies Commercial establishments Schools, colleges and educational institutions Hospitals and healthcare facilities Government buildings Industrial consumers Societies and other institutional consumers The proposed solar capacity must normally remain within the limits connected to the sanctioned load or contracted demand. Transformer capacity, feeder capacity, voltage level and protection requirements may also affect approval. Therefore, system size should not be selected only on the basis of available roof area. 4. Net Metering vs Gross Metering vs Net Billing Arrangement How it generally works Important consideration Net metering Eligible imported and exported units are adjusted under the prevailing rules. Usually considered by consumers who use solar on-site and offset eligible grid consumption. Gross metering Solar generation is exported and measured separately under the approved arrangement. Settlement is based on the applicable approved tariff and agreement. Net billing Imported and exported electricity may be valued separately instead of being adjusted unit for unit. Direct self-consumption may have greater financial value than surplus export. These terms should not be used interchangeably. Confirm the mechanism that applies to your consumer category and proposed capacity with the appropriate Andhra Pradesh DISCOM. 5. Documents Commonly Required The exact checklist can vary according to consumer type, capacity, subsidy route and DISCOM. Commonly requested documents include: Latest electricity bill and correct service-connection number Applicant identity proof and address proof Proof of ownership or lawful possession of the property Owner’s consent or no-objection certificate, where applicable Sanctioned-load or contracted-demand details Completed rooftop-solar application and consumer declaration System proposal with module and inverter capacity Single-line diagram and electrical-protection scheme Site layout, module arrangement and cable-routing details Earthing and lightning-protection details, where required Module and inverter datasheets, invoices and warranties Applicable equipment certificates and test reports Structural-stability certificate, where requested Installation photographs and completion report Licensed electrical-contractor records, where applicable Bank-account details for a subsidy application, if required Names, addresses and service numbers should match across the electricity bill, portal registration and supporting documents. Even a small mismatch can delay verification. 6. Net-Metering Application Process Step 1: Review Your Electricity Consumption Collect at least 12 months of electricity bills. Analyse monthly units, daytime demand, seasonal variation, sanctioned load, tariff category, connection phase and shadow-free roof area. Step 2: Complete a Technical Site Survey A professional survey should check roof dimensions and condition, orientation, shade, mounting requirements, cable routes, earthing points, inverter position, electrical panel, meter location and safe maintenance access. Explore Daksha Solar Energy’s solar design and installation services . Step 3: Register Through the Correct Portal Eligible residential consumers seeking central financial assistance should start on the PM Surya Ghar portal and select Andhra Pradesh and the correct DISCOM. Consumer details should match the electricity bill. Visit the official PM Surya Ghar portal . Step 4: Submit the Feasibility Application The DISCOM may examine sanctioned load, proposed inverter capacity, service connection, transformer and feeder capacity, voltage level, protection and metering arrangement. Obtain the required approval before installation when prior feasibility clearance is required. Step 5: Install the Approved Solar System The EPC contractor installs modules, mounting structures, inverter, AC and DC protection, cables, isolators, earthing and other required safety equipment. The installed equipment should match the approved proposal. Step 6: Submit Completion Documents Submit invoices, equipment details, certificates, photographs, diagrams and the completion or inspection request. Keep copies of every submission and acknowledgement. Step 7: Complete Inspection and Meter Installation The DISCOM or authorised team checks the installation, protection settings, isolation, earthing, documentation and conformity with the approval. Once any observations are resolved, the bidirectional meter