Net metering is what makes rooftop solar financially viable. It allows you to export excess solar power to the BSES grid and get credit on your electricity bill. Without net metering, you'd waste any solar power your home doesn't consume in real time.
Here's the complete process for getting net metering with BSES in Delhi.
What is Net Metering?
With a net meter installed, your electricity flows in both directions:
- During the day: Your solar panels generate power. What your home uses is consumed directly. The excess is exported to the BSES grid, and your meter runs backward.
- At night / cloudy days: You draw power from the grid normally, and the meter runs forward.
- At billing time: BSES charges you only for the net units consumed (grid import minus solar export).
If you export more than you import in a month, the surplus units are carried forward as credit to the next billing cycle.
Who is Eligible?
You can apply for net metering with BSES if:
- You have a valid BSES electricity connection (BSES Rajdhani or BSES Yamuna)
- Your property is in Delhi
- You're installing an on-grid or hybrid solar system
- The solar system capacity does not exceed your sanctioned load
- Your roof has adequate shadow-free area (approximately 100 sq ft per KW)
Both residential and commercial consumers are eligible.
Documents Required
Keep these ready before applying:
- Latest electricity bill (BSES)
- Aadhaar card of the connection holder
- Property ownership proof (registry, sale deed, or electricity bill in your name)
- Passport-size photograph
- Bank account details (for subsidy DBT)
- NOC from housing society (if applicable — for flats/apartments)
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Application on National Portal
The process starts on the PM Surya Ghar portal (national portal for rooftop solar). You or your vendor registers the application with:
- Consumer number (from your BSES bill)
- System capacity (e.g., 3 KW)
- Vendor details (must be a BSES-registered vendor)
Timeline: Application approval takes 5-10 working days.
Step 2: Technical Feasibility Check
BSES reviews your application and checks:
- Your sanctioned load vs. proposed solar capacity
- Distribution transformer capacity in your area
- Any technical constraints
If approved, BSES issues a feasibility approval letter.
Timeline: 7-15 working days after application.
Step 3: System Installation
Once you have feasibility approval, your vendor installs the system:
- Mounting structure and solar panels
- Inverter, wiring, earthing, surge protection
- All safety equipment (SPD, lightning arrestor)
A good vendor completes installation in 2-3 days for residential systems.
Step 4: Inspection by BSES
After installation, BSES sends an inspection team to verify:
- System is installed as per approved specifications
- Safety standards are met
- Wiring and earthing are compliant
Timeline: Inspection is typically scheduled within 15-20 working days of completion report submission.
Step 5: Net Meter Installation
Once BSES approves the inspection, they install a bidirectional net meter at your premises. This replaces your existing meter and can measure both import and export of electricity.
Timeline: 7-15 working days after inspection approval.
Step 6: Commissioning
After the net meter is installed, BSES commissions the system. From this point:
- Your solar system is officially connected to the grid
- Net metering starts — your bill reflects solar credits
- The subsidy application process begins
Total Timeline: Application to Commissioning
| Stage | Duration | |---|---| | Portal application & approval | 5-10 days | | Feasibility check | 7-15 days | | Installation | 2-3 days | | BSES inspection | 15-20 days | | Net meter installation | 7-15 days | | Total | 6-10 weeks |
In practice, the entire process from application to running solar system takes 2-3 months. Delays are usually in BSES inspection scheduling.
How Your Bill Changes After Net Metering
Let's say you have a 3 KW system generating 360 units/month, and your home consumes 400 units/month:
| | Units | |---|---| | Grid import (total consumption) | 400 | | Solar export (excess generation) | 260 | | Solar self-consumption | 100 | | Net billed units | 400 - 260 = 140 |
You're only billed for 140 units instead of 400. That's a 65% reduction in your electricity bill.
Plus, you earn GBI (Generation-Based Incentive) of Rs 2-3 per unit on your total solar generation (360 units), not just the export.
Do You Need to Handle This Yourself?
No. A BSES-registered vendor handles the entire process on your behalf:
- Portal registration and application
- Document submission
- Coordination with BSES for inspection
- Net meter installation follow-up
- Subsidy application and tracking
At Raytrix Energy, we manage the complete process end-to-end so you don't have to visit any office or portal.
Common Questions
Can I get net metering for an off-grid system? No. Net metering requires a grid-connected (on-grid or hybrid) system. Off-grid systems with batteries are standalone.
What happens if I generate more than I consume? Surplus units are carried forward as credit. At the end of the settlement period (usually annual), any remaining surplus may be compensated at a rate determined by DERC.
Will net metering affect my power supply reliability? No. Your grid connection remains the same. If solar generation drops (night/cloudy), you seamlessly draw from the grid.
Can tenants apply for net metering? The application must be in the name of the electricity connection holder. Tenants would need the property owner's consent and documents.
Ready to get net metering for your home? Contact us for a free consultation — we handle the complete BSES process.