No net metering for rooftop solar systems over 10 kW: MoP

24 Dec 2020 Editorial Team

The rules in the Electricity Rules (Rights of Consumers), 2020 include the following:

Rights of consumers and obligations of distribution licensees
Release of new connections and modifications in existing ones
Metering arrangements
Disconnection and reconnection
Billing and payment
Reliability of supply

The arrangement for the net metering threshold was conceived under a section tending to the rights of the consumers and prosumers. The section stated the prosumers would appreciate the same rights and privileges as the general consumer. The prosumers will also reserve the right to set up renewable energy generation units, which includes the rooftop solar system installed by them or through a service provider.

The Ministry of Power had proposed the idea of net metering for the rooftop solar projects with a capacity 5 kW and proposed gross metering for the project that have a capacity above 5 kW. The ministry had welcomed remarks and recommendations from all the stakeholders with respect to the guidelines proposed.

Under the gross metering regiment, the consumer is compensated at fixed feed-in-tariff for the total amount of solar energy units that was generated and subsequently fed to the grid. Customers at that point pay the distribution companies retail tariff for the solar power that they had consumed. In this case, the retail tariff is higher than the feed-in tariff. Then again, in the net metering, the exported solar power is adjusted against the energy consumed in the electricity bill.

Net metering has been the main obstacle for the growth of rooftop solar panels. Despite the fact that the net metering policy exists in most states, the implementation has been bumpy. Generally, the discoms are ardently against the net metering across the states. Numerous rooftop installers believe that the net metering is a significant and exceptional selling point and draws people’s attention towards the rooftop solar installations.

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has laid down new rules that state the rights of power consumers to minimum standards of quality. One of the essential provisions in the regulations mandates net metering for loads only up to 10 kW, and “gross metering” for loads greater than 10 kW. The rules in the Electricity Rules (Rights of Consumers), 2020 include the following:Rights of consumers and obligations of distribution licenseesRelease of new connections and modifications in existing onesMetering arrangementsDisconnection and reconnectionBilling and paymentReliability of supply The arrangement for the net metering threshold was conceived under a section tending to the rights of the consumers and prosumers. The section stated the prosumers would appreciate the same rights and privileges as the general consumer. The prosumers will also reserve the right to set up renewable energy generation units, which includes the rooftop solar system installed by them or through a service provider. The Ministry of Power had proposed the idea of net metering for the rooftop solar projects with a capacity 5 kW and proposed gross metering for the project that have a capacity above 5 kW. The ministry had welcomed remarks and recommendations from all the stakeholders with respect to the guidelines proposed. Under the gross metering regiment, the consumer is compensated at fixed feed-in-tariff for the total amount of solar energy units that was generated and subsequently fed to the grid. Customers at that point pay the distribution companies retail tariff for the solar power that they had consumed. In this case, the retail tariff is higher than the feed-in tariff. Then again, in the net metering, the exported solar power is adjusted against the energy consumed in the electricity bill. Net metering has been the main obstacle for the growth of rooftop solar panels. Despite the fact that the net metering policy exists in most states, the implementation has been bumpy. Generally, the discoms are ardently against the net metering across the states. Numerous rooftop installers believe that the net metering is a significant and exceptional selling point and draws people’s attention towards the rooftop solar installations.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

Infrastructure Urban

08 May 2026

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Infrastructure Transport

08 May 2026

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..