What is net metering in India?

Net metering in India is a billing mechanism where solar panel owners can export surplus electricity to the grid and receive a credit on their electricity bill at a fixed buy-back rate (Feed-in Tariff). The difference between electricity consumed and electricity exported is billed at the normal retail tariff.

Which Indian state has the highest solar buy-back rate?

Karnataka (BESCOM) offers the highest net metering buy-back rate in India at ₹3.56/kWh as of 2026. Maharashtra (MSEDCL) offers ₹3.25/kWh, Tamil Nadu (TNEB) ₹2.25/kWh, and Himachal Pradesh (HPSEBL) offers the lowest at ₹1.50/kWh.

How is net metering bill calculated in India?

Net metering bill = (Units consumed from grid − Units exported to grid) × retail tariff. If export exceeds consumption, the surplus is carried forward as a credit. The calculator shows monthly credits, annual export earnings, and net bill for your DISCOM.

What is the net metering limit in India?

Under PM Surya Ghar, the net metering limit for residential consumers is equal to their sanctioned load, capped at 10 kW. States like Kerala, Gujarat and Karnataka allow up to 1 MW for commercial consumers. Always verify the current limit with your state DISCOM.

How much can I earn from net metering with a 3kW solar system?

A 3kW solar system generates approximately 300–420 units/month depending on your state. If you self-consume 200 units and export 150 units, your monthly export earnings at ₹3/kWh would be ₹450, plus bill savings of ₹1,200–₹1,800 on self-consumed units. Annual earnings: ₹15,000–₹25,000 in high-tariff states.

Which Indian state has the best net metering buyback rate?

Karnataka (BESCOM) currently offers the highest buyback rate at ₹3.56/kWh, making it the most favorable for net metering in India. Maharashtra (₹3.06/kWh), Andhra Pradesh (₹3.14/kWh), and Madhya Pradesh (₹3.07/kWh) also offer competitive rates. Himachal Pradesh (₹1.50/kWh) and Goa (₹1.88/kWh) are on the lower end.

Is the self-consumption saving different from the export earnings?

Yes — and this distinction is important. For every unit you self-consume (solar replaces grid import), you save at the retail tariff rate (e.g. ₹8/kWh). For every unit you export, you earn the buyback rate (e.g. ₹3.56/kWh). Self-consumption is always more valuable than exporting, which is why right-sizing your system to match your consumption is key.

How many units should I size my solar system to generate?

Ideally, size your solar system to generate 90–110% of your monthly consumption. Oversizing leads to high exports at the lower buyback rate; undersizing misses savings. Use our Solar Panel Size Calculator to get the exact kW and panel count based on your AC usage.

Does monsoon season significantly affect net metering earnings?

Yes. July and August see 25–30% lower generation than the annual average due to cloud cover. This calculator accounts for seasonal variation in the monthly chart — you can see exactly which months will have a surplus (bars above the consumption line) and which will need grid imports (bars below).

Can I apply for net metering without PM Surya Ghar subsidy?

Yes, net metering and PM Surya Ghar subsidy are independent programs, though combining them is advantageous. PM Surya Ghar actually mandates net metering as part of the scheme. If you're not applying for subsidy, you can still get a net metering connection by applying directly to your DISCOM.

What happens if my annual export credits exceed my annual bill?

In most Indian states, annual net surplus is settled at the end of the financial year — the DISCOM pays you the buyback rate for all excess units exported beyond your annual consumption. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala use annual settlement cycles, while most others settle monthly with carry-forward of credits.

Is there a maximum solar system size for net metering?

Most states allow net metering up to system sizes equal to the sanctioned load of the connection (typically up to 500 kW for residential/commercial). Rajasthan and Gujarat are among the most liberal, allowing up to 1 MW. The PM Surya Ghar scheme is targeted specifically at systems up to 3 kW for residential applications.

LIVE: 2026 Buy-Back Rates Updated

Net Metering — All 22 State DISCOMs · India 2026

Net Metering Earnings Calculator (2026)

Select your DISCOM, enter your solar system size and monthly consumption — instantly see your monthly bill credit, annual solar export earnings, and net electricity bill across all 22 Indian states.

22 State DISCOMs

All Major Utilities Covered

2026 Buy-Back Rates

Updated Monthly

Instant Results

No Login Required

12-Month Projection

Seasonal Generation

Calculate My Net Metering Earnings Claim ₹78K Subsidy First

Net metering rates range from ₹1.50/kWh (HP) to ₹3.56/kWh (Karnataka). Your DISCOM determines your exact export earnings.

Two Earning Streams

Net metering gives bill savings on self-consumed solar (retail rate) PLUS cash credit for exported surplus (FIT/buyback rate). Both calculated instantly.

State-Specific Rates

Buyback rates range from ₹1.50 to ₹3.56/kWh depending on your DISCOM. We have all 22 state rates loaded and updated for 2026.

12-Month Seasonal View

India's monsoon cuts Jul–Aug generation by ~30%. See exactly how your earnings vary month-by-month across the full year.

Net Metering Earnings Calculator

Adjust sliders — results update instantly. No button needed.

Your Setup

Your State / DISCOM

Retail: ₹8/kWh

Buyback: ₹3.56/kWh

Sun: 5.8h/day

Solar System Size3 kW

1 kW5 kW10 kW15 kW

Generates ~418 kWh/month in Karnataka

Monthly Consumption

Monthly units used300 kWh

503006001000 kWh

₹2,400

Monthly Bill Credit

₹420

Monthly Export Earnings

₹0

Net Monthly Bill

₹33,840

Annual Total Savings

Monthly Energy Flow

Solar Generated418 kWh

Self-Consumed300 kWh (100%)

Exported to Grid118 kWh (28%)

Still Imported0 kWh

Rate Breakdown (Karnataka)

Retail tariff (you pay)₹8/kWh

Buyback rate (grid pays)₹3.56/kWh

Self-consumption saving₹8/kWh

Bill reduction118%

Zero electricity bill this month!

Your solar system generates more than you consume. Export surplus earns you ₹420/mo.

Self-Consumption vs Export — Which Earns More?

Net metering gives you two distinct financial benefits, and understanding the difference is crucial for maximizing returns. Self-consumption — using solar power directly instead of buying from the grid — saves you at the full retail tariff rate (e.g. ₹8.32/kWh in Maharashtra).

Exporting surplus to the grid earns you the buyback (Feed-in Tariff) rate, which is always lower than the retail rate (e.g. ₹3.06/kWh in Maharashtra). This means one unit self-consumed is worth 2.7× more than one unit exported.

The practical implication: size your solar system to match your peak daytime consumption, not to overproduce. Run your ACs, washing machines, and geysers during solar hours. Use the Solar Panel Size Calculator to find the exact right system size.

Size My Solar System

Example: Maharashtra — 3 kW System, 300 kWh/month

Monthly solar generation

396 kWh

Self-consumed (300 kWh)

₹2,496(saved at ₹8.32/unit)

Exported (96 kWh)

₹294(earned at ₹3.06/unit)

Net monthly bill

₹0(Zero bill!)

Annual total savings

₹33,480(per year)

Pro Tip: Time Your Appliances

Shift high-consumption appliances (washing machine, geyser, EV charging) to 10AM–3PM when solar generation peaks. Every extra unit self-consumed saves ₹8 instead of earning ₹3 as an export.

State-Wise Net Metering Rates — All 22 DISCOMs

Retail tariff (what you pay) vs buyback rate (what grid pays for your export). Updated 2026.

State	DISCOM	Retail Rate	Buyback Rate	Sun Hours	Settlement	Rating
Karnataka	BESCOM	₹8	₹3.56	5.8h	Monthly	Excellent
Andhra Pradesh	APEPDCL/APSPDCL	₹7.5	₹3.14	5.5h	Monthly	Good
Telangana	TSSPDCL/TSNPDCL	₹8	₹3.07	5h	Monthly	Good
Madhya Pradesh	MPEZ/MPPKVVCL	₹7	₹3.07	5.5h	Monthly	Good
Maharashtra	MSEDCL	₹8.32	₹3.06	5.5h	Monthly	Good
Punjab	PSPCL	₹6.5	₹3.04	5h	Monthly	Good
Delhi	BSES/TPDDL	₹8.5	₹3	5.5h	Monthly	Good
Rajasthan	JVVNL/AVVNL	₹7.5	₹2.97	6.5h	Monthly	Good
Haryana	DHBVN/UHBVN	₹7	₹2.97	5.5h	Monthly	Fair
West Bengal	WBSEDCL/CESC	₹7	₹2.9	5h	Monthly	Fair
Kerala	KSEB	₹6.5	₹2.5	4.5h	Annual	Fair
Bihar	SBPDCL/NBPDCL	₹6.5	₹2.5	5.5h	Monthly	Fair
Odisha	TPCODL/NESCO	₹6	₹2.5	5.5h	Monthly	Fair
Uttarakhand	UPCL	₹5	₹2.5	5h	Monthly	Fair
Gujarat	PGVCL/DGVCL	₹5.5	₹2.25	6h	Monthly	Good
Tamil Nadu	TANGEDCO	₹5	₹2.25	5.5h	Annual	Fair
Uttar Pradesh	UPPCL	₹7	₹2.25	5.5h	Monthly	Fair
Jharkhand	JBVNL	₹6	₹2.25	5.5h	Monthly	Fair
Chhattisgarh	CSPDCL	₹5.5	₹2.25	5.5h	Monthly	Fair
Assam	APDCL	₹7	₹2.25	4.5h	Monthly	Fair
Goa	GEDCL	₹4	₹1.88	5.5h	Monthly	Fair
Himachal Pradesh	HPSEBL	₹4	₹1.5	5h	Annual	Fair

Buyback rates sourced from state DISCOM regulatory orders, FY 2026–27. Retail rates are average domestic slab rates. Verify with your DISCOM before system sizing.

Net Metering — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before applying for net metering in India

Net metering lets your solar system feed excess electricity back to the grid. Your electricity meter tracks both units consumed (from grid) and units exported (to grid). At the end of the billing cycle, you pay only the net units — consumption minus export. For surplus export, the DISCOM pays you or credits your account at the buyback (FIT) rate, which is typically lower than the retail rate.