Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) power plants generate electricity at the consumer’s premises and thereby help in reducing transmission and distribution losses. The electricity generated also contributes towards bridging the demand-supply gap. These PV grid-connected systems generate power during daytime and feed excess power into the grid. In cases where solar power generation is insufficient due to cloud cover or other reasons, the load is met by drawing power from the grid. Ideally, grid-interactive systems do not require battery backup, as the grid itself acts as a backup for both import and export of power. Net metering is implemented in rooftop solar systems, and the excess power generated is adjusted with PSPCL. This facility is presently allowed on yearly basis.

As per the PSERC Notification dated 18.08.2021 and subsequent amendments notified on 11.04.2026, Rooftop Solar PV systems are permitted under various arrangements including Net Metering, Net Billing, Group Net Metering (GNM), Gross Metering, Virtual Net Metering (VNM) and Behind-the-Meter arrangements. Under Group Net Metering (GNM), a single consumer having multiple service connections within the same distribution licensee area can utilize electricity generated from one rooftop solar plant against different participating connections. Similarly, Virtual Net Metering (VNM) allows residential colonies, multistorey residential complexes and common service connections to collectively benefit from a common rooftop solar system.

As per the PSERC Regulations, the maximum permissible capacity under Net Metering shall not exceed 500 kWp. The capacity under Net Billing or Gross Metering shall be subject to the sanctioned load/contract demand of the consumer.

The regulations also provide that consumers may install Rooftop SPV systems either through self-ownership or through a RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) developer model. Under the RESCO model, the rooftop solar system is installed, owned and maintained by the developer, while the consumer pays only for the electricity generated/consumed as per the agreed tariff between developer and consumer, without making upfront capital investment.

Benefits:

• Reduction in electricity bills, as PSPCL issues bills after adjustment of imported and exported power.
• Generation of clean and environment-friendly energy.
• Consumers become prosumers.
• Reduction in electricity consumption from the grid.
• Surplus energy generated can be adjusted or carried forward as per applicable net metering regulations.
• Group Net Metering enables optimum utilization of solar power across multiple service connections.
• Virtual Net Metering facilitates shared benefits of rooftop solar systems in residential colonies and apartments.
• Electricity duty is levied only on the net billed amount after adjustment of imported and exported power.
• Surplus power supplied to the PSPCL grid helps in reducing power shortages.
• Rooftop Solar systems support sustainable development and reduction in carbon emissions.

Till date, total of 4,622 rooftop solar power plants, with a cumulative capacity of 36.642 MW, have been installed in the State. Out of these, 4,322 plants with a cumulative capacity of 21.61 MW have been installed in Government schools. Further, the work on 659 govt. buildings is under process with a cumulative capacity of 18.751 MW.