Complete Guide to Net Metering Application in Rajasthan
Follow our expert guide to successfully apply for net metering in Rajasthan, secure your government subsidies, and start exporting surplus solar power to the grid.
Understanding Net Metering for Rajasthan Homeowners
Net metering is the cornerstone of a successful rooftop solar installation in Rajasthan, acting as the bridge between your solar system and the electrical grid. Essentially, net metering allows your solar panels to feed excess electricity generated during sunny days back into the distribution grid, while you draw electricity from the grid during the night or overcast days. In Rajasthan, this process is governed by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC), which ensures that your exported energy is credited against your consumption.
Recent regulatory updates have made the process significantly more accessible. For domestic consumers installing systems up to 10 kW, the mandatory technical feasibility study has been waived, streamlining your path to approval. Furthermore, the export tariff for surplus energy is currently set at ₹3.26 per unit for net metering, providing tangible financial returns on your investment. By understanding this mechanism, you can effectively offset your monthly electricity bills and achieve a faster payback period, often estimated at 3.5 to 4 years for residential systems.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Applying for net metering in Rajasthan is a structured process involving your local DISCOM (JVVNL, AVVNL, or JdVVNL). Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Registration: Visit the official National Portal for Rooftop Solar (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and register using your mobile number and email. You will need your K-Number from your electricity bill.
2. Submission: Log in and select your respective DISCOM (Jaipur, Ajmer, or Jodhpur). Fill out the application with the proposed system capacity and your chosen MNRE-empanelled vendor details.
3. Approval: For systems under 10 kW, you are generally exempt from a separate feasibility study. For larger systems, the DISCOM will verify technical feasibility, typically within 15 to 30 days.
4. Installation: Engage a registered vendor to install your system using ALMM-approved solar modules and BIS-certified inverters.
5. Inspection & Metering: Once installed, submit the completion report via the portal. A DISCOM official will visit your site for inspection. Upon successful verification, they will replace your existing electricity meter with a bidirectional net meter, enabling the recording of both import and export units.
Required Documentation and Eligibility
To successfully process your net metering application without delays, you must prepare the correct documentation. Having these ready before you begin your online registration will save you significant time.
Essential documents include: A recent electricity bill (noting your K-Number, service connection number, and sanctioned load), proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport), and proof of property ownership (such as a registered sale deed, allotment letter, or municipal tax receipt). If you are a tenant, you will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner. Additionally, ensure you have technical data sheets for your solar modules and inverters to prove they meet the required quality standards. Remember, the system must be installed by an empanelled vendor to qualify for government subsidies. Keep a digital copy of these documents ready for upload during the registration phase on the national portal.
Maximizing Financial Benefits: Subsidies and Savings
Rajasthan offers one of the most attractive financial environments for solar adoption in India due to high solar insolation and a tiered subsidy structure. Eligible residential consumers can claim the Central Government's PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy, which offers up to ₹78,000 for systems with a capacity of 3 kW or higher.
In addition to central support, Rajasthan provides a state-level subsidy of ₹17,000 specifically for beneficiaries of the 100-unit free electricity scheme, bringing the total potential subsidy to ₹95,000. This combination significantly lowers your upfront capital expenditure. A 3 kW system, which typically costs between ₹1.3 to 1.5 lakhs after subsidies, can generate roughly 360–450 units per month. With the combination of reduced electricity bills and the export tariff of ₹3.26/kWh, households can reduce their annual electricity expenditure by 40–60%. By utilizing these financial incentives and efficient net metering, you secure long-term energy independence.
Frequently asked
What is the net metering export tariff in Rajasthan?
Currently, domestic rooftop solar systems in Rajasthan receive ₹3.26 per unit (kWh) for surplus energy exported to the grid under the net-metering regime.
Which DISCOM should I apply to?
You must apply to the DISCOM that serves your region: JVVNL (Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd) for Jaipur, AVVNL (Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd) for Ajmer/Udaipur, or JdVVNL (Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd) for Jodhpur.
Do I need a feasibility study for a 5 kW system?
No, for domestic consumers, solar systems up to 10 kW under net metering are exempt from the mandatory technical feasibility study in Rajasthan, making the approval process faster.
How much total subsidy can I get in Rajasthan?
Eligible consumers can receive up to ₹78,000 from the Central PM Surya Ghar scheme plus an additional ₹17,000 from the state government, totaling ₹95,000 for eligible free electricity beneficiaries.
Can tenants apply for the net metering subsidy?
Yes, tenants can apply for the solar subsidy and net metering if they have a valid residential electricity connection and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.
What is the role of the K-Number in the application?
The K-Number is your unique consumer ID found on your electricity bill. It is mandatory for registering your application on the National Portal (pmsuryaghar.gov.in) to link your solar account with your DISCOM records.
How long does the net meter installation take?
Once your system is installed and inspected, the DISCOM is generally expected to install the net meter within 15 to 30 days of the final approval/commissioning certification.