Net Metering Policy for Rooftop Solar in Rajasthan
Maximize your rooftop solar investment with a comprehensive guide to net metering, state-specific subsidies, and the latest regulatory framework in Rajasthan.
Understanding Net Metering in Rajasthan
Net metering is the cornerstone of rooftop solar adoption in Rajasthan, allowing residential and commercial consumers to become 'prosumers'—both producers and consumers of electricity. Under the regulatory framework established by the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC), net metering enables you to feed surplus solar energy generated by your rooftop system back into the DISCOM grid. This surplus is recorded by a bi-directional meter, and you receive credits against your electricity consumption. In Rajasthan, the export tariff is currently set at approximately ₹3.26 per unit for residential consumers, significantly improving the payback period of your solar investment. The system ensures that your electricity bill only reflects the net units consumed (total consumption minus total solar generation). With the state's abundant solar resource and improved regulatory clarity, net metering has become a risk-free strategy to hedge against rising grid electricity tariffs. Whether you are served by JVVNL (Jaipur), AVVNL (Ajmer), or JdVVNL (Jodhpur), the net metering arrangement remains a uniform and non-discriminatory right for eligible consumers looking to transition to clean, sustainable energy.
Step-by-Step Application Process (2026 Update)
Applying for net metering in Rajasthan has been significantly simplified to promote ease of doing business and accelerate solar adoption. For domestic consumers installing systems up to 10 kW, the technical feasibility study is no longer required, as these applications are deemed automatically feasible. To begin, homeowners must register on the national PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana portal. Once registered, your application is automatically forwarded to your respective DISCOM (JVVNL, AVVNL, or JdVVNL). You will then select an empanelled vendor to complete the installation. Following the installation, you must submit a completion report and request a site inspection. The DISCOM engineer will visit your premises to verify the installation's compliance with safety and technical standards, including anti-islanding features for inverters. Upon successful inspection, the DISCOM will replace your existing electric meter with a smart, bi-directional net meter. Finally, a net metering agreement is signed between you and the DISCOM, officially activating your billing credits in the next billing cycle. The entire process, from application to commissioning, is designed to be completed within 30 to 45 days, ensuring your system starts saving you money without unnecessary delays.
Financial Benefits, Subsidies, and Export Tariffs
Rajasthan offers a compelling financial ecosystem for solar adopters, combining robust central subsidies with targeted state-level incentives. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, residential consumers can avail a central subsidy of ₹30,000 for a 1 kW system, ₹60,000 for 2 kW, and a capped maximum of ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above. Complementing this, the Rajasthan government provides an additional incentive of ₹17,000 for consumers covered under the state’s 100-unit free electricity scheme, effectively making small solar systems highly affordable. Beyond installation subsidies, the operational economics are bolstered by the net export rate. As of the latest updates, the export tariff for excess solar energy fed into the grid is ₹3.26 per unit under the net-metering regime. This ensures that even when your generation exceeds your immediate consumption, your surplus energy adds tangible value to your bank account or electricity bill. By properly sizing your solar plant to match your annual consumption profile, you can achieve near-zero electricity bills while simultaneously contributing to Rajasthan’s ambitious renewable energy targets.
New Advancements: Virtual and Group Net Metering
In a major policy evolution as of late 2025 and 2026, the RERC has introduced Virtual Net Metering (VNM) and Group Net Metering (GNM) frameworks, revolutionizing solar access in the state. These mechanisms are designed for consumers who may lack suitable rooftop space or reside in multi-story apartments where individual rooftop installations are technically or legally challenging. Virtual Net Metering allows multiple consumers to share the credits generated from a single, off-site solar project installed within the same DISCOM area. Group Net Metering permits a single consumer to adjust surplus solar energy generated at one site against other electricity connections owned by them. These policies effectively democratize solar access, allowing balconies, open land, and community rooftops to serve as hubs for renewable energy generation. Furthermore, these configurations are exempt from many of the traditional wheeling and banking charges, further enhancing their financial viability. Whether you are a housing society, a government institution, or a residential user with space constraints, these new frameworks ensure that the benefits of Rajasthan’s solar policy are accessible to everyone, regardless of their roof type.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Net Metering and Net Billing in Rajasthan?
Net metering allows you to offset your consumption with your generation, where you only pay for the net units imported. Net billing involves selling your entire generated solar power to the grid at a fixed export rate and buying your electricity consumption separately at retail rates.
Am I eligible for the state subsidy in Rajasthan?
You are eligible for the additional ₹17,000 state subsidy if you are a beneficiary of the Rajasthan government's 100-unit free electricity scheme. This is provided in addition to the central PM Surya Ghar subsidy.
Do I need a technical feasibility study for a home solar system?
For domestic rooftop solar installations up to 10 kW capacity, you no longer need a technical feasibility study. Your application is deemed technically feasible upon submission.
How long does it take to get a net meter installed after applying?
Once your application is submitted and the system is inspected, the DISCOM is typically required to install the net meter within 30 days of the approval of your connection agreement.
Can I use Virtual Net Metering if I live in an apartment?
Yes, the new RERC 2025/2026 regulations specifically allow Virtual Net Metering, enabling residents in apartments or those without suitable rooftops to participate in off-site solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills.
What happens to my excess solar credits at the end of the year?
In Rajasthan, net energy credits can typically be carried forward across billing cycles. Surplus credits remaining at the end of the financial year are usually settled by the DISCOM at a specified feed-in tariff rate.
Is it mandatory to install solar for beneficiaries of the free electricity scheme?
While not strictly mandatory for all, installing a solar system is highly recommended for beneficiaries of the 100-unit free electricity scheme to ensure the continuity of their energy benefits and to offset consumption exceeding the free limit.