By AltiSun Solar
If you’ve been thinking about switching to solar power at home, you’ve probably heard the term net-metering thrown around. It sounds technical, maybe even a little bureaucratic—but once you understand it, it’s actually one of the smartest policies Telangana has for homeowners with rooftop solar systems.
Let’s break it down the way we’d explain it to a friend over tea on a sunny Hyderabad afternoon.
So, What Exactly Is Net-Metering?
Imagine this: your solar panels are quietly soaking up the sun, powering your fans, fridge, and that forever-hungry washing machine. But what happens when you produce more power than you use? That extra energy doesn’t go to waste—it flows back into the grid.
Now here’s the clever part: with net-metering, your electricity meter runs both ways. It measures not only what you take from the grid but also what you send back. At the end of the month, your DISCOM (distribution company) tallies the numbers and bills you for the net energy you used.
Simple math, right? If you used 400 units but exported 150, you’re billed for only 250. It’s fair, transparent, and a great incentive for residential solar users in Telangana.
Why Telangana’s Net-Metering Policy Stands Out
Telangana has been fairly progressive in making solar adoption easier. Through its Rooftop Solar Policy, the state encourages residential users to go solar with both net-metering and government subsidies (under MNRE’s national scheme).
The process used to be tangled in paperwork, but now—with the launch of the National Portal for Rooftop Solar—it’s become much smoother. And if you’re working with a professional installer like AltiSun Solar, most of it gets handled for you anyway.
Still, if you’re the curious type (and you should be), here’s a clear look at each step.
Step-by-Step Process for Net-Metering in Telangana
Let’s walk through it, one phase at a time.
Step 1: Choose a Registered Vendor
First things first—you’ll need an MNRE-approved vendor. Why? Because only registered installers are authorized to apply for the subsidy and the net-metering connection.
When you contact a company like AltiSun Solar, they’ll visit your site, assess your rooftop, check your load requirement, and design a suitable system—say, a 3kW or 5kW setup depending on your energy use and roof size.
Step 2: Apply Through the National Portal
Next comes the formal part.
You (or your installer) register on the National Portal for Rooftop Solar—solarrooftop.gov.in.
There, you’ll fill in details like your electricity consumer number, DISCOM, system capacity, and vendor name. Once submitted, the application gets forwarded to your local DISCOM—TSSPDCL or TSNPDCL, depending on where you live.
Pro tip? Make sure your electricity connection is in your name and your bills are up to date. Small things like that prevent unnecessary delays.
Step 3: Technical Feasibility Approval (TFA)
After the application lands with your DISCOM, they’ll conduct a quick technical feasibility check—basically, confirming your area’s grid can safely handle the solar system you’re planning to install.
This approval usually takes 7–10 working days. Once cleared, you’ll receive an email notification or message on your portal account saying you can move forward with installation.
Step 4: Installation and Inspection
Here’s where your solar journey gets real. Your vendor installs the panels, inverter, mounting structures, and wiring—all customized to your rooftop layout.
Once installation is done, the DISCOM will schedule an inspection visit. Their engineer verifies that your system follows safety and technical standards. If everything checks out, they issue the net-metering approval.
It’s worth noting that AltiSun’s team usually coordinates this entire inspection—so homeowners don’t have to juggle calls or wait endlessly for updates.
Step 5: Meter Replacement and Connection
After approval, your old meter gets replaced with a bi-directional (net) meter.
This smart device records both the import and export of energy.
From that point onward, you officially start your net-metering journey. The units you export will be adjusted against your consumption during each billing cycle.
Some months—especially during peak summer—you might even generate more than you use. In that case, those extra units carry forward as credits to the next month. It’s like rolling over mobile data—but way more rewarding.
Step 6: Claim Your Subsidy (If Eligible)
If your system is between 1kW and 10kW, you’re likely eligible for the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under MNRE’s subsidy program.
Here’s roughly what you can expect:
Capacity | Approx. Subsidy (₹) |
1kW | ₹18,000 |
2kW | ₹36,000 |
3kW | ₹58,000 |
4kW and above | ₹78,000 (max) |
Once your system is commissioned and net meter installed, your subsidy claim is verified online, and funds are directly transferred to your bank account within a few weeks.
Not bad for going green, right?
Step 7: Sit Back and Track Your Savings
Now comes the satisfying part—watching your meter run backward.
Most modern inverters come with built-in monitoring apps, so you can see your daily energy production, export numbers, and savings in real time.
Homeowners in areas like Kukatpally, Uppal, and Miyapur often see their electricity bills drop by 70–90%. And since Telangana enjoys abundant sunlight almost all year, your payback period is usually around 5–6 years—after which the energy is practically free.
Common Questions Homeowners Ask
Q: Can I install solar without net-metering?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Without net-metering, excess power is wasted. With it, you get full credit for every unit you export.
Q: What if my consumption increases later?
No problem. Your system can often be upgraded, and the same net-metering connection applies.
Q: Is maintenance complicated?
Not at all. Just clean your panels every couple of weeks and schedule annual service checks. That’s it.
Why AltiSun Solar Handles It Better
Here’s the truth—paperwork and coordination can get messy if you’re doing it alone. That’s why AltiSun Solar takes care of every step: from application and inspection to subsidy claim and after-sales support.
We’re MNRE-registered and work closely with Telangana’s DISCOMs to make your net-metering approval smooth and quick. And yes, we provide performance monitoring and system maintenance for complete peace of mind.
Wrapping It Up
Net-metering isn’t just a regulation—it’s your gateway to energy freedom. It ensures every extra unit your panels produce comes back to you as savings.
If you’re planning solar installation in Telangana, don’t wait. Reach out to AltiSun Solar, and we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step—minus the stress, minus the confusion.
