Understanding APDCL Net Metering
Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows consumers who generate their own electricity with rooftop solar panels to export excess power to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) grid. When your solar system generates more electricity during the day than your property consumes, the surplus energy flows back into the grid, turning your meter backward in credit.
How the APDCL Net Meter Works
APDCL replaces your existing single-direction energy meter with a certified **bi-directional net meter**. This meter records three key metrics:
- Import (KWh): Electricity drawn from the APDCL grid when solar generation is insufficient (e.g., at night).
- Export (KWh): Excess solar electricity sent into the APDCL grid during peak sunny hours.
- Net Billed Units: Calculated as
Import Units minus Export Units. You are billed only for this net amount. If Export exceeds Import in a month, the credit rolls over to the next month's bill within the financial year.
Step-by-Step APDCL Net Meter Application Workflow
Solar Assam manages the complete APDCL net metering application process on behalf of our customers:
| Stage | Process Description | Responsible Party | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Document Audit | Verify APDCL bill details, consumer name, and sanctioned load feasibility | Solar Assam & Consumer | 1 Day |
| Step 2: Online Portal Filing | Submit rooftop solar application on PM Surya Ghar / APDCL portal with Single Line Diagram (SLD) | Solar Assam | 1-2 Days |
| Step 3: Technical Sanction | APDCL sub-division issues technical feasibility approval for grid connectivity | APDCL Division | 3-7 Days |
| Step 4: Physical Installation | Mount panels, install grid inverter, ACDB/DCDB boxes, and triple chemical earthing | Solar Assam Engineers | 2-3 Days |
| Step 5: Work Completion Report | Upload installation photos, inverter test report, and earthing certificate (< 5 Ohms) | Solar Assam | 1 Day |
| Step 6: APDCL Site Inspection | APDCL electrical inspector verifies earthing, anti-islanding safety, and SLD compliance | APDCL Inspector | 5-10 Days |
| Step 7: Meter Replacement | APDCL installs bi-directional net meter and issues Commissioning Certificate | APDCL Sub-Division | 3-5 Days |
Required Documents for APDCL Net Meter Approval
- Latest APDCL Electricity Bill copy (Name & Address must match Aadhaar).
- Aadhaar Card copy of the connection holder.
- Bank Passbook copy (DBT enabled for subsidy credit).
- Site Passport Photo & Rooftop Photo.
- Vendor Empanelment Certificate and Inverter Test Report (Provided by Solar Assam).