Installation Is Only Part of the Process
A question we hear constantly from customers who've just had panels installed: "the panels are up, why isn't my bill lower yet?" The answer is that physical installation and official net-metering commissioning are two separate steps, and it's the second one — which involves APDCL, not just your installer — that determines when your system is actually allowed to export power and start earning bill credit.
The Realistic Stage-by-Stage Timeline
| Stage | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Physical installation | Panels, structure, inverter and cabling installed on-site | 1-2 days |
| 2. Internal testing | Installer tests system generation and safety shutoffs before handover | Same day to 1 day |
| 3. Net-meter application submitted | Application filed with the local APDCL sub-division for meter swap | Within a few days of installation |
| 4. APDCL site inspection | APDCL technical staff visit to verify the installation meets safety and technical standards | Varies by sub-division backlog — often several weeks |
| 5. Net meter installed | Old meter swapped for a bidirectional net meter | Days to a few weeks after inspection approval |
| 6. System commissioned | Export/import billing officially begins | Immediately after net meter installation |
In other words, from the day panels go up to the day your bill actually reflects net metering, a realistic expectation across Assam is anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, with stage 4 — waiting for APDCL's site inspection — being by far the most variable and the most common source of delay.
Where Delays Most Often Happen
- Sub-division inspection backlog. This is entirely on APDCL's side and varies by location and season — it's not something your installer can speed up beyond submitting complete, correct documentation the first time.
- Incomplete or mismatched application paperwork. Missing signatures, inconsistent consumer details, or an incomplete site diagram can bounce an application back for correction, adding real time to the process.
- No follow-up after submission. Applications don't always move forward automatically — a polite, periodic follow-up call to the local sub-division office can genuinely help keep your application from sitting untouched in a queue.
- Site not ready for inspection. If cabling, labelling, or safety signage isn't complete when the inspector arrives, the visit may need to be rescheduled, costing further weeks.
What You Can Do to Avoid Delays
Confirm with your installer that the net-metering application is filed promptly after installation, not left for "later." Ask for a copy of the submitted application and reference number so you can follow up independently if needed. And don't assume "no news" means "on track" — a quick check-in call to the sub-division office every couple of weeks, or having your installer do this on your behalf, is often what actually moves the process along.
Can You Use the System Before Net Metering Is Commissioned?
Technically, once installed and tested, the system can generate and power your home's daytime loads directly (reducing what you draw from the grid) even before the net meter is officially installed — but it cannot legally export surplus power to the grid or earn bidirectional billing credit until the net meter is in place. So you may see some benefit immediately, with the fuller savings kicking in once commissioning is complete.
FAQs
Who is responsible for filing the net-metering application — me or the installer?
In most cases the installer files it on your behalf as part of the installation package, but it's worth confirming this explicitly and getting a reference number for your own records.
What happens if APDCL's inspection finds an issue?
The installer will typically need to correct the flagged issue and request a re-inspection, which adds further time. This is another reason to choose an experienced, properly empanelled installer who gets installations right the first time.
Does the subsidy get delayed if net metering is delayed?
Subsidy disbursement is generally tied to installation and inspection verification, so a delayed net meter can also delay subsidy release in some cases — following up on both together is the most efficient approach.