Solar Net Metering &
Renewable Energy Connection Guide
A complete reference for consumers, vendors, and installers under the RERC Grid Interactive Distributed Renewable Energy Generating Systems Regulations 2021 (Third Amendment 2025) — applicable to Jaipur Discom (JVVNL) and Jodhpur Discom (JdVVNL).
Applicable Discoms
These guidelines are separately issued by both Discoms under the same RERC framework
For systems commissioned before 30 June 2021
Existing Net Metering connections under the 2015 Regulations shall continue under the 2015 framework for the duration of their connection agreement. Switchover to Net Billing or GNM/VNM is allowed only after terminating the existing connection agreement.
Types of Arrangements Available
Choose the one that best fits your consumer profile and installation type
Net Metering Arrangement
Best for domestic consumers who want to offset their own electricity use
Net Billing Arrangement
Best for those who want maximum revenue from solar generation
Group Net Metering
Same consumer, multiple connections in the Discom area
Virtual Net Metering
Multiple different consumers share benefits of one RE system
Important: Switching between arrangements
A consumer on Net Metering cannot move to Net Billing, GNM, or VNM without first terminating the existing connection agreement. A Net Billing prosumer cannot avail VNM or GNM.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply and what conditions must be met
You ARE eligible if...
You are NOT eligible if...
Special Relaxation for Government Connections
Government connections may be permitted conditional participation even with pending arrears, subject to conditions set by the Discom. Government connections under VNM/GNM (self-owned or RESCO) are also exempt from Cross Subsidy Surcharge and Additional Surcharge.
Educational Institutions (Net Metering consumers)
Schools/colleges recognized by GoI/GoR under Net Metering may opt for Net Billing during any two months of a financial year, subject to prior intimation to the Discom before the commencement of such period.
Capacity Limits & System Sizing Rules
Critical technical boundaries every installer must know
| Parameter | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Consumer — Maximum RE Capacity | 100% of Sanctioned Load or Contract Demand | Must also conform to RERC Supply Code 2021 |
| Minimum RE Capacity | > 1 kW | Applies to all arrangements (NM, NB, GNM, VNM) |
| Maximum per arrangement (NM / NB / GNM / VNM) | Up to 1 MW | Above 1 MW: governed by RERC Tariff Regulations 2020 |
| GNM / VNM — Cumulative Capacity | ≤ 100% of total sanctioned load of all participating connections | Each connection's eligible load = its own sanctioned load |
| Distribution Transformer Limit | Cumulative RE on a DT ≤ 80% of DT capacity | Exception: HT consumers who installed DT themselves (no 80% cap) |
| HT Consumers (≥11 kV) | May connect RE at LT Bus Bar System | Net Meter / RE Generation Meter must be on HT side of consumer's transformer |
| DC Capacity | No restriction on DC capacity (modules) | Only AC inverter output capacity is regulated |
| Peak AC Capacity (Inverter) | Must not exceed contracted AC capacity | Excess AC generation in any 15/30-min block lapses (NM/NB) or treated as deemed drawl (behind-meter) |
| Behind-Meter Systems (not opting NM/NB) | Max 100% of Contract Demand (AC side) | No energy to be injected into grid; inadvertent injection is penalized |
| Co-located Captive Plants (up to 1 MW) | May opt these Regulations OR RERC Tariff Regulations 2020 | Option once exercised cannot be changed |
VNM/GNM consumers with 100 kW–1 MW Contract Demand
These consumers have a choice: avail VNM/GNM under these Regulations, OR opt for Green Energy Open Access under RERC Green Energy Open Access Regulations 2025. Both cannot be availed simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow this sequence from installation planning to commissioning
Prepare Your Application
Fill the prescribed application form (Annexure II for NM/NB; Annexure IV-C1 for VNM; Annexure IV-C3 for GNM) along with required documents. For VNM — also include a signed sharing agreement (MoU) on stamp paper from all participating consumers.
Documents required: Latest paid electricity bill copy · Technical specs of RE system & inverter · Proof of payment of registration fee · General Power of Attorney / Board Resolution (for firms/companies) · ID proofs of all consumers (PAN / Aadhaar / EPIC).
Submit Application & Pay Registration Fee
Submit through the Discom's web portal / mobile app or manually at the designated Discom office. The Discom will acknowledge receipt and assign a unique registration number for online tracking.
Mandatory: provide e-mail address and mobile number. All subsequent correspondence happens via email/SMS.
Technical Feasibility Study by Discom
The Discom evaluates whether the local distribution infrastructure can support your RE system.
Special Rule — Domestic ≤ 10 kW (NM/VNM/GNM only): Applications for domestic consumers up to 10 kW are deemed accepted without requiring a formal feasibility study. Sanctioned load enhancement, if needed, is carried out by the Discom automatically.
Receive Letter of Approval (LoA)
If feasibility is confirmed, the Discom issues an LoA via email/SMS/post. This is the official green light to begin installation.
If deficiencies are found, you have 15 days to resolve them and notify the Discom. Failure to resolve = application cancelled (can re-apply after fixing).
Install the RE System
Install within 180 days of receiving the LoA. The installation must comply with all technical standards (CEA, RERC, IEC standards). Equipment should be pre-tested by the supplier with test certificates provided.
Consumer is responsible for the system up to the Interconnection Point; Discom takes over responsibility beyond that (including meters).
Submit Installation Certificate
After installation is complete, submit the installation certificate to the Discom in the prescribed format available on the Discom's web portal.
Connection Agreement, Meter Installation & Commissioning
Within 15 days of receiving the installation certificate, the Discom completes:
1. Signing of the Connection Agreement (25-year term) · 2. Installation and sealing of Net Meter / RE Generation Meter (jointly with consumer) · 3. Commissioning of the RE system
System is Live — Billing Begins
Your RE system is now grid-connected. Meter readings are taken monthly as per the regular billing cycle. The Discom's bill will separately show: generation recorded, units consumed, billing credit, and RPO generation units used.
For VNM/GNM — Additional connectivity timeline
Connectivity to consumer/system must be granted by the Discom within 30 days from the date on which the consumer/system is declared (or deemed) technically feasible.
Application Fees, Security Deposits & Waivers
All financial requirements at the time of application
Registration / Application Fee
| Connection Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| LT Single Phase | ₹ 200 |
| LT Three Phase | ₹ 500 |
| HT — 11 kV | ₹ 1,000 |
| HT — 33 kV | ₹ 2,000 |
| EHT — 132 kV and above | ₹ 5,000 |
Security Deposit (per kW of RE capacity)
| Consumer Category | Self-Owned | RESCO-Owned |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | ₹ 100/kW | ₹ 200/kW (double) |
| Non-Domestic & Others | ₹ 200/kW | ₹ 400/kW (double) |
| Security deposit bears no interest. | ||
Fee Waivers for Domestic Consumers (PM Surya Ghar / 5 Lakh Homes Target)
Until the State Government's target of 5 lakh rooftop solar installations is achieved, the following are waived for domestic consumers under NM, VNM, and GNM: 1. Application/Registration Fee · 2. Security Deposit · 3. Meter Testing Charges · 4. Requirement of execution of Connection Agreement (NM only). Check with the Discom for current waiver status.
Metering Arrangements
Types of meters, who installs them, and associated responsibilities
What it measures
Total electricity generated by the RE system. Installed at the Interconnection Point of the RE system. Required for all arrangements.
For Net Metering arrangements
Bi-directional meter recording both import (from grid) and export (to grid). Located at the interconnection point as determined by the Discom.
For Net Billing arrangements
RE Generation Meter records all generation. System is connected on the Discom side of the consumer meter — all power goes to grid first.
Consumer's metering rights
The consumer may purchase the requisite meter themselves (from the market), but it must be tested and installed by the Discom. All meters must comply with CEA (Installation and Operation of Meters) Regulations 2006. Meters must be installed where Discom personnel can access them easily 24×7.
Defective meter procedure
Consumer must report meter failure to Discom in the specified format. During defect period: readings from Check Meter are used. If both Main and Check Meters are defective: provisions of the Electricity Supply Code apply for estimated billing.
Billing Formulas, Settlement & Worked Examples
Understand exactly how your electricity bill is calculated
Net Billing — Bill Calculation Formula
+ (EDL × TRST)
− (ERE × TPPA)
− Billing Credit
EDL = Gross units consumed from grid (consumer meter)
TRST = Applicable retail tariff for consumer category
ERE = RE generation units (RE Generation Meter)
TPPA = Competitive bidding tariff (last FY) + 40% incentive
Billing Credit = Carried-forward credit from previous months
* TPPA (₹3.80) = Competitive bid tariff + 40% incentive, fixed for 25 years. Actual tariff varies by FY bidding results.
Net Metering — Energy Accounting Rules
| Scenario | Domestic Consumer | Non-Domestic Consumer |
|---|---|---|
| Export > Import in billing period | Surplus purchased at competitive bid tariff (≥5MW solar) + 25%. Credit adjusted in next billing cycle. | Surplus lapses — no payment, no carry-forward |
| Import > Export in billing period | Net imported units billed at retail tariff. Billing slab based on total consumption from all sources (grid + solar). | Net imported units billed at retail tariff. Billing slab based on total consumption from all sources (grid + solar). |
| Unadjusted credits at year-end (31 March) | Paid in cash by Discom within 1st month of next FY, at same rate (+25% above bid tariff) | Lapse — no payment |
* Billing slab determined by total 300 units (not just 50 net units). If export had exceeded import, surplus credit would carry forward.
GNM & VNM — Energy Accounting Summary
Settlement Logic
Settlement Logic
Time of Day (ToD) consumers under GNM/VNM
Surplus solar generation in any ToD time block (peak/off-peak) is first adjusted against the same time block. Any remaining surplus is treated as if it occurred in the off-peak block. Settlement of excess goes from lowest to highest ToD tariff block.
Year-End Billing Credit Settlement (Net Billing)
Any billing credit remaining at the end of the settlement period (March 31) is paid by the Discom to the consumer in cash, latest by the 15th of May of the next financial year. If a consumer leaves the system, the available billing credit lapses.
What every bill must show (Regulation 12.4)
For all RE consumers, the Discom's bill must separately itemize: (a) RE generation meter reading with opening/closing balance (b) Units consumed with opening/closing balance (c) Billing credit with opening/closing balance (d) Generation units used by Discom for RPO compliance.
Applicable Charges, Exemptions & Waivers
Which charges apply and which are waived for each arrangement type
| Arrangement & Ownership | Banking Charges | Wheeling Charges & Losses | Transmission Charges | Cross Subsidy Surcharge (CSS) | Additional Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NM — Self-Owned (all categories) | Exempt | Exempt | — | Exempt | Exempt |
| NM — RESCO-Owned (Domestic) | Exempt | Exempt | — | Exempt | Exempt |
| NM — RESCO-Owned (Non-Domestic) | Exempt | Exempt | — | 50% of Open Access CSS rate | 50% of Open Access rate (min ₹1.25/kWh) |
| Net Billing — Self or RESCO (all) | Exempt | Exempt | — | Exempt | Exempt |
| GNM/VNM — Domestic (Self or RESCO) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt (incl. losses) | Exempt | Exempt |
| GNM/VNM — Non-Domestic, Self-Owned (same premises) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt (incl. losses) | Exempt | Exempt |
| GNM/VNM — Non-Domestic, Self-Owned (other location) | Exempt | 11kV wheeling charges + losses apply | Exempt (incl. losses) | Exempt | Exempt |
| GNM/VNM — Non-Domestic, RESCO-Owned (on premises) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt (incl. losses) | 50% of Open Access CSS | 50% rate (min ₹1.25/kWh) |
| GNM/VNM — Non-Domestic, RESCO-Owned (other location) | Exempt | 11kV wheeling + losses apply | Exempt (incl. losses) | 50% of Open Access CSS | 50% rate (min ₹1.25/kWh) |
| Government connections (VNM/GNM — any model) | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt | Exempt |
BESS Wheeling Charge Waiver (GNM/VNM systems)
Systems with Battery Energy Storage: BESS capacity ≥ 5% of solar → 75% waiver on wheeling charges · Each 1% BESS beyond 5% → additional 1% waiver (up to 30% BESS) · BESS capacity ≥ 30% of solar → 100% waiver on wheeling charges. Applies to both self-owned and RESCO-owned systems.
Parallel Operation Charges
RERC may periodically stipulate Parallel Operation Charges for NM, GNM, and VNM consumers (to cover balancing/banking/wheeling costs net of RPO benefits). These do NOT apply to Net Billing consumers. Systems behind the consumer's meter are also subject to these charges.
CDM (Carbon Development Mechanism) Benefits
All CDM benefits arising from RE generation are retained by the Discom. However, the entire CDM benefit must be passed on to consumers through the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR).
RESCO Model — Third-Party Solar Installation
For vendors who own and operate RE systems on behalf of consumers
What is a RESCO?
A Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) is a third-party entity that owns and operates the RE system on the consumer's premises (or elsewhere) and provides solar energy to the consumer under a commercial arrangement. The Discom itself may also act as a RESCO (treated as its other business).
Key Contractual Rules
What RESCO Must Do
Site leasing / Space rental
An eligible consumer may lease their rooftop space, land, or water bodies to a RESCO for setting up the RE system. For VNM: any land owner (even non-consumer) may lease space to a RESCO or Utility-Led Aggregator. The Discom has no role in the commercial lease arrangement between RESCO and site owner.
Safety, Technical Standards & Grid Requirements
Mandatory compliance for vendors and installers
| Parameter | Standard/Reference | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Inverter Efficiency & Testing | IEC 61683 / IS 61683 | Compliance required for efficiency and measurements |
| Environmental Testing | IEC 60068-2 (1,2,14,30) | Cold, dry heat, temperature change, damp heat tests |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | IEEE 519 / CEA 2013 | Individual harmonics < 3%; THD (voltage & current) < 5% |
| Voltage Operating Window | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | 80% – 110% of nominal. Must isolate within 2 seconds. |
| Frequency Trip | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Trip within 0.2s if freq goes above 50.5 Hz or below 47.5 Hz |
| Synchronization | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Must not cause voltage fluctuation > ±5% at interconnection point |
| DC Injection | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | < 0.5% of full rated output or < 1% of rated inverter current |
| Power Factor | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | When output > 50%: lagging power factor > 0.9 |
| Anti-Islanding | IEC 62116 | Must detect islanding and disconnect; IEC-62116 tests required |
| Short-term Flicker (Pst) | IEC 61000 / CEA 2013 | ≤ 1 (over 10-minute window) |
| Long-term Flicker (Plt) | IEC 61000 / CEA 2013 | ≤ 0.65 (over ~2-hour window) |
| Power Quality (output) | EN 50160, Discom standards | Tests required at commissioning; inverter must filter harmonics |
| Paralleling Device | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Must withstand 220% of normal voltage at interconnection point |
| Overload / Overheat | CEA Connectivity Regulations 2013 | Auto shut-off on overload or overheat; auto-restart when normal |
| Manual Isolating Switch | Discom requirement | Visible open/close indication; lockable open; accessible 24×7 to Discom |
| AMI on Meters | CEA Meters Regulations 2006 | RS-485 or higher communication port mandatory on all meters |
Key Safety Responsibilities of the Consumer
- Consumer is solely responsible for any fatal or non-fatal accidents caused by back-feeding from the RE system when grid supply is off.
- Any alternate energy source (battery/DG/backup) must be restricted to the consumer's network — must not extend to the Discom's LT grid.
- In emergencies, the Discom has the right to disconnect the consumer's installation at any time.
- The Discom may also disconnect the RE system if it causes power quality problems for other consumers, hazardous conditions, or emergencies.
Behind-the-Meter RE Systems (Not Opting NM/NB)
For consumers who install solar but don't want to sell/export to the grid
For existing behind-meter solar consumers (pre-Sept 2021)
If you installed a Solar Rooftop PV system behind your meter without opting for Net Metering, you must submit the intimation form (Annexure-V) to the Discom. Failure to do so results in retroactive fixed charges. DC capacity is unrestricted — only the AC inverter output is regulated.
Connection Agreements — Key Terms
Legal framework governing your RE connection
| Agreement Type | Parties | Stamp Paper | Duration | Termination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Billing Agreement (Annexure IV-A) | Consumer + Discom | Standard | 25 years | Mutual consent |
| Net Metering Agreement (Annexure IV-B) | Consumer + Discom | Standard | 25 years (or as per pre-2021 agreement) | Mutual consent |
| VNM — CAPEX Agreement (Annexure IV-D, B.1) | Eligible Consumers + Discom | Rs. 100/- non-judicial, notarized | 25 years or license validity | 90-day notice by any party (to Lead Consumer) |
| VNM — RESCO Agreement (Annexure IV-D, B.1 RESCO) | RESCO + Discom + Consumers | Rs. 100/- non-judicial, notarized | 25 years or license validity | 90-day notice by any party (to RESCO + Lead Consumer) |
| GNM — CAPEX Agreement (Annexure IV-D-1) | Consumer (Parent) + Discom | Rs. 100/- non-judicial, notarized | 25 years or license validity | 90-day notice (to Parent Consumer) |
| GNM — RESCO Agreement (Annexure IV-D-1 RESCO) | RESCO + Discom + Consumer | Rs. 100/- non-judicial, notarized | 25 years or license validity | 90-day notice by any party |
What every agreement must cover
- Technical and interconnection requirements (CEA, RERC standards)
- Automatic isolation on grid power outage
- Discom access to metering and disconnecting means — 24×7
- Mutual indemnification for negligence/misconduct
- Commercial settlement as per RERC Regulations
- Synchronization circuit details, protection diagrams, test certificates
- Consumer responsibility for all approvals and clearances
VNM-specific: Lead Consumer duties
- Must be a participating consumer in the VNM arrangement
- Signs the Net Metering agreement on behalf of all participating consumers
- Acts as nodal person for all Discom correspondence
- Any change in Lead Consumer must be communicated in writing with approval from all participants
- May sign sharing ratio change documents on behalf of all consumers
Penalties & Dispute Resolution
Consequences for non-compliance and how disputes are settled
For Consumers
- Installing behind-meter system without intimation → Fixed charges for entire period of installation
- Failing to intimate existing behind-meter installation within 3 months → Additional monthly fixed charges from month 4 onwards
- Injecting energy into grid from behind-meter system → Penalty as per applicable Regulations
- Failing to commission within 180 days of LoA → LoA deemed cancelled; fresh application required
- Failing to remove deficiencies within 15 days → Application cancelled
For the Discom
- Failure to complete technical feasibility study within 15/30 days → Proposal deemed technically feasible
- Failure to issue LoA within 30 days of application acknowledgement → Discom is in default
- Failure to complete commissioning within 15 days of installation certificate → Discom in breach
- General failure to meet Regulation requirements → Penalty as decided by RERC from time to time
How billing and other disputes are resolved
Step 1: Billing disputes are first escalated to the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum of the Discom.
Step 2: If unresolved, the consumer may approach the Electricity Ombudsman.
For RESCO-Consumer disputes: Resolved mutually between the consumer and RESCO. The Discom and RERC are not parties. The Discom shall not disconnect a consumer because of a RESCO dispute.
Arrears with dispute: Consumer may deposit the disputed amount with the Discom under Section 56 of the Electricity Act 2003, after which the Discom must allow NM/NB/GNM/VNM connection pending resolution.
Quick Reference: Timeline Cheat Sheet
All critical time limits at a glance
| Milestone | Deadline | Consequence if Missed |
|---|---|---|
| Technical feasibility study (general) | 15 days from ack. | Deemed feasible |
| Technical feasibility (VNM/GNM — new consumers) | 30 days from ack. | Deemed feasible |
| Issue Letter of Approval (LoA) | 30 days from ack. | Discom in default |
| Intimation of deficiencies to applicant | 20 working days | — |
| Consumer to resolve deficiencies | 15 days from deficiency notice | Application cancelled |
| Consumer to install RE system after LoA | 180 days | LoA deemed cancelled; re-apply |
| Discom to commission system after installation certificate | 15 days | Discom in breach |
| VNM/GNM: Connectivity after feasibility | 30 days | Discom in breach |
| Discom pays year-end billing credit (Net Billing) | 15th May of next FY | Discom in default |
| Discom pays year-end NM domestic credit | First month of next FY | Discom in default |
| Existing behind-meter consumer intimation | 3 months from notification | Retroactive fixed charges |
| Change sharing ratio (GNM/VNM) — advance notice | 2 months before FY start | Change not processed |
| Priority list change for GNM | Once per FY, 2-month advance notice | Change not processed |
| Agreement termination notice (VNM/GNM) | 90 days prior notice | Agreement continues |
Email: secomml@jvvnl.org · Tel: 0141-2747041
CIN: U40109RJ2000SGC016486
Email: seracommiju@gmail.com · Tel: 0291-2742227
Web: energy.rajasthan.gov.in/jdvvnl · CIN: U40109RJ2000SGC016483