Net metering in Solar Systems; On Grid and Off Grid system in Solar Power

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🌞 Net Metering in Solar Power Systems

🔹 What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a billing arrangement provided by DISCOMs (Power Distribution Companies) that allows consumers (households, businesses, and industries) to generate electricity using solar PV systems and export surplus power to the grid.



A bi-directional net meter is installed, which records:

  • Import → Electricity consumed from the grid.
  • Export → Surplus electricity sent back to the grid.

The consumer is billed only for the net consumption (Import – Export). If exports exceed imports, the consumer may receive credits or payments from the DISCOM.

🔹 Solar PV Power Generation Basics

  • Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) modules convert sunlight into DC electricity.
  • A Power Conditioning Unit (Inverter) converts DC to AC for household/industrial use.
  • The system can be connected to:
    1. On-Grid (Preferred) – Connected directly to the grid, no batteries required.
    2. Off-Grid – Works independently with batteries for storage.

✅ Example (On-Grid):
If a factory requires 100 kW, and its solar system generates 5 kW, the net demand from the grid is only 95 kW.

🔹 How Does a Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar System Work?

  1. Solar PV Panels on rooftops capture sunlight → generate DC electricity.
  2. Inverter converts DC to AC → connects to building distribution board.
  3. Load Consumption → Solar power is consumed first, grid power supplements if needed.
  4. Excess Power → Automatically exported to DISCOM grid.
  5. Net Meter → Records both import & export.

🔹 Advantages of Net Metering & Rooftop Solar PV

✔ Clean, renewable, and sustainable energy.
✔ Reduces electricity bills by offsetting grid consumption.
✔ Converts consumers into “prosumers” (producers + consumers).
✔ Cuts diesel costs where DG backup is used.
✔ Surplus energy contributes to the grid, improving local supply.
✔ No land required – rooftops are utilized.
✔ Minimal maintenance – only periodic cleaning of panels.

🔹 Implementation Guidelines (Typical in India – Example: APTRANSCO/APDISCOMS)

  • Applicable for 3-phase consumers.
  • Certified switchgear & harmonic suppressors required for safety.
  • Statutory approvals from CEIG (Chief Electrical Inspector to Government).
  • Application submission to concerned DE/Operation.
  • Technical feasibility & synchronization certificate issued by DISCOM.
  • Meter specifications: Tri-vector, 0.2 class accuracy, MRI compatible.
  • Insurance requirement: e.g., ₹5 lakhs coverage for safety risks.
  • Billing: Spot billing with net metering software integrated into DISCOM systems.

🔹 On-Grid vs Off-Grid – Quick Comparison

Feature

On-Grid Solar PV

Off-Grid Solar PV

Grid Connection

Yes (synchronized with DISCOM grid)

No (independent system)

Batteries Required

❌ Not required

✅ Required

Efficiency

Higher (no battery losses)

Lower (due to charging losses)

Power Backup

No (depends on grid)

Yes (battery backup available)

Cost

Lower

Higher (battery cost included)

Popularity

Widely adopted

Limited use (remote/off-grid)

✅ In summary:
Net metering is the bridge between consumers and the power grid, allowing rooftop solar users to cut costs, earn credits, and contribute to clean energy adoption with minimal maintenance.

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