Net Metering Explained: How to Get Paid for Your Solar Power

Net metering is one of the most important policies for solar homeowners. It allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid, effectively using the grid as a giant battery.

How Net Metering Works

When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, the excess flows back into the grid. Your electricity meter measures this flow in both directions:

• Electricity consumed from grid → you pay for this
• Electricity exported to grid → you receive credit for this

At the end of the billing period, you pay only the "net" difference. If you exported more than you consumed, you receive a credit on your next bill.

Net Metering in Kerala

Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) offers net metering for residential solar systems up to 1 MW under its rooftop solar programme. Key details as of 2020:

• Eligible systems: Grid-connected rooftop solar installations
• Metering: Bidirectional meter installed by KSEB at the consumer's expense - Credit rate: Retail electricity rate (approximately ₹3.25–₹6.40 per kWh depending on consumption slab, as per KSEB's 2019–20 tariff order)
• Settlement: Monthly billing with annual true-up settlement

How to Apply

1. Install a grid-connected solar system with an MNRE-empanelled installer
2. Submit application to KSEB with system specifications and installer details
3. KSEB inspects and approves the installation
4. Bidirectional meter is installed by KSEB
5. Net metering begins from the date of meter installation

The entire process typically takes 4–8 weeks. Genultimus has helped over 150 families complete this process since 2017.

Maximising Your Net Metering Benefits

• Size your system correctly — A system that produces 80–90% of your annual consumption maximises net metering benefits
• Shift consumption — Run high-energy appliances during peak solar hours
• Monitor your system — Track production and consumption to optimise your usage

Contact Genultimus for help with your net metering application.