Meera Pillai
Updated Nov 20, 2024 · 9 min read
Net metering is what transforms your solar panels from an electricity generator into a virtual battery connected to KSEB's grid — letting you bank surplus daytime generation and use it at night or on cloudy days.
Kerala has one of India's better net metering policies, but the billing mechanism confuses most new solar owners. This guide explains exactly how your KSEB bill changes after solar installation.
Quick Summary
- Net metering allows export of surplus solar generation to the KSEB grid
- Exported units are credited at ₹3.40–₹3.70 per unit (import tariff minus distribution charges)
- Monthly billing: You pay only for net units consumed (import minus export)
- Annual settlement: Surplus credits carried forward; KSEB pays out unused credits annually
- Billing cycle does not change — remains monthly
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Understanding KSEB Net Metering and Your New Bill
After your bidirectional net meter is installed by KSEB, your electricity bill format changes. The bill now shows units imported from the grid and units exported to it — and you pay only for the net difference.
The Thomas family's billing history below illustrates how net metering works across different months and how banked credits offset monsoon bills.
| Month | Units Imported | Units Exported | Net Units | Monthly Bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February (Peak Sun) | 95 | 175 | −80 (credit) | ₹70 fixed charges only |
| June (Monsoon) | 310 | 80 | 230 | ₹940 (vs ₹2,020 without solar) |
| September (Late Monsoon) | 280 | 60 | 220 | ₹870 (vs ₹1,850 without solar) |
| November (Post-monsoon) | 140 | 110 | 30 | ₹180 (vs ₹870 without solar) |
| Annual Average | 1,800 | 1,600 | 200 net | ₹420/month vs ₹1,850 |
Surplus banked credits from high-generation months (November–March) are carried forward for 12 months and automatically offset your consumption in low-generation months. At the annual settlement in March, any remaining unconsumed credits are paid out by KSEB at ₹3.40–₹3.70 per unit.
Shifting just two appliances — your water heater and washing machine — to run between 10 AM and 2 PM can increase your self-consumption ratio from 60% to over 80%, reducing the units you export at the lower ₹3.50/unit avoided cost rate and increasing savings at the full ₹6.50/unit import tariff rate.
Who Qualifies for KSEB Net Metering?
KSEB's net metering scheme is available to most residential solar owners, but there are specific technical and administrative requirements to meet:
- LT domestic electricity connection (single-phase 240V or three-phase 415V)
- Solar system capacity within your KSEB sanctioned load limit
- MNRE-empanelled installer who submits commissioning documents through the contractor portal
- BIS-certified panels and MNRE-listed inverter (required for net meter application approval)
- Completed PM Surya Ghar portal registration and feasibility approval before installation
Commercial and industrial KSEB connections have different net metering tariff rates and capacity limits. The avoided cost rate of ₹3.40–₹3.70/unit applies specifically to LT domestic connections. If your home has a commercial connection for any reason, verify the applicable tariff with KSEB before sizing your system.
