📈 Net-Metering, Net Feed-In, and Gross Metering Explained – Tamil Nadu Guide

If you’re planning to install solar panels in Chennai or anywhere in Tamil Nadu, you should be familiar with terms such as Net-Metering, Net Feed-In, and Gross Metering before beginning your solar journey. These are different ways your solar power interacts with the electricity board (EB). Understanding them will help you choose the best option for your home, school, or business.

1. What is Net-Metering?

Net-Metering is a system where the electricity you generate from solar panels first powers your home or business.

• If you generate more power than you use, the extra goes to the grid, and you get credit for it.

• If you use more power than you generate, you draw the extra from the grid and pay only for the net usage.

  
  

Example: If your solar generates 500 units in a month and you use 600 units, your bill will be for just 100 units.

✅ Who can get it in Tamil Nadu?

• LT Domestic (Residential) consumers – Yes, Net-Metering is available.

• Government buildings – Eligible.

• Educational institutions (non-profit) – Eligible.

• Commercial educational institutions (billed under LT Commercial) – ❌ Not eligible; must opt for Net Feed-In.

• Hospitals (Commercial tariff) – ❌ Not eligible; must opt for Net Feed-In.

• LT Commercial businesses – Not available.

2. What is Net Feed-In?

Net Feed-In is different from Net-Metering.

• The power you generate from solar is first used for your own consumption.

• Any excess power you send to the grid is paid for by the EB at a fixed tariff rate (per unit).

• You still pay your normal electricity bill for the power you consume from the grid, but your export earnings are deducted.

Example: If you generate 500 units and consume 600 units:

• 400 units used directly,

• 100 units exported to grid → EB pays you (e.g., ₹3.00/unit),

• Remaining 200 units drawn from grid → you pay for them.

✅ Who can get it in Tamil Nadu?

• LT Commercial – Yes, Net Feed-In is available.

• LT Industrial – Eligible.

• Commercial educational institutions – Eligible under commercial tariff.

• Hospitals (Commercial tariff) – Eligible under Net Feed-In.

3. What is Gross Metering?

In Gross Metering, all the power you generate is sent directly to the grid.

• You do not use the solar power directly.

• EB pays you for every unit you export based on a fixed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) rate.

• All your electricity consumption still comes from the grid and is billed normally.

Example: If your solar generates 1,000 units, all 1,000 go to EB at ₹3.00/unit → EB pays ₹3,000. Your monthly consumption from grid is billed separately.

✅ Who can get it in Tamil Nadu?

• Large-scale solar power plants selling electricity to TANGEDCO.

• Institutions or businesses with long-term PPA agreements.

• Rare for small rooftop customers – mostly used in utility-scale projects.

Quick Eligibility Summary for Tamil Nadu

Consumer Type	Net-Metering	Net Feed-In	Gross Metering
Residential (LT Domestic)	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Commercial (LT Commercial)	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Industrial (LT Industrial)	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Government buildings	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Educational Institutions (Non-profit)	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Educational Institutions (Commercial tariff)	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Hospitals (Commercial tariff)	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Utility-scale Solar Plant	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you are a homeowner in Chennai – Net-Metering is usually best.

• If you are a shop, office, factory, hospital, or commercial school – Net Feed-In is your option.

• If you are a large-scale solar developer – Gross Metering is the route.

• If you are a school or college, check your tariff category first — this decides if you get Net-Metering or only Net Feed-In.

At Newera Renewables, we guide our clients through the entire process — from EB application to installation — so you get the best return from your solar investment. Whether you’re in the heart of Chennai or in nearby towns, we’ll help you choose the right metering method for your needs.

📞 Call us today to start saving on your electricity bill and contributing to a greener Tamil Nadu!

📲 Call: +91-9342345645

🌐 Website: www.newera-renewables.com

📩 Email: contact@newera-renewables.com

Power your future with the right solar choice—only with Newera Renewables.