📖 Understanding Import and Export of Solar Energy in TNEB's Bimontly Billing - Residencial Tariff 🏠
- Newera Renewables
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 11
As solar adoption grows across Tamil Nadu, many consumers are installing rooftop solar systems and connecting them to the grid under the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB)’s net metering scheme. If you're a solar consumer—or planning to become one—it's important to understand how your import and export of electricity is calculated in TNEB’s bimonthly billing cycle.
This blog breaks it down clearly.
☀️ What is Net Metering?
Under TNEB's net metering policy:
Import is the electricity you consume from the grid when your solar system isn't generating enough.
Export is the excess solar power your system sends back to the grid when it generates more than you need.
A bi-directional meter installed by TNEB tracks both these values.
📊 How Import & Export Are Calculated in TNEB Bimonthly Billing
TNEB follows a bimonthly billing cycle, during which your net meter is read and your energy usage is calculated as follows:
🔹 Step 1: Meter Reading
TNEB reads the cumulative import and export values from your net meter. The difference from your previous readings gives the energy usage for the current cycle.
Example:
Import Reading (Current) = 3500 kWh
Import Reading (Last) = 3000 kWh
✅ Import Units = 500 kWh
Export Reading (Current) = 1200 kWh
Export Reading (Last) = 900 kWh
✅ Export Units = 300 kWh
🔹 Step 2: Net Unit Calculation
Net Energy = Import – Export
In this case:Net Units = 500 – 300 = 200 kWh
This net usage is what appears on your TNEB bill.
🧾 Billing Scenarios
✅ Scenario A: Import > Export (Net Consumer)
You used more electricity than your solar system exported.
👉 You pay for the net units consumed (e.g., 200 kWh).
✅ Scenario B: Export > Import (Net Exporter)
You generated more electricity than you consumed.
👉 The excess units are carried forward as credit to future bills.
💡 What Happens to Extra Solar Credits?
Surplus units are carried forward to the next billing cycle.
They can be adjusted against future consumption.
At the end of the financial year, unused credits may lapse—they are not paid out in cash.
💰 Charges That Still Apply
Even if you have surplus solar credits, some charges are always applicable, such as:
🔌 Fixed charges (based on your sanctioned load)
🔧 Net-Metering and service charges
🧾 Electricity tax/duties (if applicable)
📱 How to Check Your TNEB Solar Bill
You can view your bimonthly bill and solar adjustments online:
Enter your Service Number
View or download the bill and check:
Import units
Export units
Net units billed
Carried forward credits (if any)
🧾 Summary Table
Component | Description |
Import | Power consumed from grid |
Export | Solar power sent back to grid |
Net Units | Import – Export |
Credits | Export > Import → Carried forward |
Fixed Charges | Always applicable |
Billing Cycle | Every 2 months (bimonthly) |
🛠 Need Help With Tariff or Setup?
If you’re a residential, commercial, or industrial user, your billing may differ slightly based on your tariff category. Get in touch with Newera Renewables, your trusted Solar Installer for personalized guidance—or feel free to contact us for a breakdown based on your service type.
📲 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.