Electricity bills are rising every year, but what if your rooftop could pay for itself? With India’s Net Metering Policy 2025, households, businesses and industries now have more reasons to finally go solar. It brings both opportunities and responsibilities. Whether you already own a solar power system or you are still contemplating about it, you should certainly opt for it, by understanding how this policy works.
In this blog we will explore what Net Metering Policy 2025 is, how does it matter and how you can make the most of it.
What is Net Metering and Why is it important?
Think of Net Metering as your savings bank account. When your solar panel generates more power than what you use during the day, the surplus flows back into grid. At night or during cloudy days, you withdraw that “credit” therefore no wastage. And at the end of the billing cycle, you only pay for the “net” power consumed. In simple words any excess power produced by your system during the day wouldn’t be wastage but instead will be stored and will be utilised in the case of deficiency like during rain / night / cloudy sky. You pay your bill for the electricity you actually draw from the grid after your solar credits have been adjusted.
This simple but powerful system ensures that your solar installation doesn’t just cut costs but also work like a mini power plant. With India’s emerging need for energy and climate volatility Net Metering Policy plays a crucial role in making renewable energy affordable, attainable and attractive.
Key highlights of Net Metering Policy 2025 of the Government of West Bengal
The Net Metering Policy announced by WBERC (31st July 2025) focuses on three options for solar power systems, Net Metering, Net Billing and Gross Metering. Here is what you need to know:
Net Metering (for small & medium users)
- Export surplus solar power to grid
- Pay only for what you have consumed, i.e. net consumed units (Grid consumption – Exported Solar Units)
- Plant Capacity 1KW – 500 KW
- Max capacity Eligibility – 500 KW or Sanctioned load (whichever is lower)
- Best suited for residential and commercial buildings, SME’S, institutions.
- Bill Calculation: (Imported Units – Exported Units) * Retail tariff
Net billing (for large users > 500 KW)
- Export surplus solar power to grid
- Pay the difference (Imported power at retail tariff – Exported power credited at feed-in tariff)
- Plant Capacity > 500 KW
- Max capacity Eligibility – Up to sanctioned load
- Best suited for large scale industries like RPO compliance & long-term ROI
- Bill Calculation: (Imported units * Retail Tariff) – (Exported Units * Feed-in Tariff)
Gross Metering (for large industries)
- Export all solar power to the grid
- Pay the difference (Importer power at retail tariff – Total generated power at feed in tariff)
- Plant capacity > 500 KW
- Max capacity Eligibility – Up to sanctioned loan
- Best suited for large scale sectors
- Bill Calculation: (Imported Units * Retail Tariff) – (Generated Units * Feed in Tariff)
Early applicants secure limited net metering slots, under priority basis, missing out would mean waiting till next financial year.
Why it matters to you?
- Lower Electricity bills as you only pay for the net units consumed
- Energy independence with protection from rising tariffs
- Better take on sustainability to contribute for a greener India
- Better scope of ROI especially for households, SMEs under Net Metering
- Opportunity for Lifetime savings as many states offer tariff lock-ins for up to 25 years
Challenges & Considerations to keep in mind
- Limited Quota- Net Metering slots (WBSEDCL 100 MW, CESC 25 MW, DVC 25 MW, IPCL 5MW) will rightfully fill fast
- Upfront cost for solar panel installation cost is still a barrier for many, though rapidly falling it’s still a handful for a lumpsum expenditure
- Policy differences that is Net Metering is the best fit for small/medium consumers, but large industries may find Net Billing or Gross Metering more aligned with their requirements.
- Awareness gap in many consumers can cause difficulties, as they still don’t fully understand how billing, credits or approvals work
- To keep earning credits in your system your system needs maintenance which is often overlooked by most of the users
Why is now the best time to go solar?
There has never been a better time to go solar than today. With rising electricity bills, increased power demand, requirement for cleaner energy and a sustainable future, solar energy is not just an option but a true necessity. Governments are offering attractive subsidies, net metering policies that allow you to earn attractive credit on the extra power you generate with every passing day solar is more and more accessible and efficient than ever before. Businesses and households that switch to solar energy, position themselves ahead of future, enjoy long term savings, and most importantly contribute to a better and sustainable environment. In short going solar right now equals saving money, securing energy independence, and doing your best for a greener tomorrow.
How business can maximise Net Metering?
For businesses and industries Net Metering Policy 2025 offers significant opportunities to make the best of it, here is how you can leverage it:
- Getting the energy needs analysed and matching the rooftop system size with the actual demand will maximise efficiency
- Tracking credits regularly and monitoring bills to ensure that the credits are applied correctly staying updated on regulations, subsidies and partner with reliable solar providers who stay informed with up to date about state level updates and policies
- Going solar, is a statement as it is, highlight your solar adoption to stand out amongst other businesses, as it reflects care for the planet and can be a part of your brand story to attract eco conscious customers.
The Net Metering Policy 2025 marks a regulatory step in India’s solar journey, encouraging the consumers to not only cut electricity costs but also play a role in building a cleaner and more sustainable future. By making every unit of solar energy count whether consumed or exported the policy ensures that solar power becomes both financially rewarding and environmentally impactful. Evaluate your energy needs, determine the right system size, and consult with trusted providers who build a long-term partnership. With the right research and approach, you can ensure long-term savings, energy independence, and the satisfaction of contributing to a greener tomorrow.
At HCK Solar we aim to turn promises into reality, we help you turn the new Net Metering Policy 2025 of the Government of West Bengal into an opportunity for savings and sustainability. Whether you are a homeowner, SME or a large-scale enterprise, our end-to-end solar ranging from system design, installation, net metering registration, health check-up of your solar plant and after sales maintenance, ensure you make the most of every unit of power you generate. With our diversified experience across residential, commercial and industrial projects, we not only handle the technicalities but also simplify the entire process making the switch to solar hassle free and uninterrupted. Our team stays aligned with all the latest policies, schemes and DISCOM requirements, therefore at HCK Solar, we don’t just build Solar Power Plants but we also build a long-lasting partnership that drives cleaner and a greener future for every client.