- The joint inspection checks safety, SLD match and the metering point.
- The top fail is the as-built not matching the approved single-line diagram.
- Have earthing, isolators, anti-islanding and signage done before the visit.
- Carry printed documents — a missing paper can stop the inspection.
- Pass, and the job moves to meter testing, sealing and commissioning.
The net metering joint inspection is the DISCOM's site visit, and it is where a clean install either sails through or bounces. The fix is simple: walk the site against a real checklist before the engineer arrives. This page gives your team that checklist, item by item, plus what the inspector looks for and the failures to avoid.
What the joint inspection is
The joint inspection is the DISCOM site visit where an engineer checks the installed system against the approved single-line diagram (SLD), the CEA safety standards, and the metering point, before the net meter is tested and sealed. A junior or assistant engineer (JE/AE) usually attends with your site team.
Most inspection items are CEA-standard and consistent, but signage, labelling and isolator specifics vary by DISCOM. Treat the checklist below as a strong baseline and verify the exact items against one or two of your DISCOM's technical-feasibility circulars before the visit.
The joint inspection day checklist
Print this and walk it on site the day before, then again before the engineer arrives. Each group covers one part of the system. Tick every line — a single missing item can fail the visit.
Documents at site
- Approved feasibility / sanction letter (printed)
- Approved single-line diagram (SLD) — matching the as-built
- Inverter & module datasheets and warranty
- CEA compliance / test certificates for the inverter
- Electrical contractor licence (valid)
- Consumer electricity bill & ID (name matches connection)
- Earthing test report, where the DISCOM asks for it
Array & structure
- Modules match the approved make, model and count
- Mounting structure firm, corrosion-protected and earthed
- No shading or clearance issue versus the approved layout
- DC cables routed, secured and rated correctly
Inverter & protection
- Inverter make/model matches the approved list and SLD
- Anti-islanding protection present and functional
- AC and DC isolators fitted, labelled and accessible
- Surge protection device (SPD) fitted where required
Earthing & safety
- Separate earthing for array frame, inverter and AC side per CEA
- Earth pits accessible and continuity confirmed
- Danger/caution signage and phase labelling in place
- Emergency shutdown clearly marked and reachable
Metering point
- Metering position ready for the bidirectional meter
- Phase of system matches the connection (single/three-phase)
- CT position and polarity correct (where applicable)
- Space and access for the DISCOM to fit and seal the meter
Source: compiled from CEA safety standards and DISCOM technical-feasibility circulars. Signage and isolator specifics vary — verify against your DISCOM circular.
What the DISCOM checks on the day
The inspector checks three things: that the system matches the approved design, that it is safe, and that it is ready to meter. Understanding the logic helps your team prepare.
Does the install match the SLD?
The engineer compares the array, inverter and wiring on site to the approved single-line diagram. Any change after approval — a different module count, a substituted inverter, a moved isolator — is a mismatch. If the design changed, update the as-built SLD to match before the visit. The SLD guide shows what a passing diagram looks like.
Is it safe and ready to meter?
The inspector confirms earthing, isolators, anti-islanding and signage to CEA standards, and checks the metering point and system phase. The earthing and isolators guide details the safety items, and single-phase vs three-phase covers phase matching.
Why inspections fail — and the fix
Almost every failed inspection comes from one of these issues, and each is avoidable. Match the symptom to the fix and clear it before the engineer arrives.
If the inspection failed on a capacity or feeder reason rather than a site issue, that traces back to feasibility — see feasibility rejected: reasons and fixes and the DT 30% loading rule.
Documents to have ready at the site
Carry printed copies of every approval and certificate. The inspector may ask to see them, and a missing paper can stop the visit even when the install is perfect. Keep them in one folder on site.
The core set is the approved feasibility or sanction letter, the approved SLD, the inverter and module datasheets and certificates, the valid contractor licence, and the consumer bill and ID with the name matching the connection holder. The documents checklist lists the full set for the whole net-metering process.
On the day — running the inspection well
How your team runs the visit affects the outcome as much as the install. Send someone who knows the system and can answer the engineer's questions.
Be ready, be present, be honest
Have the system powered and ready to demonstrate, the documents in hand, and a technician who can open isolators and show earthing on request. If something was changed from the SLD, say so and show the updated as-built — an honest correction is far better than a discovered mismatch.
Note every observation in writing
If the engineer raises a point, write it down exactly and confirm the fix needed. A clear note avoids a second failed visit over a misunderstood instruction.
After the inspection
A passed inspection moves the job to net-meter testing and sealing, where the DISCOM tests the bidirectional meter, applies the seal and signs the commissioning report. The meter testing and sealing guide covers that step. If the DISCOM is slow to fit the meter after a passed inspection, see net meter not installed.
If the inspection failed, fix the noted items, then request a re-inspection in writing. Verify the re-inspection timeline with your DISCOM, as it varies by state and season.
How SuryaHub helps your team pass first time
A failed inspection costs a re-visit and pushes go-live back a week. SuryaHub keeps the inspection checklist, the approved SLD and DISCOM workflow, the documents and the inspection date on each job, so the site team arrives ready and nothing is missed. The field app lets the supervisor tick the checklist and capture photos at the site. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and the standards here are scheme facts, not guarantees.
Pass the inspection on the first visit
See how SuryaHub keeps the checklist and documents on every job.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the net metering joint inspection?+
The net metering joint inspection is the DISCOM site visit where an engineer checks the installed system against the approved single-line diagram, the safety and earthing standards, and the metering point, before the net meter is tested and sealed. Passing it moves the job to commissioning.
What does the DISCOM check on inspection day?+
On inspection day the DISCOM checks that the array, inverter and wiring match the approved single-line diagram, that earthing, isolators, anti-islanding and signage meet CEA safety standards, and that the metering point and system phase are correct. Documents must also be available at the site.
Why do net metering inspections fail?+
Net metering inspections most often fail because the as-built system does not match the approved single-line diagram, earthing is incomplete, isolators are missing or unlabelled, the wrong inverter is installed, or signage is absent. Most failures are avoidable with a pre-inspection check.
What documents are needed at the joint inspection?+
At the joint inspection, keep printed copies of the approved feasibility or sanction letter, the approved single-line diagram, the inverter and module datasheets and certificates, the valid contractor licence, and the consumer bill and ID. A missing document can stop the inspection on the day.
What happens after a successful joint inspection?+
After a successful joint inspection, the job moves to net-meter testing and sealing, where the DISCOM tests the bidirectional meter, applies the tamper seal and signs the commissioning report. That report moves the connection to live net-metering status. Verify the next-step timeline with your DISCOM.
How does SuryaHub help with joint inspections?+
SuryaHub keeps the inspection checklist, the approved SLD, the documents and the inspection date on each job, so the site team arrives ready and nothing is missed on the day. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL.
Sources & references
Inspection items and the safety standards behind them come from primary government sources. Signage and isolator specifics differ by DISCOM — always confirm the current items with your DISCOM circular before the visit.
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA) ↗
Safety, earthing and technical standards the inspector applies (verify current).
- Ministry of Power — Rights of Consumers Rules 2020 ↗
Connection and inspection service obligations.
- National Portal for Rooftop Solar ↗
Inspection and meter-fixing stage for residential systems.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against CEA / MoP / National Portal sources · updated 19 June 2026.
Method: Checklist items are compiled from CEA safety standards and DISCOM technical-feasibility circulars, re-checked every 30 days. Signage and isolator specifics are estimates — verify against your DISCOM circular. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 19 Jun 2026 — first published.