- MSEDCL (Mahavitaran) runs net metering in Maharashtra under MERC rules.
- Apply on the mahadiscom.in portal with the consumer number and SLD.
- MERC has cited a cap near 5 MW in recent orders — verify the current figure with MERC.
- The metering model and size threshold are set by MERC and change with each order.
- Fees, meter cost, DT loading (~30% cited) and timeline are estimates — verify with MSEDCL/MERC.
Maharashtra is one of India's biggest rooftop solar markets, and almost every job runs through MSEDCL net metering. This guide walks an EPC ops liaison through the Mahavitaran portal, the feasibility check, the MERC capacity rule, the fees, and the realistic timeline to a sealed meter.
What MSEDCL net metering is
MSEDCL net metering lets a rooftop solar customer send extra power to the grid and get credit for it, netted against the units they import. MSEDCL is short for Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd, also called Mahavitaran. It is the DISCOM that approves, meters and bills net-metered systems across most of the state.
In plain terms: the customer's solar panels feed the home or factory first. Extra units flow to the grid. A bidirectional meter counts both directions. At billing, the export is netted against the import, so the customer pays only for the net units they actually drew.
Who sets the rules in Maharashtra
Two bodies matter. MERC, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission, writes the regulations — the capacity caps, the metering model, the tariff and the timelines. MSEDCL, the DISCOM, runs the process on the ground: the portal, the feasibility study, the agreement and the meter.
This split matters for EPCs. When a rule changes, it usually starts with a MERC order or amendment, and MSEDCL then updates its process. So the safest habit is to check both the MERC regulation and the MSEDCL portal before you quote capacity, fees or timeline to a customer. Every state-specific figure below is an estimate.
Capacity caps and the MERC order
The net-metering capacity cap in Maharashtra is set by MERC, and recent MERC orders have been cited as raising the limit toward 5 MW for eligible consumers. This figure has moved across MERC amendments, so treat 5 MW as an estimate and verify the current figure with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation before you size a large project.
Capacity is tied to sanctioned load
Whatever the headline cap, your system size is also tied to the customer's sanctioned load (their contracted demand). If the proposed solar size pushes the connection beyond the sanctioned load, the customer may need a load enhancement first. Check the sanctioned load on the bill before you finalise the system size.
Which metering model MSEDCL offers
MSEDCL has offered net metering for smaller systems and other models above certain sizes, as decided by MERC. The exact size threshold and whether a project gets net metering, net billing or a gross model is a moving target set by MERC orders.
Net metering vs net billing vs gross
Net metering nets your export against import in kWh, so you pay for the net units. Net billing pays your export a separate, usually lower rate while you buy import at retail. Gross metering sells all your generation at a fixed feed-in tariff. The model that applies to a given project size in Maharashtra is set by MERC, so confirm the current model and threshold with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation. Our net vs gross vs net billing guide explains the cash difference.
The Mahavitaran portal application process
The MSEDCL net-metering application runs on the Mahavitaran portal. Here is the flow from login to a sealed meter, the way an EPC liaison handles it.
Register on the Mahavitaran portal
Log in with the consumer number on mahadiscom.in and open the rooftop / net-metering section. Enter the proposed system size, which must stay within the sanctioned load.
Submit the application & documents
Upload the SLD, equipment datasheets, consumer ID and ownership proof. MSEDCL screens the file before sending it for feasibility.
Feasibility study by MSEDCL
The local section office checks the distribution transformer (DT) loading and the network. A clear DT means the system can connect; a loaded DT can mean a smaller size or an upgrade.
Sign the net-metering agreement
Once feasibility clears, MSEDCL issues the agreement. Both sides sign it before the meter is installed.
Bidirectional meter install & commissioning
MSEDCL supplies, tests and seals the bidirectional meter. After joint inspection and commissioning, export starts counting against import.
Source: MSEDCL / Mahavitaran portal process and MERC net-metering regulations. The exact portal screens change over time — verify the current steps on mahadiscom.in.
Feasibility and DT loading
Feasibility is the technical check that decides whether the network can take your system. MSEDCL's local section office reviews the distribution transformer (DT) that feeds the connection. If the DT already carries a lot of rooftop solar, your system may be capped or the DT may need an upgrade.
The DT loading limit
India commonly cites a limit near 30% of DT capacity for cumulative rooftop solar on one transformer, but the exact figure varies by state and has been debated and amended. Treat 30% as commonly cited, not a fixed Maharashtra number, and verify the current DT loading rule with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation. Our DT loading guide goes deeper.
Deemed feasibility for small systems
The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020 set deemed feasibility for systems up to 10 kW, meaning small systems should not need a full feasibility study. These thresholds have been debated and amended in 2024–2026, so verify the current deemed-feasibility limit before you rely on it. See deemed feasibility.
Fees and meter cost
MSEDCL charges a processing or application fee plus the cost of the bidirectional meter, set under the MERC tariff order. There may also be a small registration or agreement charge.
All amounts above are estimates that change with each MERC tariff revision. Verify the current figure with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation before you quote a customer.
How long MSEDCL net metering takes
MSEDCL net metering commonly takes a few weeks from a clean application to a sealed meter, but the real time depends on feasibility and meter supply. The Rights of Consumers Rules set target timelines for each stage, and MERC and MSEDCL set the local commitment.
Treat any week count as an estimate and verify the current timeline with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation. To keep jobs moving, file early, send a clean SLD and document set, and chase the feasibility result the moment it is due. Our timeline-by-state guide compares the commitments across DISCOMs.
Virtual net metering in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has allowed virtual net metering (VNM) for cases like housing societies, where one solar system serves several connections. With VNM, the export from a shared system is allocated across multiple consumer accounts in agreed shares.
The eligibility, allocation rules and any caps for VNM are set by MERC and run by MSEDCL, and they change with each order. Verify the current VNM rules with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation before you design a society project. Our virtual net metering guide covers the design and paperwork.
When MSEDCL net metering stalls
If feasibility drags, the agreement is delayed, or the meter is not installed, the customer and EPC have escalation paths. Start with the MSEDCL local office and the portal grievance channel, then escalate within MSEDCL.
If that fails, MERC and the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) handle disputes, and the Electricity Ombudsman sits above the CGRF. The Rights of Consumers Rules also back the deemed-feasibility and timeline rights. Our delay and escalation guide maps the steps and the letters that move things.
How SuryaHub helps with MSEDCL net metering
MSEDCL net metering is mostly tracking — many applications, each with its own feasibility result, agreement and meter date. SuryaHub keeps every MSEDCL job in one DISCOM workflow, linked to the project, so your liaison sees what is due and what is stuck. SuryaHub does not file with MSEDCL for you, and it is pre-revenue; the real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL. Figures on this page are scheme estimates, not guarantees.
Track every MSEDCL job in one place
See how SuryaHub runs net-metering steps from feasibility to meter.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for MSEDCL net metering in Maharashtra?+
To apply for MSEDCL net metering, log in to the Mahavitaran portal with your consumer number, enter the system size within your sanctioned load, and upload the single-line diagram and equipment details. MSEDCL runs a feasibility check, issues the agreement, then installs a bidirectional meter at commissioning.
What is the net metering capacity limit under MSEDCL?+
The capacity cap is set by MERC and a figure near 5 MW is commonly cited after recent orders, tied to your sanctioned load and the transformer. This figure changes with each MERC amendment, so treat it as an estimate and verify the current figure with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation before you size a project.
Does MSEDCL offer net metering or net billing?+
MSEDCL has offered net metering for smaller systems and net billing or gross models above certain sizes, as decided by MERC. The model and the size threshold change with MERC orders, so confirm which model applies to your project size with MSEDCL and the current MERC regulation before you commit.
How long does MSEDCL net metering take?+
MSEDCL net metering commonly takes a few weeks from a clean application to a sealed meter, but it depends on feasibility and meter supply. The Rights of Consumers Rules set target timelines for each stage. Timelines are an estimate, so verify the current commitment with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation.
What fees does MSEDCL charge for net metering?+
MSEDCL charges an application or processing fee and the cost of the bidirectional meter, set under the MERC tariff order. Application fees and meter cost change with each MERC revision, so treat any amount as an estimate and verify the current figure with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation before you quote a customer.
How does SuryaHub help with MSEDCL net metering?+
SuryaHub tracks every MSEDCL application, document, feasibility result and meter date in one workflow so nothing stalls. SuryaHub does not file with the DISCOM for you and is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL. Always confirm rules with MSEDCL and MERC.
Sources & references
The rules, fees and timelines on this page come from primary sources. MSEDCL net-metering figures change with each MERC order — always confirm the current figure with MSEDCL and the MERC regulation before you apply.
- MSEDCL (Mahavitaran) ↗
The Maharashtra DISCOM portal, application forms and net-metering rules.
- Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) ↗
The regulations that set capacity caps, metering model and tariffs.
- Ministry of Power ↗
The Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules that frame deemed feasibility.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against MERC, MSEDCL & Ministry of Power sources · updated 19 June 2026.
Method: Process and figures are taken from the MSEDCL portal and MERC regulations above and re-checked every 30 days. Capacity, fees, DT loading and timeline are estimates that move with MERC orders — verify the current figure with MSEDCL and MERC. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 19 Jun 2026 — first published.