- Net meter testing and sealing is the final step before go-live.
- The DISCOM or an authorised lab tests, calibrates and seals the meter.
- Most failures are reversed import/export, export not registering, or missing earthing.
- The seal protects the billing record — never break or replace it; report damage.
- The signed commissioning report is what moves the connection to live net metering.
Net meter testing, calibration and sealing is the last gate before a rooftop solar system goes live on net metering. The DISCOM tests the bidirectional meter, confirms it counts import and export the right way, then seals it and signs the commissioning report. Get this step clean and the system bills correctly from day one. This guide is for commissioning teams.
What net meter testing and sealing is
Net meter testing and sealing is the process where the DISCOM proves the bidirectional meter is accurate, wired correctly, and tamper-protected before the system bills the customer. The net meter records both import (grid to home) and export (solar to grid), so the test confirms both directions count properly.
The meter is a billing instrument, so the inspection and sealing SOP, the accuracy class and the test thresholds are set by the DISCOM and CEA, and they differ by state and amendment. Treat the specifics here as a working guide and verify against your current DISCOM commissioning SOP.
The go-live sequence
Testing and sealing follow a fixed order. Skipping ahead — for example, energizing before the seal — creates billing and safety problems. Here is the sequence.
Complete the system & inspection
Finish the install and pass the joint inspection. The meter is tested only after the system and safety checks are cleared, so close those first.
DISCOM tests the meter
The DISCOM or an authorised lab tests the bidirectional meter for accuracy and confirms it records both import and export correctly.
Wiring & polarity verified
The engineer checks phase sequence, CT polarity and the meter mode so import and export are not reversed. This is where most quiet errors are caught.
Meter is sealed
Once it passes, the DISCOM applies a tamper seal to the meter and terminals. The seal protects the billing record and must stay intact.
Commissioning report signed
The DISCOM engineer signs the commissioning report. This document is what moves the connection to live net-metering status.
The joint inspection comes first; the joint inspection day checklist covers how to pass it. If the meter itself is delayed, see net meter not installed.
What the DISCOM checks during testing
The DISCOM engineer checks four things: accuracy, direction, wiring and safety. Each protects the customer's bill and the grid.
Accuracy and direction
The meter must read within its required accuracy class, and it must record import and export in the correct directions. A reversed connection that counts export as import will quietly cost the customer money, so this is the most important check. See bidirectional and solar check meters for how the meter logs each direction.
Wiring, phase and safety
The engineer verifies phase sequence and CT polarity, then confirms the earthing, AC and DC isolators and anti-islanding are in place. A safety gap found here stops the seal. The earthing and isolators guide lists the CEA-standard requirements.
Common failures and fixes
Use this problem-to-cause-to-fix table to clear a meter that fails testing. Fix the cause, then call for a re-test — do not argue the symptom.
Source: compiled from DISCOM and CEA metering SOPs. Test thresholds and accuracy class vary — verify against your current DISCOM commissioning SOP.
Sealing and the commissioning report
Once the meter passes, the DISCOM applies a tamper seal to the meter and its terminals. The seal protects the billing record. The EPC must never break or replace a DISCOM seal — a broken seal can be treated as tampering, which is a serious matter for the customer.
If a seal is damaged, report it
If a seal is found broken after install — by other site work, for example — report it to the DISCOM in writing and let the DISCOM re-seal the meter. Do not refit it yourself. Keep the written report on the job file.
Keep the commissioning report
The commissioning report is the signed DISCOM document that records the meter serial, readings, checks and seal. It is what moves the connection to live net-metering status, and you will need it for the customer handover and any later dispute. Store a copy on the job record.
After sealing — go-live and the first bill
Once the meter is sealed and the report is signed, the system is live on net metering. From that date, export is netted against import in kWh and the bill reflects the net units.
Check the first bill carefully. Confirm export is showing and is netted correctly — a quiet wiring error sometimes only shows on the bill. The read the net-metered bill guide shows what a correct bill looks like, and meter reading disputes covers what to do if the numbers look wrong.
Readiness checklist — pass testing first time
Run this check before you call the DISCOM for testing. It removes the failures that send a meter back.
- Inspection closed — joint inspection passed and report filed.
- Phase & CT verified — sequence and polarity correct, import/export not reversed.
- Inverter exporting — system is producing so export can be confirmed at test.
- Earthing & isolators — CEA-standard earthing, AC and DC isolators in place.
- As-built matches SLD — the install matches the approved single-line diagram.
- Meter mode correct — confirm the meter is set for net/bidirectional operation.
- Report ready — the DISCOM engineer can sign and file the commissioning report.
How SuryaHub helps you reach go-live cleanly
Testing and sealing is the step where a job either goes live or bounces back for a re-test that costs a week. SuryaHub keeps the testing date, the meter serial, the seal status and the signed commissioning report on each job, so your commissioning team knows exactly which systems are go-live ready and which need a re-test. The field app lets the site team capture the readings and report at the meter. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL, and the standards here are scheme facts, not guarantees.
Reach go-live without re-tests
See how SuryaHub tracks testing, sealing and the commissioning report.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is net meter testing and sealing?+
Net meter testing and sealing is the final step before go-live, where the DISCOM tests the bidirectional meter for accuracy, confirms it records both import and export correctly, then applies a tamper seal. A signed commissioning report follows, which moves the connection to live net-metering status.
Who tests and seals the net meter?+
The DISCOM or an authorised testing lab tests and seals the net meter, because the meter is a billing instrument the utility must certify. The EPC completes the system and supports the test; the seal and the commissioning report are the DISCOM responsibility. Verify the exact process with your DISCOM.
Why would a net meter fail testing?+
A net meter commonly fails testing when phase or CT connections are swapped so import and export reverse, when export does not register because the meter mode or firmware is wrong, when accuracy is out of class, or when earthing or isolators are missing. Each failure has a clear fix before re-test.
What is the commissioning report for net metering?+
The commissioning report is the signed DISCOM document confirming the net meter is tested, sealed and the system is safe to energize. It records the meter details, readings and checks, and it is the document that moves the connection to live net-metering status. Keep a copy on file.
Can the EPC break or replace the meter seal?+
No. The EPC must not break or replace the DISCOM meter seal, because the seal protects the billing record and a broken seal can be treated as tampering. If a seal is damaged, report it to the DISCOM in writing and let the DISCOM re-seal the meter.
How does SuryaHub help with meter commissioning?+
SuryaHub keeps the testing date, the commissioning report, the meter serial and the seal status on each job, so your team knows exactly which systems are go-live ready. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; real pilots are Suryantra Energy and RGESPL.
Sources & references
Metering accuracy, sealing and commissioning rules come from primary government sources. Accuracy class and test SOPs differ by state — always confirm the current rule with your DISCOM and CEA before go-live.
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA) ↗
Metering regulations and accuracy class for connected systems (verify current).
- Ministry of Power — Rights of Consumers Rules 2020 ↗
Metering and connection service obligations.
- National Portal for Rooftop Solar ↗
Inspection, meter-fixing and commissioning stage for residential systems.
Written by the SuryaHub team · reviewed against CEA / MoP / National Portal sources · updated 19 June 2026.
Method: Testing and sealing steps are compiled from DISCOM and CEA metering SOPs, re-checked every 30 days. Accuracy class and thresholds are estimates — verify against your current DISCOM commissioning SOP. SuryaHub is pre-revenue; only Suryantra Energy and RGESPL are real pilots.
Change log: 19 Jun 2026 — first published.