How net metering works with Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL). Learn how your bidirectional meter tracks export/import and turns your roof into a green power bank.
## What is UPCL Net Metering?
Net metering is the regulatory and technical mechanism that makes on-grid rooftop solar financially lucrative. When your rooftop solar system produces more electricity during sunny daytime hours than your home is consuming, the surplus units are automatically exported to the **Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL)** grid.
At night or during cloudy days when your panels do not produce power, you import electricity from UPCL as normal. At the end of each billing cycle, your UPCL bill reflects only the **net difference** between total imported units and total exported units.
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## How Net Metering Billing Works in Practice
Let us illustrate with a real-life example of a 5 kW solar plant installed in Dehradun:
- **Monthly Household Consumption:** 600 Units
- **Monthly Solar Generation:** 620 Units
- **Direct Daytime Solar Consumption:** 300 Units
- **Surplus Solar Exported to Grid:** 320 Units
- **Nighttime Grid Import:** 300 Units
- **Net Billable Units:** 300 (Import) − 320 (Export) = **-20 Units (Surplus Banked!)**
- **UPCL Energy Charge:** **₹0** (Only fixed meter charge applies)
### What Happens to Surplus Units?
If your solar generation exceeds your consumption across the month, the surplus credit units are carried forward in your UPCL account to subsequent months. This is especially advantageous in Uttarakhand, allowing you to bank solar credits generated in sunny March–May to offset high AC cooling loads during humid monsoon months.
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## UPCL Net Metering Technical Rules & Eligibility
1. **Sanctioned Load Limit:** The installed solar plant capacity generally cannot exceed 100% of your sanctioned UPCL electricity connection load. If you need a larger solar system, UTTsolar assists you in applying for a load enhancement on the UPCL portal prior to installation.
2. **Single Phase vs Three Phase:**
- Single-phase connection: Supported up to 5 kW solar capacity.
- Three-phase connection: Required for systems 5 kW and above.
3. **Anti-Islanding Protection:** Grid-tie inverters must comply with IEEE 1547 / IEC 62116 anti-islanding safety standards to automatically disconnect from the grid during power outages, ensuring the safety of UPCL line repair workers.