Delhi is a single city with three DISCOMs — BSES Rajdhani, BSES Yamuna, and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) — each with slightly different drawing format requirements, portal workflows, and sub-division processing speeds. An EPC that submits an MSEDCL-format SLD to a BSES Rajdhani sub-division office, or uses TPDDL’s symbol set in a BSES Yamuna filing, gets an immediate rejection.
This guide maps the full Delhi net metering landscape: DERC’s regulatory framework, DISCOM-specific drawing requirements under the Delhi Drawing Alignment Protocol, the application process across all three DISCOMs, and the rejection patterns that account for over 70 percent of returned applications.
Direct answer. Delhi solar net metering is governed by DERC Net Metering Regulations 2014 (amended 2020) and covers all three DISCOMs: BSES Rajdhani (South and West Delhi), BSES Yamuna (East and Central Delhi), and TPDDL (North and Northwest Delhi). Each DISCOM requires five drawing types — SLD in DISCOM-specific format, Site Layout, Earthing Diagram, Net Meter Schematic, and Structural Certificate — processed through DISCOM-specific portals. Processing takes 30–60 days for ≤10 kW and 45–90 days for 10 kW to 500 kW. ALMM modules and MNRE-approved inverters are mandatory post-January 2023.
Delhi’s Three-DISCOM Structure — Who Governs What
Delhi’s power distribution is divided among three licensed distribution companies under DERC — the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission:
| DISCOM | Area Served | Application Portal |
|---|---|---|
| BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) | South Delhi, West Delhi, Dwarka, Janakpuri, Vasant Kunj, Hauz Khas | MyBSES app / BSES portal |
| BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) | East Delhi, Central Delhi, Shahdara, Gandhi Nagar | MyBSES app / BSES portal (separate from BRPL) |
| TPDDL (Tata Power DDL) | North Delhi, Northwest Delhi, Rohini, Pitampura, Model Town, Civil Lines | TPDDL portal / Suvidha Kendra |
The regulatory authority for all three is DERC — the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission. Net metering is governed under DERC Net Metering Regulations 2014, revised substantially in 2020 to raise capacity ceilings and introduce the requirement for DISCOM-specific drawing formats.
For a state-by-state comparison, see the DISCOM net metering process across India. For state-specific guides, see MSEDCL Solar Net Metering Guide (Maharashtra), TANGEDCO Solar Net Metering Guide (Tamil Nadu), and BESCOM Solar Net Metering Guide (Karnataka).
Key point for EPCs. BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna are both BSES group companies but have separate application portals, separate drawing review teams, and different sub-division contact points. A drawing set prepared for BRPL will be rejected if submitted to a BYPL sub-division office, and vice versa. Always confirm DISCOM jurisdiction using the consumer's meter number or address before starting drawing preparation.
Eligibility — Consumer Categories Across All Three DISCOMs
DERC’s regulations apply uniformly across all three DISCOMs, though individual DISCOMs may have operational variations.
| Consumer Category | Tariff Code | Max System Size | Export Tariff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic LT (single phase) | DS (Domestic Supply) | Up to 10 kW | Avoided cost basis |
| Domestic LT (three phase) | DS | Up to 500 kW | Avoided cost basis |
| Non-domestic / Commercial LT | NDS / Commercial | Up to 500 kW | Avoided cost basis |
| Industrial LT | Industrial LT | Up to 500 kW | Avoided cost basis |
| HT consumers | HT-1 / HT-2 | Up to 500 kW | Avoided cost basis |
| Government | Government DS | Up to 500 kW | Avoided cost basis |
Note. Delhi's export tariff is set at the "avoided cost" — the cost DERC determines the DISCOM avoids by receiving solar power rather than buying from the grid. DERC revises this rate annually. It is not a guaranteed fixed rate over the project lifetime. EPCs presenting financial projections to Delhi consumers must use current DERC-determined avoided cost, not a fixed assumed rate.
The Delhi Drawing Alignment Protocol — 5 Mandatory Formats
The Delhi Drawing Alignment Protocol defines the five drawing types that all three Delhi DISCOMs require, with DISCOM-specific variations noted for each format. The protocol is named for the 2020 DERC amendment that formally aligned drawing requirements across BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL.
Single Line Diagram — DISCOM-Specific Format
The [SLD](/glossary/sld/) must use the symbol standard specific to the filing DISCOM. BRPL and BYPL use a shared BSES symbol set; TPDDL uses a slightly different symbol library inherited from Tata Power's engineering standards. All three require: consumer CA number in title block, inverter make/model, cable sizes, fault protection ratings, and anti-islanding protection callout. Systems above 25 kW must include a protection relay on the SLD.
General Arrangement / Site Layout Drawing
To-scale roof plan or ground layout showing module array, row spacing, cable tray routing, inverter location, earthing pit positions, and distance from the existing meter board. North arrow and scale bar mandatory. TPDDL specifically requires that the drawing include the transformer feeder number serving the premises — a piece of information the EPC must obtain from TPDDL's technical department before drawing preparation.
Earthing and Lightning Protection Diagram
Separate standalone drawing showing GI flat strip from module frames and inverter body to earthing electrodes, lightning rod location and protection radius, earthing electrode specification (pipe or plate, depth, resistance ≤5 Ω). Delhi's high-rise building stock means lightning protection is particularly scrutinised — ensure the lightning rod coverage radius calculation is shown for terrace installations on multi-storey buildings.
Net Meter Connection Schematic
Shows the bidirectional net energy meter's location in the meter board, the export path from inverter AC output to the grid side of the meter, and the isolation arrangement. For TPDDL, the schematic must also show the feeder pillar or distribution transformer serving the building — not required by BSES DISCOMs. For HT TPDDL consumers, CT/PT ratios and metering class must be specified.
Structural Load Certificate
Signed and stamped structural engineer certificate confirming the roof can bear additional dead load and wind load under IS 875. All three Delhi DISCOMs require this for all systems — no size threshold. Given Delhi's dense urban building stock with older RCC structures, this certificate is one of the most commercially sensitive requirements: if the structural assessment reveals the roof cannot support the intended system, it may require load redistribution or a reduced system size.
Watch out. TPDDL's transformer feeder number requirement on the layout drawing (Drawing 2) catches most non-TPDDL-experienced EPCs by surprise. The feeder number is not printed on consumer bills — you must call TPDDL's technical helpline or visit the local sub-division office to obtain it. Adding this step retroactively after drawing preparation is complete means redrawing the layout, which adds 2–3 days to an already tight timeline.
Full Document Checklist — DISCOM-Specific Requirements
Category A — Consumer and Property Documents (All Three DISCOMs)
- Latest DISCOM electricity bill (showing CA number / account number, tariff category, sanctioned load)
- Proof of property ownership or registered occupancy
- Aadhaar card / PAN card of the consumer or entity
- NOC from property owner if the applicant is a tenant
- Society or RWA NOC for group housing / multi-storey residential installations (required by all three DISCOMs for terrace installations)
Category B — Technical Drawings (5 Formats per Delhi Drawing Alignment Protocol)
- Single Line Diagram — DISCOM-specific symbol set (Drawing 1)
- General Arrangement / Site Layout (Drawing 2); add transformer feeder number for TPDDL
- Earthing and Lightning Protection Diagram (Drawing 3)
- Net Meter Connection Schematic (Drawing 4); add feeder pillar detail for TPDDL
- Structural Load Certificate (Drawing 5)
- Load calculation and cable sizing sheet — signed by licensed contractor
Category C — Equipment Compliance
- Module datasheets with ALMM compliance certificate
- Inverter on current MNRE-approved inverter list (confirmation letter or datasheet)
- Anti-islanding test certificate for inverter model
- SPD specification sheets (DC and AC)
Category D — Contractor and Inspection
- Electrical contractor licence — Delhi state scope, currently valid
- CEIG inspection report for systems above 25 kW (Chief Electrical Inspector, Delhi Government)
- Installation completion certificate signed by licensed Delhi contractor
Category E — Portal and Payment
BRPL / BYPL (BSES group):
- Application submitted on MyBSES app or BSES online portal with all scanned documents
- Portal acknowledgement number printed for physical file
- Application fee and net meter deposit (confirm current rates at BSES office)
TPDDL:
- Application submitted on TPDDL portal or in person at Suvidha Kendra
- Portal reference number for tracking
- Application fee and net meter deposit (confirm current rates at TPDDL office)
Field tip. BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna share the MyBSES app but route applications to entirely separate backend teams. Log in with the consumer's registered mobile number linked to their BSES Rajdhani or BSES Yamuna account — cross-account submissions route to the wrong division and are silently dropped. Always verify the consumer's account DISCOM before starting the portal application.
Stage-by-Stage Approval Process — Delhi DISCOMs
30–50
Days — ≤10 kW (BRPL/BYPL clean)
Heaven Designs field data, Q1 2026
40–65
Days — ≤10 kW (TPDDL clean)
Heaven Designs field data, Q1 2026
45–80
Days — 10–100 kW all DISCOMs
Heaven Designs field data, Q1 2026
~62%
First-pass approval — Delhi DISCOMs combined
Mercom India, 2024 rooftop tracker
Stage 1 — Application Submission (Portal + Physical)
Submit the portal application (MyBSES for BSES DISCOMs; TPDDL portal for TPDDL) with all scanned documents, then deliver the physical file with originals to the sub-division office. The physical file must reference the portal application number. The sub-division AE performs a format check; the clock starts only after the complete file is accepted.
Stage 2 — Technical Feasibility
The DE/EE assesses feeder hosting capacity. Delhi’s dense urban grid — particularly in South and Central Delhi served by BRPL/BYPL — has significant feeder saturation in areas like GK, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, and Connaught Place. TPDDL’s North Delhi service territory tends to have more available feeder capacity. Partial approvals (reduced capacity vs. applied capacity) are more common in Delhi than in most other states due to this saturation.
Timeline: 10–20 working days.
Stage 3 — Drawing Review and Approval
All five drawings reviewed against DISCOM-specific requirements. SLD symbol compliance, CA number in title block, and earthing diagram completeness are the primary checkpoints. TPDDL additionally verifies the transformer feeder number on the layout drawing.
Timeline: 10–20 working days. Objections issued in writing (portal + physical); resubmission re-queues for 10–15 additional working days.
Stage 4 — Net Meter Installation
DISCOM procures and installs the bidirectional net energy meter. BRPL and BYPL have seen faster meter installation timelines than TPDDL in recent years due to better meter procurement contract management. All three DISCOMs target 15 working days for meter installation post-drawing approval, with actual performance ranging from 10 to 30 days.
Stage 5 — Commissioning and Grid Connection Certificate
EPC commissions the system with the DISCOM AE or JE present. Systems above 25 kW require a Delhi CEIG inspection and certificate. DISCOM issues a Solar Generation Plant Registration Certificate — the document used for DERC subsidy claims, CEIG records, and insurance.
Net Metering Billing — How Delhi’s Avoided Cost Model Works
Delhi’s net metering billing is based on avoided cost, not a separately determined export tariff. DERC calculates the avoided cost annually — the cost the DISCOM would otherwise pay for procuring that unit of power from the grid. In FY2024–25, this was approximately ₹3.80–₹4.20/kWh depending on the DISCOM.
| Billing Scenario | BRPL / BYPL Treatment | TPDDL Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly net import | Billed at applicable tariff rate | Billed at applicable tariff rate |
| Monthly net export | Units banked as credit | Units banked as credit |
| Year-end surplus | Cash settlement at avoided cost rate | Cash settlement at avoided cost rate |
| PM Surya Ghar eligible consumer | Additional central subsidy applied before billing | Additional central subsidy applied before billing |
| System > 500 kW | Falls outside DERC net metering — requires open access arrangement | Falls outside DERC net metering |
PROS — DELHI NET METERING
- High DISCOM tariffs (₹7–₹10/kWh for commercial) make solar payback attractive
- Avoided cost export rate among the higher rates nationally
- PM Surya Ghar subsidy stacks with net metering for eligible residential consumers
- Both BSES and TPDDL have functional online portals with status tracking
- Year-end cash settlement — surplus units not forfeited
CONS — DELHI NET METERING
- Three DISCOMs with different formats creates EPC overhead in multi-project Delhi portfolios
- Feeder saturation in South and Central Delhi limits large C&I approvals
- TPDDL's transformer feeder number requirement adds pre-drawing groundwork
- RWA/society NOC requirement for multi-storey buildings adds 1–4 weeks to timeline
- CEIG inspection for > 25 kW systems adds independent scheduling dependency
Verdict. Delhi net metering has the strongest financial case of any major Indian city — high DISCOM retail tariffs combined with a competitive avoided cost export rate produce payback periods below five years for most commercial rooftop projects. The operational complexity of three different DISCOMs is manageable if the EPC maintains separate drawing templates for BSES (shared across BRPL/BYPL) and TPDDL. The real constraint is feeder capacity in South and Central Delhi — pre-qualify it before committing to a project timeline.
Delhi Solar Market Context
Delhi has one of India’s highest concentrations of commercial and institutional rooftop solar potential — dense urban fabric, high electricity tariffs, and a large government building inventory. According to Mercom India’s Delhi solar tracker, Delhi had approximately 1,100 MW of cumulative solar capacity by Q1 2025, heavily weighted toward institutional and government rooftops.
The MNRE PM Surya Ghar portal shows Delhi as one of the top five states by residential PM Surya Ghar applications, driven by BSES’s MyBSES app integration with the national PM Surya Ghar registration portal. Residential rooftop in Delhi is now the fastest-growing segment — the subsidy stack (central subsidy + high avoided cost export tariff + high retail tariff savings) produces some of the best residential payback economics in India.
IEA Solar PV 2024 highlights urban rooftop solar as one of the primary vectors for distributed generation growth in dense developing-world cities — Delhi exemplifies both the opportunity and the grid integration challenge.
Note. DERC has proposed consolidating the three Delhi DISCOMs' net metering application formats into a single unified form — a process that was under stakeholder consultation as of Q1 2025. If adopted, it would simplify EPC operations significantly. Monitor DERC's order register for updates before investing in DISCOM-specific drawing template infrastructure.
IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2023 notes that India’s rooftop solar growth is increasingly driven by metro cities — Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru together account for a disproportionate share of C&I rooftop additions due to their high commercial electricity tariffs.
The 10 Most Common Delhi Rejection Reasons
| # | Rejection Reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wrong DISCOM symbol set on SLD (TPDDL symbols submitted to BSES sub-division or vice versa) | Maintain separate BSES and TPDDL SLD templates; verify DISCOM before drawing preparation |
| 2 | Consumer CA number missing from SLD title block | Add the 11-digit CA / account number to every drawing’s title block |
| 3 | RWA/society NOC missing for multi-storey terrace installation | Obtain society NOC before submitting; factor 1–4 weeks for society meeting and sign-off |
| 4 | Transformer feeder number absent from TPDDL layout drawing | Call TPDDL technical helpline (or visit sub-division) to obtain feeder number before drawing preparation |
| 5 | Lightning protection coverage radius not shown for high-rise terrace | Show lightning rod protection radius calculation for any installation on buildings above four storeys |
| 6 | Portal and physical file not cross-referenced | Always attach portal acknowledgement printout to physical file; both tracks required |
| 7 | ALMM compliance certificate missing for modules | Attach manufacturer’s ALMM letter; not optional for any application filed post-January 2023 |
| 8 | Contractor licence without Delhi state scope | Delhi DISCOM installations require a contractor with a Delhi state electrical licence; verify before commissioning |
| 9 | CEIG inspection not scheduled for > 25 kW system before application | Schedule Delhi CEI inspection proactively; waiting until after drawing approval adds 15–20 days |
| 10 | Net meter schematic not a standalone drawing | Produce Drawing 4 as a separate document; merging it into the SLD is the second most common format error |
How Heaven Designs Helps Delhi EPCs Across All Three DISCOMs
Operating across BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL in the same week is a real scenario for active Delhi EPCs. Heaven Designs maintains separate drawing template libraries for all three DISCOM formats — reducing the risk of cross-DISCOM symbol errors that are the leading source of Delhi rejections.
- Solar Rooftop Detailed Engineering Design — Full DISCOM-format drawing packages for BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL: format-correct SLD, site layout (with TPDDL feeder number slot), earthing diagram, net meter schematic, and structural load certificate. Delivered 3–5 business days per project.
- Electrical CEIG Drawings — Delhi CEI-ready drawings for systems above 25 kW, matching the Delhi Chief Electrical Inspector’s inspection checklist.
- Solar 3D Pre-Design — Sales-stage 3D layout and preliminary shading analysis in 48 hours; confirms roof viability before you commit to a full drawing set.
- Site Survey & Land Feasibility Services — Pre-application feeder hosting capacity check included for Delhi projects, so you know before drawing whether South Delhi feeder saturation is a constraint.
- Download sample deliverables — Sample pack includes a BSES-format and TPDDL-format SLD from completed Delhi rooftop projects.
For the glossary explanation of how the DISCOM structure works and what net metering in India means for EPCs across states, both entries provide the foundational context.
FAQ
Which Delhi DISCOM serves which area?
BSES Rajdhani (BRPL) serves South Delhi and West Delhi. BSES Yamuna (BYPL) serves East Delhi and Central Delhi. TPDDL serves North Delhi and Northwest Delhi. Jurisdiction boundaries follow ward boundaries — the consumer’s meter number or address can be used to identify the DISCOM, or the consumer can confirm from their electricity bill (BRPL, BYPL, or TPDDL will appear as the issuing entity on the bill).
Are BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna the same for drawing purposes?
No. BRPL and BYPL share the BSES group ownership and use the same MyBSES portal, but they have separate application queues, separate drawing review teams, and different sub-division offices. A drawing set submitted to a BYPL sub-division that has BRPL header details will be rejected. Always confirm which BSES entity you are submitting to based on the consumer’s service connection.
Does TPDDL have a faster processing time than BSES DISCOMs?
In our field experience, TPDDL’s North Delhi territory tends to have less feeder saturation than BSES’s South/East Delhi areas, which can translate to faster technical feasibility clearance. However, TPDDL’s transformer feeder number requirement adds a pre-drawing step that BSES does not require. End-to-end, both processes take comparable time for a clean submission — 40–65 days for ≤10 kW.
What subsidy is available for Delhi residential solar net metering?
Residential consumers in Delhi who install grid-tied solar systems are eligible for PM Surya Ghar central subsidies (₹30,000 for 1–2 kW, ₹60,000 for 2–3 kW, ₹78,000 for above 3 kW up to the scheme ceiling). The BSES MyBSES portal integrates directly with the PM Surya Ghar national portal, making subsidy application part of the net metering registration workflow for eligible consumers.
What is the maximum system size allowed under Delhi net metering?
500 kW for all consumer categories under DERC Net Metering Regulations 2020. Systems above 500 kW fall outside the net metering framework and must use a bilateral power purchase agreement or open access arrangement with DERC approval. No expansion to 1 MW had been formally adopted as of June 2026.
Do all three Delhi DISCOMs accept online applications?
BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna use the MyBSES app for digital applications with physical file backup at sub-division offices. TPDDL uses its own portal with a Suvidha Kendra walk-in option. All three accept scanned document uploads but require original physical files for drawing approval processing.
How does Delhi CEIG inspection work for solar systems above 25 kW?
The Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI), Delhi Government, conducts inspections for solar generating systems above 25 kW that connect to the grid. The EPC must schedule the inspection after installation is complete but before the DISCOM’s commissioning visit. The CEI issues an inspection certificate that must be submitted to the DISCOM as part of the commissioning package. Scheduling lead time for Delhi CEI inspections is typically 7–14 working days.
