Tamil Nadu is India’s third-largest solar state by installed capacity, yet TANGEDCO net metering rejections remain stubbornly high — not because of grid constraints, but because of drawing format errors. A missing earthing schematic or an SLD that does not follow TANGEDCO’s own line-style standard gets the entire application sent back, costing the EPC four to six weeks.
This guide gives solar EPCs and rooftop installers operating in Tamil Nadu a complete, field-verified playbook: every drawing format TANGEDCO expects, every document in the correct sequence, all five approval stages with realistic timelines, and the twelve rejection reasons that account for 80 percent of re-submissions at TANGEDCO sub-division offices.
Direct answer. TANGEDCO solar net metering requires five mandatory drawing types — SLD per TANGEDCO line-style, General Arrangement plan, Earthing and Lightning Protection schematic, Net Meter Connection diagram, and a Structural Load Certificate — plus regulatory approval under TNERC Net Metering Order 2014 (amended 2019). Processing takes 30–60 days for systems up to 10 kW and 45–90 days for 10 kW to 1 MW. ALMM-compliant modules and MNRE-approved inverters are mandatory for applications filed after January 2023.
What TANGEDCO Is — and How It Differs from MSEDCL
TANGEDCO — Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited — is the integrated utility that generates, transmits, and distributes power across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry. Unlike Maharashtra, where MSEDCL handles distribution only, TANGEDCO is a combined generation-and-distribution entity. The regulatory oversight sits with TNERC — the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission — which is the state’s equivalent of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC).
Net metering in Tamil Nadu operates under TNERC Net Metering Order 2014, substantially amended in 2019 to extend the capacity ceiling from 500 kW to 1 MW for HT consumers, and to introduce the grid synchronisation certificate requirement for systems above 10 kW.
For a state-by-state comparison of net metering processes and DISCOM jurisdictions, see the comprehensive guide on DISCOM net metering process across India. For the Maharashtra parallel, see MSEDCL Solar Net Metering Guide.
Key distinction. TNERC governs policy and tariff; TANGEDCO executes the physical connection, drawing review, and meter installation. All drawing submissions go to the TANGEDCO Sub-Division or Division Engineer office serving the connection point — not to a central portal (as of June 2026).
Jurisdiction Map
| Coverage Area | TANGEDCO Division |
|---|---|
| Chennai and suburban | North, South, Central, Metro divisions |
| Coimbatore district | Coimbatore division |
| Madurai district | Madurai division |
| Salem, Erode, Namakkal | Salem division |
| Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi | Tirunelveli division |
| All remaining 38 districts | Respective district headquarters division |
Unlike Maharashtra’s zone structure (Nashik, Konkan, Pune, Aurangabad, Amravati), TANGEDCO operates through 20+ operational divisions without a formally named zone overlay for net metering. Your application goes to the Division Engineer (DE) or Assistant Engineer (AE) at the sub-division serving your meter connection address.
Eligibility — Consumer Categories and System Size Limits
TNERC Net Metering Order 2014 (as amended) defines eligibility by tariff category, connection type, and sanctioned load. The table below summarises the current rules as applicable to systems installed from 2023 onward.
| Consumer Category | Tariff Code | Max Net-Metering System Size | Net Export Tariff (₹/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic LT | LT-1A / LT-1B | Up to 10 kW (1-phase) or 75 kW (3-phase) | ₹2.25 |
| Commercial LT | LT-2 / LT-4 | Up to 75 kW | ₹2.25 |
| Industrial LT | LT-3A / LT-3B | Up to 150 kW | ₹2.25 |
| HT Agricultural Pump | HT-V | Up to 500 kW | ₹2.50 |
| HT Industrial / Commercial | HT-I / HT-II / HT-IV | Up to 1 MW | ₹2.50 |
| Government / Educational | LT-7 / HT-VI | Up to 500 kW | ₹2.25 |
Field tip. TANGEDCO enforces a hard cap: the sanctioned load on the consumer's service connection determines the upper limit of the grid-tied system. An LT-1B consumer with 5 kW sanctioned load cannot install more than 5 kW without first upgrading their service connection — a separate application entirely.
Eligibility pre-checks before drawing preparation:
- Confirm the consumer’s tariff category matches the table above.
- Verify the sanctioned load on the EB card / latest bill.
- Confirm the rooftop or ground structure is within the same electrical premises as the metered connection.
- Confirm modules carry ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) certification per MNRE order dated August 2022.
- Confirm the inverter appears on the MNRE-approved inverter list (grid-tie inverters, revised quarterly).
The TANGEDCO Drawing Protocol — 5 Mandatory Formats
This is the proprietary framework that defines what drawings TANGEDCO drawing-review officers check at sub-division offices. Missing any one of the five formats results in an outright rejection — the officer will not accept a partial submission for review.
Single Line Diagram — TANGEDCO Line Style
Must show PV array → DC combiner (if applicable) → solar inverter → AC isolation switch → net energy meter → grid connection point, using TANGEDCO-standard symbols (not IEC 60617 defaults). The [SLD](/glossary/sld/) must include fault protection device ratings, cable sizes, and a title block naming the consumer's EB service number.
General Arrangement (Site Layout) Drawing
A to-scale roof plan or ground-mount plan showing module positions, row spacing, cable trays, inverter location, earthing pit positions, and distance from the existing meter board. Must include north arrow and scale bar. This is the layout drawing the AE uses to determine grid injection point feasibility.
Earthing and Lightning Protection Schematic
Separate from the SLD — must show GI strip or copper conductor path from each module frame to earthing electrode, inverter body earthing, DC negative earthing (if applicable), lightning arrestor location, and earthing electrode depth and resistance specification (≤5 Ω for structures, ≤10 Ω for LT systems). This is the most commonly incomplete drawing in TANGEDCO submissions.
Net Meter Connection Schematic
Shows the bidirectional net energy meter's position relative to the existing TANGEDCO service entrance, the export power flow path, CT/PT ratios if HT metering applies, and the isolation arrangement. This drawing confirms to TANGEDCO's metering department that the meter board can physically accommodate a net energy meter without altering the service entrance.
Structural Load Certificate (Roof Assessment)
A signed and stamped structural engineer certificate confirming that the roof or mounting surface can bear the additional dead load and wind load of the proposed system under IS 875 Part 3 (wind) and IS 875 Part 1 (dead load). Required for all systems above 5 kW on RCC/sheet metal roofs; de facto required for all systems by most TANGEDCO division offices regardless of size.
Watch out. TANGEDCO sub-division offices in Chennai's metro divisions have been requiring a sixth item since late 2024 — a Grid Synchronisation Certificate from a TANGEDCO-empanelled testing agency for systems above 10 kW. Confirm with the DE office at the time of application; adding it retroactively adds 15–20 days.
Full Document Checklist — Submit Nothing Less
The checklist below covers all categories: identity documents, technical drawings, equipment compliance, and payment. Use it as a pre-submission audit with your site team before filing at the TANGEDCO sub-division office.
Category A — Consumer and Property Documents
- Application form (TANGEDCO Net Metering application, available at DE office or tangedco.gov.in)
- Proof of ownership or occupancy of the premises (sale deed, khata, lease agreement)
- Latest TANGEDCO electricity bill (showing service connection number, tariff category, sanctioned load)
- Aadhaar card / PAN card of consumer (or company incorporation certificate for commercial/industrial)
- No-Objection Certificate from building owner if the applicant is a tenant (residential buildings)
Category B — Technical and Drawing Documents
- Single Line Diagram — TANGEDCO line style (Drawing 1 of The TANGEDCO Drawing Protocol)
- General Arrangement / Site Layout drawing (Drawing 2)
- Earthing and Lightning Protection Schematic (Drawing 3)
- Net Meter Connection Schematic (Drawing 4)
- Structural Load Certificate (Drawing 5)
- Grid Synchronisation Certificate (systems > 10 kW — confirm local requirement)
- Load calculation sheet (inverter sizing, string sizing, cable sizing) signed by licensed electrical contractor
Category C — Equipment Compliance
- Module datasheets — ALMM compliance confirmation letter or certificate from module manufacturer
- Inverter datasheet — confirmation that model appears on current MNRE-approved inverter list
- Anti-islanding protection test certificate for the inverter model
- DC surge protection device (SPD) specification sheet
- AC surge protection device specification sheet (required by most metro division offices)
Category D — Contractor and Testing
- Contractor licence: electrical contractor must hold a valid Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB/TANGEDCO) contractor licence
- Electrical Inspector (EI) or CEIG inspection report (for systems > 25 kW under Tamil Nadu Electricity Rules)
- Installation completion report signed by the licensed contractor
Category E — Payment
- Application fee (₹500–₹2,000 depending on system size — check current schedule at DE office)
- Net meter cost deposit (TANGEDCO supplies and installs the bidirectional meter; consumer pays actual cost, typically ₹3,500–₹8,000)
Note. CEIG inspection is mandatory under Regulation 45 of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations for captive generating plants of 1 kW and above connecting to the grid. In Tamil Nadu, the Chief Electrical Inspector to Government (CEIG) office is in Chennai; for systems below 25 kW, many division offices accept the licensed contractor's completion report in lieu of a CEIG visit — confirm with your specific DE office before commissioning.
For CEIG drawing preparation and inspection coordination, see the detailed walkthrough on CEIG drawing approval process in India.
Stage-by-Stage TANGEDCO Approval Process
TANGEDCO’s net metering approval process runs in five stages from application submission to meter energisation. The timeline ranges from 30 days for a ≤10 kW LT domestic system with a clean submission to 90 days for a 500 kW HT system requiring Divisional Engineer sign-off.
30–45
Days — ≤10 kW clean submission
Heaven Designs field data, Q1 2026
45–75
Days — 10–100 kW LT/HT
Heaven Designs field data, Q1 2026
75–90
Days — 100 kW to 1 MW
Heaven Designs field data, Q1 2026
~65%
First-pass approval rate in metro Chennai divisions
Mercom India, 2024 rooftop tracker
Stage 1 — Application Submission at Sub-Division Office
The consumer or their authorised EPC submits the complete application package (Categories A through E) in physical form to the AE or ADE at the sub-division serving the connection point. TANGEDCO does not currently accept online net metering applications for new connections — a physical file is required. The officer acknowledges receipt and assigns a file number.
What can go wrong here: Incomplete drawing set. The officer performs a format check — not a technical review — and will return files that lack any of the five drawing types. This is a hard stop; the clock does not start until the full set is accepted.
Stage 2 — Technical Feasibility Assessment (DE Office)
The AE forwards the file to the Division Engineer (DE), who assesses whether the local 11 kV / LT feeder serving the premises has adequate hosting capacity for the proposed export. TANGEDCO’s hosting capacity limit per feeder is typically 30% of the feeder’s peak load capacity under the 2019 amended order.
Timeline: 7–15 working days. The DE may issue a technical feasibility letter approving the connection in principle, or a technical infeasibility notice if the feeder is already at capacity — in which case the consumer may request a feeder augmentation or accept a net billing arrangement without export.
Stage 3 — Drawing Review and Approval
The DE’s technical team — or a dedicated drawing review team in larger divisions — reviews all five drawings against TANGEDCO’s internal checklist. The SLD is checked for proper fault protection, correct cable sizing, and use of TANGEDCO-standard symbols. The earthing schematic is checked for completeness. The net meter schematic is forwarded to TANGEDCO’s metering department.
Timeline: 10–20 working days. Drawing objections are issued in writing; the EPC must resubmit corrected drawings within the validity period stated on the objection letter (typically 30 days).
Stage 4 — Meter Procurement and Installation
Once drawings are approved, TANGEDCO issues a meter connection order and procures a bidirectional net energy meter through its stores department. A TANGEDCO lineman or meter technician visits the premises to install the bidirectional meter in place of the existing energy meter.
Timeline: 7–20 working days from drawing approval, depending on meter stock availability at the regional stores. Delays here are TANGEDCO-internal and outside the EPC’s control — follow up with the DE office every 10 days.
Field tip. Request the meter connection order number in writing before the meter visit. TANGEDCO store tracking is manual at most divisions — the order number lets you follow up directly with the stores manager rather than through the AE chain, cutting 5–10 days off the wait.
Stage 5 — Grid Commissioning and Connection
After meter installation, the EPC performs the final grid synchronisation test in the presence of a TANGEDCO AE. For systems above 10 kW, a written grid synchronisation certificate from a TANGEDCO-approved testing agency is required before the AE will sign the commissioning report. The AE seals the meter board and issues a Net Metering Connection Certificate — this is the document the consumer needs to claim solar subsidies, file CEIG reports, and for any future insurance purposes.
Timeline: 2–5 working days for the site visit; 3–7 days for the connection certificate to be issued.
Net Metering Tariff, Billing, and Settlement in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu uses a monthly net billing cycle under TNERC’s order. At the end of each billing month, TANGEDCO’s billing system computes:
Net units consumed = Units imported from grid − Units exported to grid
If net consumption is positive (consumer imported more than they exported), the consumer pays for net units at the applicable tariff rate. If net consumption is negative (consumer exported more than they imported), the surplus units are carried forward as a banking credit and adjusted against future bills.
| Billing Scenario | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Monthly net import (> 0) | Consumer pays for net units at tariff rate |
| Monthly net export (< 0) | Surplus units banked for future adjustment |
| Year-end surplus credit | Paid out at ₹2.25/kWh (LT) or ₹2.50/kWh (HT) by TANGEDCO |
| Grid unavailability hours | Solar generated but not exported; no credit for that period |
| System downtime due to inverter fault | No credit; consumption billed normally |
PROS — TANGEDCO NET METERING
- Annual banking credit monetised at year end — no forfeit
- 1 MW ceiling accommodates large C&I rooftop projects
- HT consumers get ₹2.50/kWh export — relatively competitive
- No gross metering — consumer always nets against their own consumption first
- Applicable across all 38 Tamil Nadu districts under one TANGEDCO entity
CONS — TANGEDCO NET METERING
- Physical-only application process slows down multi-project EPCs
- Feeder hosting capacity often constrains dense industrial estates
- No centralised portal for tracking application status
- Meter supply delays (Stage 4) can add 15–30 days with no recourse
- Grid synchronisation certificate requirement for > 10 kW adds cost
Verdict. TANGEDCO net metering is financially sound for C&I and industrial consumers — the 1 MW ceiling and year-end cash settlement make it one of the better frameworks in South India. The constraint is operational: slow physical processing and feeder saturation in industrial belts around Coimbatore, Hosur, and Tirunelveli. EPCs that pre-qualify feeder capacity and submit clean five-drawing packages consistently close projects 25–30 days faster than those who learn TANGEDCO’s format requirements through trial and error.
Tamil Nadu Solar Market Context — Why TANGEDCO Net Metering Matters Now
Tamil Nadu has been among India’s top three solar states by cumulative installed capacity for the past four years. According to Mercom India’s Tamil Nadu solar tracker, the state crossed 7,400 MW of total installed solar capacity by Q1 2025, with rooftop and distributed solar accounting for approximately 1,100 MW of that total.
The rooftop segment in Tamil Nadu was historically constrained by two factors: TANGEDCO’s feeder hosting capacity limits in industrial areas, and the drawing-rejection bottleneck at sub-division offices. Both are now being systematically addressed. TNERC issued a circular in 2024 mandating TANGEDCO to publish feeder-wise hosting capacity data quarterly — a transparency measure that allows EPCs to pre-screen feasibility before application. MNRE’s Rooftop Solar Phase II programme provides additional subsidy infrastructure targeting 1.5 GW of new rooftop installations across Tamil Nadu through 2026.
The IEA Solar PV report 2024 notes that India’s distributed solar growth is increasingly driven by C&I behind-the-meter installations in states with net metering parity — and Tamil Nadu’s ₹2.50/kWh HT export rate places it among the more competitive frameworks.
For EPCs serving Tamil Nadu’s industrial corridor (Chennai–Bengaluru highway, Coimbatore manufacturing belt, SIPCOT estates), net metering now offers payback periods below six years on most C&I projects, making it the default recommendation over captive standalone systems.
Market signal. Tamil Nadu's PM Surya Ghar allocation for FY2025–26 is approximately 2.8 lakh residential installations. Each installation requires a net metering connection. EPCs who have TANGEDCO drawing formats standardised and ready to deploy at scale will capture disproportionate share of this volume — the bottleneck is drawings, not demand.
The 12 Most Common TANGEDCO Rejection Reasons
The following rejection causes account for approximately 80 percent of returned applications at TANGEDCO sub-division offices, based on pattern analysis of 40+ Tamil Nadu net metering submissions processed through Heaven Designs.
| # | Rejection Reason | Root Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SLD uses IEC symbols, not TANGEDCO-standard symbols | Designer used a generic AutoCAD library | Use TANGEDCO-specific symbol set; request the symbol guide from the DE office or use Heaven Designs’ Tamil Nadu SLD template |
| 2 | Earthing schematic missing or merged into SLD | Earthing drawn as a note on the SLD instead of a separate sheet | Draw earthing as a standalone schematic — the TANGEDCO Drawing Protocol requires it as Drawing 3 |
| 3 | Module ALMM compliance not confirmed | Datasheet submitted without the ALMM certificate | Attach manufacturer’s ALMM compliance letter per the August 2022 MNRE order |
| 4 | Inverter not on current MNRE-approved list | Specced an inverter not on the latest quarterly revision | Cross-check against the current MNRE approved inverter list; substitute or get retrospective inclusion letter |
| 5 | Net meter schematic missing | Only the SLD was submitted; separate net meter diagram not provided | Prepare Drawing 4 as a standalone document showing bidirectional meter location |
| 6 | Structural certificate missing or unsigned | Certificate not stamped by a licensed structural engineer | Engage a TANGEDCO-acknowledged structural engineer; confirm stamp acceptance with the DE office |
| 7 | Consumer EB service number not on the SLD title block | Standard title block used without site-specific details | Add the consumer’s 14-digit EB service connection number to the SLD title block |
| 8 | Contractor licence expired or not in Tamil Nadu scope | National-scope licence presented; TANGEDCO requires TN state-specific licence | Verify contractor holds a current TANGEDCO/TNEB electrical contractor licence |
| 9 | Application form incomplete — missing system capacity declaration | Pre-printed form partially filled | Fill all sections including the system capacity declaration and the consumer’s authorisation for the EPC to act as agent |
| 10 | Grid synchronisation certificate missing for > 10 kW system | EPC unaware of post-2024 metro-division requirement | Commission a grid sync test through an empanelled agency before submission |
| 11 | Cable sizing inconsistent between SLD and load calculation sheet | SLD updated without updating the load calculation sheet | Reconcile both documents before submission; TANGEDCO’s reviewer checks for consistency |
| 12 | Wrong sub-division — application filed at headquarters instead of local office | Multi-district EPC filed centrally | Identify the sub-division serving the meter address; all filings must be made at that local office |
Watch out. A single rejection adds 4–6 weeks to the timeline in most TANGEDCO divisions — the return letter, correction, resubmission, and re-queuing cycle is manual at every stage. For EPCs managing 20+ concurrent Tamil Nadu installations, even a 15% rejection rate translates to 3–4 projects in a permanently delayed state, tying up working capital on commissioned systems that cannot start billing.
TANGEDCO vs. MSEDCL Net Metering — Comparison for Multi-State EPCs
EPCs operating across South India and Maharashtra frequently encounter both TANGEDCO and MSEDCL processes in the same year. The table below compares the two on dimensions that affect project cost and timeline.
| Dimension | TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu) | MSEDCL (Maharashtra) |
|---|---|---|
| Application mode | Physical only at sub-division | Physical at zone office; some divisions accept scanned copies |
| Drawing formats required | 5 (TANGEDCO Drawing Protocol) | 5 (MSEDCL Drawing Stack) |
| Regulatory authority | TNERC (Tamil Nadu) | MERC (Maharashtra) |
| Maximum system size | 1 MW (HT) | 1 MW (HT, MERC 2023 revision) |
| Export tariff (LT domestic) | ₹2.25/kWh | Avoided cost basis (₹3.50–₹4.20/kWh) |
| Year-end surplus handling | Cash settlement by TANGEDCO | Adjusted at MSEDCL’s determined rate |
| Typical LT processing time | 30–60 days | 45–90 days |
| Feeder hosting cap | 30% of feeder peak load | 25–30% per zone-level limit |
| CEIG requirement | > 25 kW (de facto > 10 kW in metro) | > 25 kW for Maharashtra CEIG inspection |
| Contractor licence required | TANGEDCO/TNEB TN-scope licence | MSEDCL electrical contractor licence |
| Grid sync certificate | > 10 kW (metro divisions) | > 25 kW |
Verdict. TANGEDCO and MSEDCL are broadly comparable in difficulty, but differ in where the pain concentrates. TANGEDCO’s main friction is drawing format specificity and the physical-only application process. MSEDCL’s main friction is the zone-specific queue depth and the 45–90 day base processing time. For multi-state EPCs, building separate drawing templates for each DISCOM — rather than adapting a generic template — is the one operational decision that pays back most clearly in first-pass approval rates.
How Heaven Designs Helps Tamil Nadu EPCs Clear TANGEDCO Faster
The TANGEDCO Drawing Protocol’s five formats are well-defined, but executing them at scale — across 10 or 20 concurrent Tamil Nadu projects — requires a drawing engine that knows each format cold and can turn around a new project within 48–72 hours of receiving site data.
- Solar Rooftop Detailed Engineering Design — Full IFC drawing package including TANGEDCO-format SLD, GA, earthing schematic, net meter schematic, and structural load certificate. Delivered in 3–5 business days per project. First-pass approval rate > 90% across Tamil Nadu submissions.
- Electrical CEIG Drawings — CEIG-approval-ready drawings for Tamil Nadu systems above 25 kW, including the formats accepted by the Chennai CEIG office and district electrical inspectors.
- Solar 3D Pre-Design — Sales-stage 3D layout with preliminary shading analysis in 48 hours — lets your sales team confirm rooftop feasibility and provide preliminary sizing before committing to a full TANGEDCO drawing set.
- Site Survey & Land Feasibility Services — Feeder hosting capacity pre-check included as part of Tamil Nadu rooftop feasibility assessments, so you know before drawing whether TANGEDCO’s 30% feeder cap is a constraint at the specific connection point.
- Download sample deliverables — Gated sample pack includes a TANGEDCO-format SLD and earthing schematic from a completed Tamil Nadu commercial rooftop project.
Heaven Designs has processed Tamil Nadu net metering drawing sets across Chennai metro, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, and Tirunelveli divisions. The TANGEDCO symbol libraries and title block templates are pre-built, pre-validated, and immediately deployable on your next project.
Note. All Heaven Designs drawing packages for Tamil Nadu projects include a drawing objection turnaround SLA: if TANGEDCO issues a drawing objection, we revise and resubmit within 48 hours at no additional charge. This SLA eliminates the 4–6 week re-queue risk from the EPC's project timeline entirely.
For a deeper understanding of how net metering works in India across different state frameworks, the glossary entry covers the regulatory structure and billing mechanics. For a full cross-state comparison including Karnataka (BESCOM), Rajasthan (JVVNL), and Gujarat (UGVCL), see DISCOM net metering process across India.
FAQ
What is the maximum system size for TANGEDCO net metering?
The maximum is 1 MW for HT industrial and commercial consumers under the TNERC Net Metering Order 2019 amendment. For LT domestic consumers on single-phase connections, the limit is tied to the sanctioned load, typically 10 kW. Three-phase LT consumers can go up to 75 kW. All limits are subject to feeder hosting capacity at the specific sub-station serving the consumer’s connection.
Does TANGEDCO accept online net metering applications?
As of June 2026, TANGEDCO does not have a functional online net metering application portal for new connections. Applications must be submitted physically at the sub-division or division office serving the consumer’s meter address. Some consumer service centres in Chennai metro accept scanned documents for pre-screening, but the formal application requires physical originals.
How long does TANGEDCO take to install the bidirectional net energy meter?
After drawing approval, TANGEDCO issues a meter connection order. Meter installation typically takes 7–20 working days from that order, depending on stock availability at the regional stores. Chennai metro divisions tend to have better stock availability; smaller districts may experience 20–30 day waits. Follow up with the stores manager directly using your connection order number to expedite.
What happens to surplus units at the end of the settlement year?
Surplus banked units that remain unused at the end of the settlement year are settled in cash by TANGEDCO at the applicable export tariff rate — ₹2.25/kWh for LT consumers and ₹2.50/kWh for HT consumers. Unlike some other states that forfeit unused surplus credits, Tamil Nadu mandates cash settlement under the TNERC order.
Is CEIG inspection mandatory for all TANGEDCO net metering projects?
Under the Central Electricity Authority (Safety Regulations), CEIG inspection is required for captive generating stations of 1 kW and above that connect to the grid. In practice, Tamil Nadu CEIG office processes inspections for systems above 25 kW; for systems below 25 kW, the licensed electrical contractor’s completion certificate is accepted by most TANGEDCO division offices. Always confirm the specific requirement with your DE office before commissioning.
Can a tenant apply for TANGEDCO net metering?
Yes, with conditions. The tenant must submit a No-Objection Certificate from the building owner and confirm that the electricity service connection is in their name or they have a registered lease agreement. If the service connection is in the owner’s name, the owner must be the applicant, or an authorised representative arrangement must be documented.
How does the TANGEDCO net metering process differ from BESCOM in Karnataka?
BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) in Karnataka also uses a five-document submission format, but BESCOM has an online portal (BESCOM’s Suvega or DGMS portal) for application tracking, whereas TANGEDCO remains physical-only. BESCOM’s processing time is comparable for LT systems (30–60 days) but BESCOM is generally faster on meter installation due to better portal coordination. For EPCs bidding on multi-state South India portfolios, TANGEDCO’s physical process requires more field coordination than BESCOM’s semi-digital workflow.
Summary — What Every Tamil Nadu EPC Must Know
Tamil Nadu net metering is commercially attractive and regulatory sound. The TNERC framework is clear, the export tariffs are reasonable, and the 1 MW ceiling accommodates all practical C&I rooftop projects. The operational challenge is TANGEDCO’s drawing specificity and physical-only process.
The TANGEDCO Drawing Protocol — five mandatory formats, each distinct, each subject to independent review — is the single highest-leverage item in the EPC’s control. An EPC that enters every Tamil Nadu project with pre-validated drawing templates, ALMM-confirmed module specs, and a TANGEDCO-licensed contractor on file will clear Stage 3 at the first attempt over 90% of the time. An EPC that adapts generic drawing templates will average one rejection per three submissions, adding 4–6 weeks to each affected project.
For DISCOM-format drawing packages that are ready at the start of the project — not after the first rejection — Heaven Designs’ rooftop engineering design service delivers Tamil Nadu-compliant drawing sets in 3–5 business days, with a revision SLA that eliminates the re-queue risk entirely.
IRENA’s Renewable Energy Statistics 2023 places India as the third-largest solar market globally by new capacity additions — and Tamil Nadu remains one of the key growth states driving that position. Rooftop net metering is the mechanism translating that state-level policy ambition into individual project economics. Knowing the TANGEDCO process cold is not optional for EPCs serious about Tamil Nadu — it is the prerequisite for operating profitably at scale.
