TSSPDCL Net Metering Approval Timeline: What to Expect in 2026

For any rooftop solar installation in Telangana, securing TSSPDCL's net metering approval is a non-negotiable step — your system cannot legally export power or receive bill credits without it. Here's a realistic, step-by-step guide to what the approval process looks like in 2026, with typical timelines for each stage.

Stage 1: Feasibility Application (Week 1–2)

The net metering process begins with a Technical Feasibility Application submitted to your respective TSSPDCL O&M circle. Your EPC contractor prepares and submits: the application form (available on the TSSPDCL portal), a copy of your electricity bill (last 3 months), the proposed solar system capacity (kW), a site plan showing the rooftop, and the consumer account number. TSSPDCL's technical team reviews the application to assess if the feeder and transformer have adequate capacity to handle the solar addition. For most LT commercial consumers, this is a formality — but for HT consumers and larger systems, the feeder assessment can take additional time.

Stage 2: DISCOM Feasibility Response (Week 2–4)

TSSPDCL issues a Technical Feasibility Report (TFR) either approving or conditionally approving (with specified technical requirements) the solar connection. If the feeder is constrained, TSSPDCL may specify a maximum solar capacity lower than what you applied for — this is important to know before committing to equipment purchase. ARIA Green Energy maintains relationships with TSSPDCL's technical teams across Hyderabad circles and can anticipate capacity constraints early in the process.

Stage 3: Net Metering Agreement (Week 3–5)

Once the TFR is received, a Net Metering Agreement is executed between you (the prosumer) and TSSPDCL. This agreement defines the settlement terms, the metering specifications, your obligations as a prosumer, and TSSPDCL's obligations for meter supply and maintenance. The agreement must be signed by an authorised signatory of the consumer entity. Your EPC contractor reviews the agreement terms before signing.

Stage 4: Solar Installation (Week 3–8, parallel)

Solar installation begins once the TFR is received — you don't need to wait for the full approval to complete before starting civil and structural work. Panels, mounting structures, inverters, and DC cabling can all be installed during the agreement and inspection scheduling phase. This parallel execution compresses the overall project timeline significantly.

Stage 5: DISCOM Inspection and Meter Installation (Week 6–10)

After solar installation is complete, your EPC contractor submits a Commissioning Application to TSSPDCL with the installation certificate, single-line diagram, inverter commissioning report, and earthing test reports. TSSPDCL schedules a site inspection — typically within 5–10 business days of submission in the Hyderabad metro area, longer in rural circles. On inspection clearance, TSSPDCL installs the bidirectional smart meter (at your cost — typically ₹8,000–15,000 for a single-phase or three-phase meter) and activates the net metering connection.

Common Causes of Delay

The most frequent causes of TSSPDCL net metering delays are: (1) Incomplete documentation at the feasibility stage — missing structural certificate or incorrect single-line diagram. (2) Inspector availability — Q1 and Q4 are peak seasons with higher application volumes. (3) Feeder capacity constraints for projects above 250 kW in dense urban feeders. (4) Discrepancy between applied capacity and installed capacity. ARIA Green Energy's dedicated approvals team tracks every application milestone and proactively resolves documentation issues before they cause delays.