Sell Excess Solar Power to Neighbors in Delhi, Rates Set via Mobile App

New Delhi, India: The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has introduced new guidelines for virtual net metering, allowing residents to sell excess electricity generated from rooftop solar panels directly to their neighbors.

Under the new rules, all three power distribution companies in Delhi—BSES, Tata Power-DDL, and NDMC—are required to facilitate virtual net metering for 1,000 consumers each within their service areas.

How It Works
Traditionally, net metering allows households or buildings with rooftop solar panels to feed surplus electricity into the grid. The meter records electricity consumed from the grid and electricity exported to the grid. At the end of the month, the net difference is adjusted in the electricity bill.

Virtual net metering extends this concept: surplus solar power from a single installation can be shared among multiple consumers according to their approved load, even if they have separate meters. For example, 20 residents of a building can jointly install a solar plant on a distant plot and distribute power among themselves.

Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading
The DERC guidelines enable direct consumer-to-consumer electricity transactions, referred to as peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading. Buyers are required to have smart meters, while sellers must have rooftop solar installations and net metering facilities. Electricity rates are determined via a mobile app, and all transactions are fully digital and secure.

Benefits for Consumers
Consumers generating excess solar power can earn income by selling it, while buyers may purchase electricity at rates lower than standard distribution company tariffs. The system has been designed to be transparent, efficient, and accessible to a wide range of users, ensuring that solar power generation is both profitable and practical.