India’s first virtual net metering (VNM) rooftop solar project under the PM Surya Ghar program has been implemented at a residential apartment in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The project has delivered meaningful electricity savings for 20 households since it was commissioned four months ago.

The 60 kW rooftop solar system installed at Parthivi Pacific Apartments is expected to deliver annual savings of ₹630,000 (~$6,980), translating to savings of about ₹31,500 (~$349) per household on electricity bills.

Virtual net metering allows electricity generated from a single shared rooftop solar system to be used by multiple households. The power produced is fed into the grid and virtually divided among participating consumers based on their agreed share. Each household receives energy credits that are adjusted against its electricity bill, helping reduce overall grid power consumption and costs.

For residential prosumers who can avail of central financial assistance under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the VNM comes as a bonus.

The VNM Project

Jaivik Renewables installed the rooftop solar system in March 2025, but it was commissioned in September 2025.

The project was selected in joint collaboration with the residents, the installer, and DISCOM.

GP Singh, Executive Member of the Parthivi Pacific Residents’ Welfare Association, said, “During my time at the Chhattisgarh State Load Despatch Center, my interactions with developers gave me the idea to set up a rooftop solar project under the VNM model at my apartment.”

As a pilot project, the 60 kW solar system was installed at a total cost of ₹2.4 million (~$26,597). Under the PM Surya Ghar Program, each beneficiary received a subsidy of ₹75,300 (~$835). In total, the project received ₹1.5 million (~$16,621) in subsidies.

Chandra Sekhar Reddy, Managing Director at Jaivik Renewables, said that with the subsidy support, the estimated payback period is ~1.5 years.

The project generates around 250–260 units (kWh) per day, translating to roughly 7,500–8,000 units per month.

The rooftop solar system uses Adani Solar’s 570 Wp TOPCon bifacial modules paired with Luminous’ 60 kW inverters.

Through the rooftop solar system, households can meet up to 100% of their electricity requirements, although coverage may be lower for prosumers with higher consumption. Under the VNM model, each household receives a 5% share of the system’s total generation. The installation is mounted on an elevated structure, allowing residents to continue using the rooftop area beneath the array of panels for other purposes.

Benefits

Explaining the working of the VNM model, Superintending Engineer and Nodal Officer (Solar) at Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company, Bimbisar, said a generation meter is installed at the utility’s common transformer, and the beneficiaries receive electricity credits individually based on their respective shares under the VNM arrangement, through meters with VNM-specific programming.

The state government recently announced an additional subsidy of up to ₹30,000 (~$332), bringing the current upfront cost of setting up a rooftop solar system to ₹27,000 (~$299) per prosumer. He added that with the additional state government subsidy, the payback period could be reduced to a year or less.

“The VNM model is highly beneficial for residential households with roof space constraints for multiple projects,” added Bimbisar.

Maintenance of the rooftop solar system under the VNM arrangement is easier and cheaper.

The 60 kW project was set up using 9,600 sq ft of rooftop space, avoiding the need to install separate projects for all 20 beneficiaries. Providing a boost to VNM projects, the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission has also clarified that a solar project under the VNM framework can be located at a site different from the consumer’s premises.

VNM Model Expansion

Bimbisar said that the DISCOM is also planning to take the VNM model to a few villages in Chhattisgarh, where they will set up rooftop solar projects to benefit 50–60 households. Bimbisar said they have sent a proposal to the Union Government regarding the disbursement of subsidies for the VNM project.

“In villages, consumers usually don’t consume more than 200 units of electricity a month. This model allows for reducing the upfront cost. We are hoping to extend the VNM model within the next few months. We have also found vendors willing to execute the project. They can avail the subsidy under PM Surya Ghar program.”

He said the VNM model will also boost installations under PM Surya Ghar as the program allows even houses without proper roof space to avail the benefits.

According to DISCOMs, the major challenge lies in convincing prospective prosumers to invest in this power procurement model for 25 years.

Singh, one of the residents, added that DISCOMs were also not prepared for this, as it was the first VNM project. “The billing was delayed by 5–6 months after installation, and the energy was getting accumulated in the meter.”

Mercom India has been hosting a multi-city C&I Clean Energy Meet series to raise awareness among businesses about the benefits of shifting to renewable energy sources. The next event will be held in Coimbatore on February 5, 2026.