Andhra Pradesh Grid Interconnection
APCPDCL Net-Metering & Solar Interconnection Guide
Technical feasibility norms, voltage thresholds, bi-directional metering specifications, and utility liaison for rooftop solar under Central Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited.
Distribution Utility Profile
APCPDCL
Central Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited
Operational Jurisdiction
5 Districts CoveredGrid-connected solar net-metering applications and MRT meter testing for all administrative revenue circles in these districts are processed through APCPDCL divisions:
Key Urban Centers
Vijayawada, Guntur, Machilipatnam, Tenali, Narasaraopet, Amaravati
Technical Feasibility & Specs
Interconnection norms & thresholds
Statutory supply voltages, transformer capacity ceiling, and bi-directional meter specifications applicable for solar rooftop connections under APCPDCL.
Supply Voltage Thresholds
Permissible interconnection supply levels based on total solar inverter AC output capacity:
- LT Single-Phase
- Up to 3 kW (single-phase 230V, extendable to 5 kW based on service line)
- LT Three-Phase
- Above 5 kW up to 56 kW (415V three-phase LT supply)
- HT 11 kV Supply
- Above 56 kW up to 1,000 kW (11 kV HT supply)
- HT 33 kV Supply
- Above 1,000 kW up to 5,000 kW (33 kV HT supply)
Supply conversion application can be bundled with solar feasibility filing.
Transformer & Load Caps
Statutory limits enforced by regulatory orders during technical scrutiny:
- DTR Capacity Ceiling: 100%
- Cumulative solar capacity on distribution transformers is permitted up to 100% of rated capacity under APERC Solar Rooftop Regulations.
- Contracted Load Limit: Up to 100%
- Consumers across residential, commercial, and institutional categories can install up to 100% of contracted load, subject to a 500 kWp net-metering ceiling.
- Settlement Cycle
- Monthly energy netting with credit carry forward across billing cycles
- Banking Carry-Forward
- Annual settlement period with surplus unutilized credits adjusted as per APERC tariff orders
Feasibility approval is valid for project execution and agreement signing.
Bi-Directional Net-Meter
Utility hardware specifications and calibration protocols:
- Bi-Directional Net Meter
- DLMS-compliant bidirectional four-quadrant static meter (Class 1.0 for LT, Class 0.5s for HT) complying with IS 13779 / IS 14697 and APERC technical guidelines
- Solar Generation Meter
- Unidirectional solar generation check meter installed on inverter AC output
- Protocol Compliance
- DLMS / COSEM protocol compliant with optical communication port
- Testing Laboratory
- APCPDCL Meter Relay Testing (MRT) Laboratory
Leo Solar handles procurement, lab testing delivery, and installation liaison.
Step-by-Step Workflow
4-Step Interconnection Timeline
From initial feasibility registration on the portal to grid synchronization and commissioning certificate release with APCPDCL.
Feasibility Application and Service Validation
Submission of online application on the APCPDCL solar portal or PM Surya Ghar portal using Service Connection Number (SCNO). ADE (Operation) evaluates local transformer capacity within 15 working days.
Technical Feasibility Sanction and Agreement Execution
Receipt of technical clearance letter from APCPDCL followed by execution of the APERC standard Net Metering Interconnection Agreement with the Executive Engineer or ADE.
Plant Erection and MRT Meter Calibration
Turnkey installation of solar array, inverter, AC and DC protection boxes, and earthing pits. Submission of meters to APCPDCL MRT laboratory for calibration and official sealing.
Site Inspection, Net Meter Synchronization, and Commissioning
Physical inspection by APCPDCL ADE (Operation), execution of anti-islanding functional test, installation of sealed bi-directional net meter and generation meter, and release of Commissioning Certificate.
Regulatory & Technical Guidance
Frequently asked questions for APCPDCL
Clear answers to common questions regarding distribution transformer headroom, billing adjustment, meter testing, and safety norms.
What are the sanctioned load rules for commercial consumers in APCPDCL?
Commercial consumers under APCPDCL in Vijayawada and Guntur can install solar capacity up to 100% of their contracted load, up to a maximum of 500 kWp under net-metering.
How does APCPDCL evaluate transformer feasibility in dense urban areas like Vijayawada?
APCPDCL assesses local transformer loading and cumulative solar connections against the APERC 100% rated capacity ceiling. If headroom is available, feasibility is approved within 15 working days.
What are the dual meter requirements under APCPDCL?
APCPDCL requires a bi-directional net meter at the grid interface point to measure import/export, and a separate generation meter at the inverter output to record total solar generation.
Can consumers upgrade from single-phase to three-phase for solar net-metering?
Yes. If your planned solar capacity exceeds 3 kW or 5 kW, you can apply for a service category conversion from single-phase to three-phase supply with APCPDCL.
How are solar export credits accounted for in APCPDCL billing?
Exported units are netted against imported units in each billing cycle. Surplus export units are carried forward across billing cycles within the annual settlement period.
Full Liaison Included
Ready to connect solar to APCPDCL?
Leo Solar handles your roof survey, structural design, online portal registration, MRT laboratory testing, and physical bi-directional meter synchronization with Central Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited.
Direct consultation with our Telangana & Andhra Pradesh utility engineering team.