Andhra Pradesh Grid Interconnection
APEPDCL Net-Metering & Solar Interconnection Guide
Technical feasibility norms, voltage thresholds, bi-directional metering specifications, and utility liaison for rooftop solar under Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited.
Distribution Utility Profile
APEPDCL
Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited
Operational Jurisdiction
11 Districts CoveredGrid-connected solar net-metering applications and MRT meter testing for all administrative revenue circles in these districts are processed through APEPDCL divisions:
Key Urban Centers
Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Eluru
Technical Feasibility & Specs
Interconnection norms & thresholds
Statutory supply voltages, transformer capacity ceiling, and bi-directional meter specifications applicable for solar rooftop connections under APEPDCL.
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 standards
- Solar Generation Meter
- Unidirectional solar generation check meter installed at inverter AC output
- Protocol Compliance
- DLMS / COSEM protocol compliant with optical communication port
- Testing Laboratory
- APEPDCL 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 APEPDCL.
Feasibility Application and Engineering Drawings Submission
Submission of online application on the APEPDCL solar portal or PM Surya Ghar portal using Service Connection Number (SCNO), accompanied by the 5 mandatory engineering drawings (SLD, GA layout, Earthing scheme, Net Metering schematic, Structural stability certificate).
Technical Feasibility Clearance and Agreement Execution
Technical clearance issued by APEPDCL ADE (Operation) following transformer headroom review, followed by execution of the APERC standard Net Metering Interconnection Agreement.
Plant Erection and MRT Meter Testing
Installation of rooftop solar plant with marine-grade hot-dip galvanized mounting structures. Delivery of meters to APEPDCL MRT laboratory for calibration, accuracy check, and official sealing.
Site Inspection, Anti-Islanding Verification, and Synchronization
On-site verification by APEPDCL ADE (Operation), execution of anti-islanding functional test, installation of sealed bi-directional meter and solar generation meter, and release of formal Commissioning Certificate.
Regulatory & Technical Guidance
Frequently asked questions for APEPDCL
Clear answers to common questions regarding distribution transformer headroom, billing adjustment, meter testing, and safety norms.
What are the five engineering drawings required by APEPDCL?
APEPDCL mandates five technical drawings: a Single Line Diagram (SLD), a General Arrangement (GA) array layout, an Earthing scheme layout, a Net Metering schematic, and a Structural Stability Certificate from a certified structural engineer.
What is the DTR capacity limit under APERC regulations for APEPDCL?
Under APERC regulations, cumulative solar capacity is allowed up to 100% of the distribution transformer rated capacity. APEPDCL regularly updates transformer headroom status on its consumer dashboard.
What hardware precautions are essential for solar installations in coastal APEPDCL districts?
Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and coastal districts experience saline sea air. Structural mountings must use hot-dip galvanized steel (80 to 120 microns) or anodized aluminium, paired with SS304/SS316 fasteners and IP65/IP66 enclosures to prevent corrosion.
What is the maximum system size eligible for net-metering under APEPDCL?
Under APERC regulations, net-metering is available for systems up to 500 kWp per service connection. Systems above 500 kWp up to 5,000 kWp are accommodated under gross metering or open access frameworks.
How does APEPDCL handle excess energy credit settlement?
Surplus energy fed into the grid is credited against consumed energy in each billing cycle. Unutilized credits are carried forward to subsequent billing cycles within the annual settlement cycle as per APERC tariff orders.
Full Liaison Included
Ready to connect solar to APEPDCL?
Leo Solar handles your roof survey, structural design, online portal registration, MRT laboratory testing, and physical bi-directional meter synchronization with Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited.
Direct consultation with our Telangana & Andhra Pradesh utility engineering team.