Energetica India Magazine May - June 2026

energetica INDIA- May-June_2026 49 REMOTE MONITORING Why Net-Meters Alone Are Insufficient Most residential systems are equipped with bidirectional net meters that record electricity imported from and exported to the grid. While essential for billing, these devices measure only net exchange at the grid interface and do not capture total generation. Low exports, for instance, may result from reduced production, increased self-consumption, or equipment mal- function, scenarios that net meters cannot distinguish. Dedicated generation meters provide the missing clarity by recording actual plant output. Without them, utilities cannot accurately assess performance or diagnose system issues. Some states, including Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Haryana, have begun installing generation meters alongside net meters, but several large markets still rely primarily on net metering, limiting the depth of available data. Practical Framework Towards an Integrated and Scalable Re- mote Monitoring Recognising these gaps, policymakers are moving toward stan- dardised remote monitoring. Draft guidelines under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana propose a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) architecture based on inverter communication devices, dongles, or data loggers capable of securely transmit- ting generation data beyond proprietary platforms. Pilot deployment initiatives wherein TERI is actively involved and working with some of the key stakeholders in the RTS sec- tor illustrate how such a framework could evolve. One such ini- tiative involves BSNL’s proof of concept using machine-to-ma- chine SIM connectivity to transmit real-time generation data to domestically managed servers. A central dashboard enables continuous performance tracking, fault detection, and large- scale planning based on actual output rather than assumed capacity. Private sector, including start-ups are also emerging. Moni- toring solutions developed by a start-up, Trillectric, combine smart-meter export data with inverter production data to gen- erate feeder-level insights for distribution companies. These platforms identify voltage deviations and underperforming systems across networks, enabling targeted interventions be- fore problems escalate. Automated commissioning records further create reliable digital asset registers for net-meter ap- provals and subsidy validation. Collectively, such pilots demon- strate a distributed approach in which data from individual installations flows into interoperable platforms accessible to utilities and policymakers. Over time, these data streams could support utility-owned monitoring systems capable of scaling nationally while maintaining cybersecurity and domestic data governance. Implications for Power Distribution Utilities For DISCOMs, widespread rooftop solar adoption fundamen- tally alters load patterns. Daytime solar exports reduce grid demand, while evening consumption rises sharply once genera- tion declines. Without accurate production data, utilities may miscalculate procurement needs, leading either to excess pur- chases at high cost or insufficient supply during peak periods. Access to reliable telemetry improves demand forecasting, feed- er planning, and network management. It also enables early identification of areas approaching technical limits due to high rooftop solar penetration. In this sense, monitoring converts a diffuse collection of consumer installations into a predictable component of the power system. From Installation Incentives to Performance Incentives Historically, rooftop solar incentives have prioritised capacity addition measured in kilowatts installed. While effective for accelerating adoption, this approach does not guarantee sus- tained energy delivery. As public taxpayers’ investment grows, aligning incentives with verified generation becomes increas - ingly important. Performance-linked frameworks supported by generation meters and RMS data would distribute accountability across consumers, installers, and utilities. Installers would remain re- sponsible for long-term system health, while consumers would receive assurance that promised savings are realised over time. Continuous monitoring would also enable prompt mainte- nance, reducing prolonged outages and equipment degrada- tion. India’s rooftop solar expansion represents a transformative opportunity, but its success ultimately depends on dependable electricity production rather than installation numbers alone. Counting panels may indicate progress, but measuring energy delivered will determine whether rooftop solar becomes a reli- able pillar of the country’s power system or merely a symbolic addition to capacity.