Does Your Electricity Bill Really Become Zero?
One of the most common questions we get at Saurabh Brothers is: *"Will my UPPCL electricity bill actually become zero after installing solar?"*
The short answer is: It can become nearly zero, but you will still receive a bill.
Let's look at exactly how your electricity bill changes after you install a rooftop solar system with net metering in Uttar Pradesh.
Understanding the Net Metering Bill
Once your solar system is installed, UPPCL replaces your standard meter with a bidirectional net meter. This meter tracks two things:
1. Import: The electricity you pull from the grid (at night or cloudy days).
2. Export: The excess solar electricity you send back to the grid (sunny days).
At the end of the month, your bill is calculated as: (Imported Units - Exported Units) = Net Billed Units.
A Real Before and After Comparison (3kW System)
Let's take an example of a family in Lucknow with a 3kW solar system.
BEFORE SOLAR (Summer Month):
- Total Units Consumed: 450 units
- Tariff Rate: ~₹7.00 per unit
- Fixed Charges & Taxes: ₹400
- Total Bill: ~₹3,550
AFTER SOLAR (Summer Month):
- Total Units Consumed by house: 450 units
- Solar Generation: 400 units
- Directly consumed from solar: 200 units
- Exported to grid: 200 units
- Imported from grid (at night): 250 units
- Net Billed Units: 250 (Import) - 200 (Export) = 50 units
- Cost of 50 units @ ₹7.00 = ₹350
- Fixed Charges: ₹400 (Fixed charges still apply)
- New Total Bill: ~₹750
Monthly Savings: ₹2,800!
What Happens in Winter?
In winter, your AC usage drops significantly. Your home might only consume 200 units, but your 3kW system is still generating 300+ units.
In this case, your Net Billed Units will be negative. UPPCL will bank these excess units, and your bill will only show the fixed meter charges (e.g., ₹400). Those banked units are saved and carried forward to offset your high summer bills!
The Bottom Line
While your bill may never be exactly ₹0.00 due to fixed utility charges and taxes, a properly sized solar system can wipe out 80% to 90% of your energy costs.
