What is Virtual Net Metering for housing societies?

Virtual Net Metering lets all members of a society share the savings of a single solar plant, even if it is installed on a remote site. Each participant receives electricity bill credits based on their share, no need for panels on your building.

Can a society use remote solar if there is no terrace space?

Yes. With MERC's new policy, societies can install solar panels at a remote site within the same distribution area and still receive bill credits. Rooftop is optional, not mandatory.

Is Virtual Net Metering approved in Maharashtra?

Yes. MERC mandated Virtual Net Metering for all group housing societies in October 2025 under Case 222 of 2024.

How does my society get started with VNM?

Contact Infisol to arrange a solar site survey and proposal. Our team manages all approvals, paperwork, installation, and ongoing support.

What are the main benefits for societies?

Enjoy lower power bills, clean energy, government support, and flexibility to go solar without rooftop space. Remote solar solutions work for everyone in Maharashtra.

Virtual Net Metering (VNM) – A Game Changer for Maharashtra Housing Societies

Are you part of a housing society or apartment association in Maharashtra? Do you want to reduce your monthly electricity bills and contribute to the clean energy transition, even if your building doesn’t have a large roof? Thanks to MERC’s latest breakthrough order, Virtual Net Metering (VNM) is now mandatory for group housing societies. This makes solar energy savings possible for every member, whether you use your rooftop or set up solar panels at a separate, remote site.

Let’s explore how VNM works, why the latest MERC regulation is a big deal for societies, and how your group can unlock maximum savings and sustainability, no matter your rooftop size.

What is Virtual Net Metering (VNM)?

Virtual Net Metering is an innovative solar energy policy that allows multiple consumers, like housing societies, apartments, or office complexes, to share the output from a common solar installation. The key word is “virtual”. The benefits are distributed through the electricity grid, not by physically wiring the solar panels to each flat.

How VNM Works for Societies:

A solar plant is installed either on the society’s common rooftop or at a remote/common site within the same DISCOM service area.
The solar-generated electricity is fed into the main grid.
Each participating member or flat receives credits on their MSEDCL/electricity bill according to agreed shares, 100% transparent, zero manual work.
No need for every flat to install separate solar panels or deal with wiring complications.

Who Benefits from VNM?

Housing societies and apartment complexes of any size.
Metro city societies with small or shadowed roofs.
Groups with members wanting flexible, shared solar benefits.

MERC’s 2025 Order – What Changed for Housing Societies?

Many societies wanted to go solar but faced obstacles, not enough rooftop space, shadowing from nearby buildings, or lack of clarity on group solar policy. The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has now solved this problem.

Virtual Net Metering is mandatory for all group housing societies and similar group consumers in Maharashtra (as per Case 222 of 2024).
MSEDCL (state DISCOM) must process and approve group VNM applications; delays attract penalties.
Both rooftop and remote/common site solar plants are allowed, as long as the project is within the licensee’s supply area.

Want to go solar but don’t have the space? Contact Infisol today to unlock the power of open access and Virtual Net Metering for your society.

This unlocks solar for thousands of societies in Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and every metro or tier-II city in Maharashtra.

Two Flexible Ways to Go Solar With VNM

1. Rooftop Installation

Use your building’s common terrace to install the solar system.
Electricity production is distributed to all participating members via virtual (digital) credits.
Great for societies with open, shadow-free rooftops.

2. Remote or Common Site Installation

Install a shared solar plant at a different location, such as another building’s roof, an adjacent open ground, or a dedicated solar site.
As long as your remote solar plant is within the same electricity supply/distribution area, you will get bill credits just like a rooftop system.
Ideal for societies with limited, fragmented, or shaded terraces, or in dense city centers.

Infisol’s expertise: We identify, design, and commission both rooftop and remote site solar solutions, managing all permissions, applications, and end-to-end execution for your group.

Key Benefits of Virtual Net Metering for Societies

Lower electricity bills for every participating flat.
Works for small-roof or no-roof buildings, including high-rises in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad.
Government-backed, 100% legal and transparent.
Shared responsibility and shared savings, no need for every flat to run its own system.
Property value boost through sustainable living.
Contributes to Maharashtra’s clean energy and Net Zero Mission.

Step-by-Step: How Your Society Can Go Solar With VNM

Free Site and Savings Assessment
Contact Infisol for a no-obligation technical and financial evaluation. We will assess your available rooftop or help source a remote site.
Custom Solar System Design
Our EPC experts design the solar plant to match your society’s size, members’ consumption, and budget.
VNM Application & MERC/MSEDCL Liaison
We manage all paperwork and permissions, ensuring compliance and smooth approvals.
Installation & Commissioning
Your solar plant is installed, either on rooftop or remote, by our experienced engineers.
Enjoy Bill Credits & Ongoing Support
Society members receive their share of solar savings, monitored and automated every billing cycle. Our team handles maintenance and reporting throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on VNM for Societies & Apartments

Can our society adopt VNM even if we do not have a terrace or enough open space?

Yes. You can install at a remote site and still get bill credits via VNM.

Is it safe and legal to use a remote site for group solar?

Absolutely. MERC’s latest order explicitly allows remote or common site installations under VNM in Maharashtra.

Who owns and maintains the solar plant?

This depends on your society’s preference. We offer turnkey solutions (society-owned or OPEX/RESCO models) with full maintenance.

What is the minimum or maximum system size for VNM?

Most society projects are sized to collective demand and available space. We help you right-size for maximum ROI.

Can our society add more members in the future?

Flexible system design means new members can be added after initial setup. Get in touch for full details.

Why Choose Infisol for Your Society’s Group Solar Project?

100+ group and society solar projects delivered across Maharashtra.
Deep regulatory and technical expertise in VNM and open access solar.
Transparent pricing, dedicated project manager, and lifetime support.
Complete “design, approve, install, monitor” package.

Take the First Step—Get Your Society’s Solar Proposal

Ready to unlock easy, government-approved solar savings for your society or apartment group? No rooftop? No problem.

Contact Infisol now for a free site assessment and see how much your society can save with Virtual Net Metering in Maharashtra.
Do not let space limitations stop your society from joining the solar revolution. Let’s go green, together!