Andhra Pradesh’s solar compliance framework operates through two DISCOMs and a single state regulator (APERC). The state’s Solar Power Policy 2022–27 signals sustained government support for solar across residential, commercial, and utility segments. For installers, the two-DISCOM structure means north coastal AP (APEPDCL) and southern AP (APSPDCL) have separate application channels with the same underlying APERC rules.
APERC Net Metering Regulations
APERC issues net metering regulations applicable to both APEPDCL and APSPDCL. Under APERC’s framework:
- Residential: Net metering up to the consumer’s sanctioned load
- Commercial and industrial: Up to 1 MW under standard net metering; larger systems go to open access or net billing
- Export rate: DISCOM APPC (approximately Rs. 3.50–4.00/unit), revised annually
- Settlement: Monthly
Andhra Pradesh’s mid-range APPC means rooftop solar economics are solid for self-consumption and moderately good for export. Coastal AP (APEPDCL territory) receives significant solar irradiance; southern AP including Kurnool has some of India’s highest solar resource.
APEPDCL: Northern and Coastal Andhra Pradesh
APEPDCL (Eastern Power Distribution Company of AP Limited) covers the northern coastal districts:
- Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam (northern coastal Andhra)
- East Godavari, West Godavari (Godavari delta region)
- Parts of Krishna district (coastal and north)
Application process: APEPDCL has an online rooftop solar application portal. Submit the standard DISCOM application package. Feasibility sanction typically takes 20–40 days.
Market characteristics: Visakhapatnam’s port and industrial area drives commercial rooftop demand. The Godavari delta’s agricultural wealth and improving rural electricity supply are expanding the residential PM Surya Ghar market.
APSPDCL: Southern Andhra Pradesh
APSPDCL (Southern Power Distribution Company of AP Limited) covers:
- Vijayawada (Krishna district), Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore (southern coastal)
- Kurnool, Kadapa (Rayalaseema — very high solar irradiance)
- Chittoor, Tirupati (southern border area)
Application process: APSPDCL has an online application portal. Kurnool and Kadapa in Rayalaseema have some of India’s highest solar irradiance (near Rajasthan levels) — excellent project economics for both residential and commercial.
Tirupati: The Tirumala temple complex and Tirupati’s large pilgrim economy drive institutional and commercial solar demand in APSPDCL’s southern districts.
NREDCAP: Coordinating AP Solar
NREDCAP (Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh) is the state nodal agency:
- Manages vendor empanelment on the PM Surya Ghar national portal for AP
- Administers state-level solar subsidies and incentives
- Coordinates with both DISCOMs on PM Surya Ghar implementation
- Manages agri-solar under PM-KUSUM for AP
For installers: NREDCAP registration, in addition to DISCOM-level empanelment, is required for PM Surya Ghar work in AP. Maintain both registrations current.
AP Solar Power Policy 2022–27
The AP Solar Power Policy 2022–27 provides the framework for AP’s solar expansion:
- Targets for utility-scale solar additions in Rayalaseema and other high-resource areas
- Rooftop solar targets for residential, commercial, and government buildings
- Agri-solar under PM-KUSUM (Component C — solarisation of agricultural pump sets)
- RESCO model incentives for commercial-industrial rooftop
- Open access facilitation for large consumers
The policy’s RPO targets mean AP’s DISCOMs must source a growing share of power from renewables — supporting long-term rooftop solar demand from both the central PM Surya Ghar push and commercial-industrial RPO compliance needs.
RESCO Model in Andhra Pradesh
The RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model for commercial rooftop solar is established in AP:
- RESCO company owns and installs the system
- Building owner pays a PPA rate below the grid tariff (typically Rs. 4.00–5.50/unit)
- No PM Surya Ghar CFA (RESCO is not an owned installation)
- DISCOM grid connection still required through standard process
- APERC’s RESCO regulations govern the framework
RESCO is particularly relevant for AP’s large commercial consumers who want zero upfront cost — pharma companies in Visakhapatnam, textile units in Guntur, and educational institutions across AP are typical RESCO customers.
Pro Tip: Kurnool and Kadapa Have Rajasthan-Level Irradiance
AP’s Rayalaseema region (Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapuramu) consistently records 5.5–6.0 peak sun hours daily — among the highest in India outside Rajasthan. When designing systems using solar design software for customers in this region, use location-specific irradiance data rather than AP state averages. The economics are significantly better than the rest of the state.
Design AP Solar Projects for Both APEPDCL and APSPDCL
SurgePV generates APERC-compliant documentation and NREDCAP-ready commissioning packages for both AP DISCOMs — from Visakhapatnam’s coastal installations to Kurnool’s high-irradiance projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two DISCOMs in AP?
APEPDCL covers northern and coastal AP (Visakhapatnam, Godavari districts). APSPDCL covers southern AP (Vijayawada, Kurnool, Tirupati, Nellore).
What is the export rate?
Approximately Rs. 3.50–4.00 per unit (APERC DISCOM APPC, monthly settlement).
What is NREDCAP?
Non-Conventional Energy Development Corporation of AP — the state nodal agency for renewable energy. Required for vendor registration on PM Surya Ghar projects in AP.
What does the AP Solar Policy 2022–27 cover?
Utility-scale solar targets, rooftop solar for residential and commercial, agri-solar under PM-KUSUM, RESCO model incentives, and RPO targets for DISCOMs.
