Paschim Gujarat (Western Gujarat) is the solar market most EPCs underestimate. Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, and the Saurashtra coast have among the highest solar irradiance in India, 5.5+ peak sun hours per day. Yet the PGVCL net metering application process remains the least documented of Gujarat's four DISCOMs, partly because most how-to content is written by Surat or Ahmedabad-based EPCs operating in DGVCL and UGVCL territory.
Key takeaway
The PGVCL net metering application follows the same GERC-mandated 5-step process, Submit → Feasibility → PGVCL Sanction → Installation → Commission, as all Gujarat DISCOMs. Apply at pgvcl.in. PM Surya Ghar applicants use pmsuryaghar.gov.in, which routes to PGVCL automatically. Typical timelines: 35–55 days, with Rajkot urban circles completing in 30–40 days.
This guide is a companion to the MGVCL net metering guide for Middle Gujarat and the DGVCL net metering guide for South Gujarat. If your customer's electricity bill shows PGVCL (Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited) as the DISCOM, this is the guide you need.
What PGVCL covers and who qualifies for net metering
PGVCL (Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited) distributes electricity across Western Gujarat, the Saurashtra peninsula and the South Gujarat coastal belt. PGVCL's area of supply includes ten districts: Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Devbhumi Dwarka, Morbi, and parts of Surat district outside DGVCL's zone.
If your customer's electricity bill says PGVCL, this guide applies. If the bill says DGVCL, see the DGVCL net metering guide.
Eligibility for net metering under PGVCL follows the GERC Net Metering Rooftop Solar PV Grid-Interactive Systems Regulations, 2016 (amended 2019):
- All LT consumers: Domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers with Low Tension connections are eligible. HT (High Tension) consumers above 1 MW have a separate group net metering process.
- System size cap: Solar system capacity cannot exceed the consumer's sanctioned load or 1 MW, whichever is lower.
- Grid-interactive systems only: Standalone off-grid systems without a grid-tie inverter do not qualify for net metering.
- Licensed installer: The EPC must hold a valid electrical contractor licence from the Gujarat Electrical Inspectorate (GEI).
- PM Surya Ghar beneficiaries: Residential applicants under the scheme apply through pmsuryaghar.gov.in, the national portal routes to PGVCL automatically.
For background on how net metering billing works, see how to apply for net metering in India. This guide stays focused on PGVCL-specific steps, forms, and operational details.
Note. Some EPCs in Rajkot confuse PGVCL territory with MGVCL territory for customers in Morbi or near the MGVCL border. The definitive check: look at the top of the consumer's electricity bill, the DISCOM name is printed on the bill header. When in doubt, call the PGVCL helpline (1800-233-1034) with the consumer account number.
Stats at a glance, PGVCL net metering in numbers
10districts
PGVCL coverage: Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Devbhumi Dwarka, Morbi + part of Surat
Source: PGVCL area of supply, pgvcl.in
5.5+PSH/day
Peak sun hours in Saurashtra, among the highest in India
Source: MNRE Solar Radiation Resource Assessment data
30working days
GERC-mandated maximum timeline: application to commissioning
Source: GERC Net Metering Regulations, 2016
₹78,000max
PM Surya Ghar central subsidy for a 3 kW residential system
Source: MNRE PM Surya Ghar operational guidelines, 2024
The PGVCL 5-Step Approval Ladder, the named framework
The PGVCL 5-Step Approval Ladder is identical in structure to the process used by DGVCL, MGVCL, and UGVCL, all four DISCOMs follow the same GERC mandate. The steps are: Submit → Feasibility → PGVCL Sanction → Installation → Commission. Each rung has a defined GERC timeline, a defined owner, and a deliverable that enables the next step.
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1
Submit, Apply online at pgvcl.in
Go to pgvcl.in, navigate to Consumer Self-Service / Solar Rooftop, and fill the net metering application form. Enter the consumer account number, proposed capacity (kW), inverter make and model, EPC licence number, and upload all required documents. Note the system-generated acknowledgement number, this is your reference for status checks and escalation.
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2
Feasibility, PGVCL site visit within 7 working days
The PGVCL sub-division office assigned to the consumer's area sends a junior engineer to assess the distribution transformer capacity, existing meter panel, grid voltage stability at the connection point, and roof suitability. GERC mandates this within 7 working days of application receipt. Rajkot urban circles typically achieve this in 4–6 days; coastal and rural circles (Porbandar, Gir Somnath) often take the full 7–9 working days.
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3
PGVCL Sanction, Approval letter with technical conditions
PGVCL issues the sanction letter specifying approved capacity in kW, inverter technical requirements (grid-tie, anti-islanding compliance), and any grid augmentation required. GERC mandates sanction within 15 working days of the feasibility visit. PGVCL bears all grid augmentation costs, the consumer does not pay. Wait for the sanction letter before beginning installation, pre-sanction installations are not eligible for net meter connection.
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4
Installation, EPC installs system per sanction specifications
Install panels, inverter, AC cabling, AC disconnect, and earthing per the PGVCL sanction letter. After completion, obtain the Electrical Inspection Certificate (EIC) from the Gujarat Electrical Inspectorate (GEI). Then submit the commissioning request to PGVCL with the EIC, completion photos (panels on roof, inverter, metering panel, AC disconnect), and EPC completion certificate.
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5
Commission, Bidirectional net meter installed and activated
PGVCL's metering team visits, replaces the single-direction meter with a bidirectional net meter, inspects AC disconnect, verifies earthing, and activates net metering on the consumer's account. GERC mandates this within 7 working days of the commissioning request. The consumer's first net metering bill arrives in the next billing cycle and shows both import and export units separately.
Timing reality. GERC's 30-working-day mandate is the legal maximum, but PGVCL's practical timeline varies significantly by sub-division. Rajkot city: 30–40 days. Bhavnagar, Jamnagar city: 35–45 days. Coastal circles (Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Devbhumi Dwarka): 40–55 days due to smaller engineering teams. Quote 40–50 days to avoid under-promising in Saurashtra.
PGVCL portal, exactly where to apply online
The official portal is pgvcl.in. From the homepage, navigate to Consumer Self-Service → Solar Rooftop / Net Metering. PGVCL requires the consumer to log in with their PGVCL account number and registered mobile OTP before filling the application form.
Key portal tips for smooth submission:
- The form fields require the consumer account number in the exact format shown on the electricity bill (typically 12 digits for PGVCL residential accounts).
- Inverter model must be entered exactly as it appears on the MNRE approved inverter list, a minor spelling difference can cause a technical rejection.
- Documents must be uploaded in PDF or JPEG format; file size limits apply (typically 2 MB per document).
- The system generates an acknowledgement number immediately on submission, save this in your project file and WhatsApp it to the customer.
For PM Surya Ghar applicants, use pmsuryaghar.gov.in as the starting point. The consumer selects PGVCL as their DISCOM, enters their consumer number, and the national portal routes the application to PGVCL. The EPC does not file separately on pgvcl.in in this case.
Watch out. PGVCL's portal is occasionally slow during peak hours (10 AM to 1 PM, business days) and the session may time out mid-upload. Prepare all document scans in advance, keep file sizes under 1.5 MB, and submit in the morning before 9:30 AM or after 4 PM to avoid session timeouts. Losing a half-filled form forces a re-entry.
Documents required for PGVCL net metering
Getting the complete document set right on first submission is the most reliable way to stay within the 30-working-day GERC target. PGVCL rejects incomplete or mismatched document sets, and each rejection restarts the 30-day clock.
Consumer identity and property documents:
- Copy of the latest PGVCL electricity bill, must be under 3 months old at the time of submission, and must show the consumer account number and sanctioned load in kW
- Proof of property ownership (registered sale deed, property tax receipt paid to the local municipality, or a registered lease agreement for non-owner applicants)
- Aadhaar card of the consumer (self-attested photocopy)
- PAN card of the consumer (mandatory for systems above 10 kW and for PM Surya Ghar subsidy disbursement)
- One passport-size photograph of the consumer
Technical documents (submitted with the initial application):
- Single-line diagram (SLD) of the proposed solar rooftop system, prepared and signed by a GEI-licensed electrical engineer
- Roof plan or site layout showing panel placement, shadow-free area, and structural detail
- Inverter technical datasheet, the model must be on the MNRE approved inverter list
- Solar panel technical datasheet (IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certified panels only)
- EPC's GEI electrical contractor licence, licence number and certified copy
Post-installation documents (submitted with the commissioning request):
- Electrical Inspection Certificate (EIC) from the Gujarat Electrical Inspectorate (GEI)
- EPC completion certificate
- Photographs: panels on roof (wide and close-up), inverter installed, metering panel showing the inverter AC output breaker, and AC disconnect switch
Field tip. In coastal and fishing community areas (Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Devbhumi Dwarka), property ownership documentation is sometimes complex, ancestral land with joint ownership, old revenue records not updated in decades. Flag this early in the site survey: if ownership proof is unclear, PGVCL will reject the application. The resolution path is a legal letter from a notary or a revenue records update, both take time. Identify this risk at lead qualification, not after the sale.
Common rejection reasons, and how to avoid them
Do this to pass first time
- ✓Match consumer name exactly, character for character, between form and bill
- ✓Verify inverter is on current MNRE approved list before any quotation
- ✓Keep the bill copy under 3 months old at submission date
- ✓SLD signed, stamped, and dated by a GEI-licensed electrical engineer
- ✓Proposed kW ≤ sanctioned load shown on the electricity bill
- ✓Check property document name matches the bill consumer name
Common PGVCL rejection triggers
- ✗Consumer name mismatch between application form and electricity bill
- ✗Inverter model not on MNRE approved inverter list
- ✗Proposed capacity exceeds sanctioned load in kW
- ✗Bill copy older than 3 months
- ✗SLD not signed / not prepared by a licensed engineer
- ✗Property ownership document name does not match consumer name on bill
The net metering rejection reasons guide covers these patterns across Gujarat DISCOMs with data from our 2024 installer survey. PGVCL-specific: coastal property ownership document issues are more common in PGVCL territory than other DISCOMs because of the agricultural / fishing community land record complexity in Saurashtra.
PGVCL fee structure and net metering tariff
Application fees:
PGVCL charges a nominal processing fee for net metering applications, typically ₹500–₹1,000 for residential LT connections under 10 kW. This is paid online through the pgvcl.in portal at the time of submission. Systems above 10 kW may attract higher administrative fees per GERC tariff orders. Confirm the current fee at the time of application, fees are revised periodically.
Net metering tariff, what your customer earns and pays:
PGVCL applies GERC-approved tariffs for all net metering consumers in Saurashtra. For 2025–26:
- Import tariff: Residential consumers pay the applicable LT domestic slab. In Rajkot and Saurashtra, the tariff runs from approximately ₹1.90/unit for the first 50 units up to ₹5.70/unit above 500 units per the GERC tariff order.
- Export tariff: Surplus units fed into the PGVCL grid are credited at the Average Pooled Purchase Cost (APPC). PGVCL's APPC for 2025–26 is approximately ₹3.35–₹3.45/unit. GERC revises this each year.
- Year-end cash settlement: Accumulated export credits not consumed by March 31 are paid out in cash to the consumer's bank account by May 31.
Saurashtra advantage. At 5.5 peak sun hours, a 3 kW system in Rajkot generates approximately 396 units/month (132 units/kW × 5.5 PSH). A household consuming 250 units/month exports 146 units. At ₹3.40/unit APPC, the monthly export credit is ₹496, about 33% better than an equivalent system in Mumbai. This makes the payback narrative in Rajkot significantly stronger than MSEDCL territory. Use this in your proposals.
PGVCL vs DGVCL, key differences for Gujarat EPCs
| Feature | PGVCL | DGVCL |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Rajkot, Saurashtra (10 districts) | Surat, South Gujarat (7 districts) |
| Portal | pgvcl.in | consumer.dgvcl.com |
| Urban approval (best case) | Rajkot city: 30–40 days | Surat city: 25–35 days |
| Rural / remote speed | Gir Somnath / Porbandar: 40–55 days | Dang / Tapi: 45–55 days |
| Portal login method | Account number + mobile OTP | Account number + mobile OTP |
| GERC APPC rate (approx.) | ₹3.35–₹3.45/unit | ₹3.38–₹3.42/unit |
| Peak solar irradiance | 5.5+ PSH (Saurashtra) | 4.8–5.0 PSH (South Gujarat coast) |
For a full four-way comparison of all Gujarat DISCOMs, see the DGVCL guide's comparison table. The MGVCL process for Middle Gujarat is covered in the MGVCL net metering guide.
All four Gujarat DISCOMs at a glance
| DISCOM | Key districts | Portal | Helpline | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGVCL | Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Morbi | pgvcl.in | 1800-233-1034 | 35–55 days |
| DGVCL | Surat, Bharuch, Navsari, Valsad, Dang, Tapi | consumer.dgvcl.com | 1800-233-1031 | 25–40 days |
| MGVCL | Vadodara, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod | mgvcl.com | 1800-233-1033 | 30–45 days |
| UGVCL | Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Patan, Banaskantha, Sabarkantha | ugvcl.com | 1800-233-1032 | 30–45 days |
How to check PGVCL net metering application status online
PGVCL provides application status tracking on pgvcl.in. Here is the step-by-step:
- Go to pgvcl.in and click Consumer Self-Service.
- Log in with the consumer's PGVCL account number and the registered mobile OTP.
- Navigate to Solar Rooftop / Net Metering Application Status.
- Enter the acknowledgement number from your application submission.
- The portal displays the current rung: Application Received / Feasibility Pending / Feasibility Done / Sanction Issued / Commissioning Requested / Net Meter Installed.
Status updates on the PGVCL portal are batch-processed, not real-time. If the portal shows "Feasibility Pending" for more than 9 working days, do not wait, call the PGVCL helpline at 1800-233-1034 (toll-free) with the acknowledgement number and ask for the assigned sub-division office and the engineer's scheduled visit date. For escalation beyond the sub-division, contact the PGVCL Circle Office in Rajkot (for Saurashtra cases) directly.
PGVCL escalation contacts for persistent delays:
- Sub-division level: The phone number of your assigned sub-division office, available on pgvcl.in → Contact → Sub-Division Offices.
- Circle level: PGVCL Chief Engineer (Commercial), Rajkot Circle Office, for any project stuck at Feasibility or Sanction for more than 15 working days beyond the GERC deadline.
- GERC Consumer Grievance Cell: If PGVCL has breached the GERC 30-working-day mandate, file a written complaint at gercin.org under the Consumer Grievance Redressal mechanism. GERC takes these seriously and PGVCL responds within 10 working days.
Escalation tip. When calling the PGVCL sub-division office to follow up on a delayed feasibility visit, always use the exact words "GERC Regulation timeline" in the conversation. Sub-division office staff are aware that GERC can audit compliance, referencing the regulation politely but clearly tends to accelerate the visit scheduling significantly.
PM Surya Ghar and PGVCL, the interaction
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (launched February 2024 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) changes the application sequence for residential solar in PGVCL territory. For PM Surya Ghar empanelled vendors operating in Rajkot and Saurashtra:
- The consumer registers at pmsuryaghar.gov.in, selects PGVCL as the DISCOM, and enters the PGVCL consumer number.
- The national portal sends the application to PGVCL's system automatically, no separate pgvcl.in application needed.
- PGVCL runs the same 5-step approval ladder (feasibility, sanction, installation, commission) and updates the national portal at each step.
- After installation, the EPC uploads completion documents (photos, EIC, completion certificate) to the national portal.
- PGVCL activates the net meter. IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency) disburses the subsidy to the consumer's bank account linked on the national portal after PGVCL confirms commissioning.
For EPCs not yet empanelled: without vendor registration on the national portal, the Step 4 completion upload will fail and the PM Surya Ghar subsidy will not disburse. See the PM Surya Ghar vendor empanelment guide to get registered.
How QuickEstimate helps PGVCL EPCs manage multiple applications
Running 15–25 PGVCL net metering applications simultaneously across Rajkot, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar is where informal tracking breaks down. One stalled feasibility in Gir Somnath you forgot to follow up. One sanction letter for a Morbi customer sitting unread in an email. One commissioning confirmation from PGVCL that never made it to the customer. Each of these costs you trust, referrals, and sometimes the next deal.
- Proposal Generator, Generate a PGVCL-ready solar proposal with PM Surya Ghar subsidy pre-filled, Saurashtra-specific net metering savings (at 5.5 PSH), and payback period shown in 60 seconds. Close the customer before the 40-day PGVCL approval wait begins.
- Lead Management, Tag each Rajkot and Bhavnagar lead by PGVCL approval rung, Submitted, Feasibility Done, Sanctioned, Installation Complete, Net Meter Live, and see the full pipeline on one screen without spreadsheets or WhatsApp scrolling.
- WhatsApp Integration, Send PGVCL sanction letters, commissioning confirmations, first-bill explainers, and approval status updates to customers on WhatsApp directly from the app, with delivery tracking.
The solar sales funnel guide for India explains how to position the PGVCL approval wait as a feature, not a bug, by setting expectations at the proposal stage. The solar sales follow-up rules guide covers the exact message sequence to send customers during the 40-day PGVCL window to keep the deal warm and referrals coming.
What to do this week, for your PGVCL EPC in Rajkot / Saurashtra
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Audit active PGVCL applications by rung. Pull every active project and note which of the 5 steps each is on. Any project at Feasibility (Rung 2) for more than 9 working days from submission needs a helpline call today, with the acknowledgement number.
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Build a PGVCL document checklist for your site survey team. Name match errors and stale bill copies account for over 60% of first-submission rejections in Gujarat DISCOMs. Create a one-page checklist, consumer name as on bill, bill (under 3 months), Aadhaar, PAN, SLD (licensed engineer signed), inverter model (on MNRE list), and have it collected at the site survey, not at the application.
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Use Saurashtra's solar advantage in your proposals. At 5.5 PSH, your customers generate 15–20% more per kW than South Gujarat customers. That's a better payback story. A QuickEstimate proposal pre-fills location-specific generation estimates. Try QuickEstimate free to generate a Rajkot-ready proposal in 60 seconds and let the numbers close for you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does PGVCL net metering approval take?
The GERC mandate is 30 working days from application submission to commissioning. In practice, Rajkot city circles complete in 30–40 days. Bhavnagar and Jamnagar cities: 35–45 days. Rural and coastal circles (Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Devbhumi Dwarka): 40–55 days. Document errors on first submission add 15–20 days because the application is returned and the 30-day clock restarts. Quote customers 40–50 days to set accurate expectations in Saurashtra.
Where do I apply for PGVCL net metering?
Apply online at pgvcl.in under Consumer Self-Service / Solar Rooftop / Net Metering. You can also apply in person at any PGVCL sub-division office. If your customer qualifies for PM Surya Ghar scheme, use pmsuryaghar.gov.in as the starting point, the national portal routes the application to PGVCL automatically and no separate pgvcl.in filing is needed.
What documents are needed for PGVCL net metering?
At application: latest PGVCL electricity bill (under 3 months old), property ownership proof (sale deed or property tax receipt), Aadhaar, PAN (for above 10 kW or PM Surya Ghar), passport-size photo, SLD signed by GEI-licensed engineer, inverter datasheet (MNRE approved model), panel datasheet (IEC 61215/61730), and EPC licence copy. After installation: GEI Electrical Inspection Certificate, EPC completion certificate, and installation photographs.
Can the EPC apply for PGVCL net metering on behalf of the customer?
Yes. The EPC can fill and submit the application on pgvcl.in on behalf of the consumer, provided the consumer has signed a written authorization letter. All consumer documents must still be included. The consumer's mobile number must be active and registered with PGVCL for the OTP portal login, update this with the PGVCL helpline (1800-233-1034) at least 2 days before filing if needed.
How do I check my PGVCL net metering application status online?
Log into pgvcl.in with the consumer's account number and registered mobile OTP. Navigate to Solar Rooftop / Net Metering Application Status and enter the acknowledgement number. Status labels: Application Received / Feasibility Pending / Feasibility Done / Sanction Issued / Commissioning Requested / Net Meter Installed. For faster status confirmation, call PGVCL helpline 1800-233-1034 with the acknowledgement number.
What is the difference between PGVCL and DGVCL net metering process?
Both follow GERC Net Metering Regulations 2016, the core 5-step process is identical. Differences: portal (pgvcl.in vs consumer.dgvcl.com), helpline numbers (1800-233-1034 vs 1800-233-1031), sub-division office locations, and typical processing speeds (DGVCL Surat is slightly faster at 25–35 days versus PGVCL Rajkot at 30–40 days). Solar generation is higher in PGVCL territory (5.5 PSH Saurashtra vs 4.8 PSH South Gujarat), which improves the payback narrative for PGVCL customers.
What happens if PGVCL rejects my net metering application?
PGVCL must provide a written rejection reason per GERC Regulation 7. Common reasons: name mismatch, inverter not on MNRE approved list, proposed capacity exceeding sanctioned load, bill older than 3 months, missing SLD signature, or property ownership document not matching consumer name. Correct the error and resubmit through the same portal, the 30-day GERC clock restarts from the new submission date. For detailed rejection patterns and prevention checklists, see the net metering rejection reasons guide.
What is the PGVCL net metering tariff?
PGVCL credits surplus solar units exported to the grid at the Average Pooled Purchase Cost (APPC) set by GERC, approximately ₹3.35–₹3.45/unit for 2025–26. Import tariff follows the LT domestic slab rates from the GERC tariff order: approximately ₹1.90/unit (first 50 units) to ₹5.70/unit (above 500 units). Surplus credits accumulate monthly; unconsummed credits at year-end (March 31) are paid out in cash by May 31.
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