What is feasibility clearance?
Feasibility clearance is the DISCOM's confirmation that a proposed solar plant can be connected to the local distribution grid without causing voltage, reliability, or capacity issues. It is the first regulatory milestone in the net metering and grid connection process: the DISCOM technical team reviews the proposal, checks distribution transformer capacity, voltage limits, and protection compatibility, and issues clearance to proceed with installation.
For residential rooftop under PM Surya Ghar, feasibility is integrated into the national portal flow. For commercial and HT-connected projects, the DISCOM's net metering or interconnection cell handles applications through state-specific portals or offline submission. State-level processes vary substantially: some DISCOMs have online tracking; others require physical document submission.
Feasibility clearance is distinct from net metering approval. Feasibility is the entry permit confirming the proposed project can be installed. After installation, a separate net metering application is filed for meter installation and operational approval.
Why feasibility clearance matters
For solar EPCs, feasibility clearance determines whether a customer order can be fulfilled. A denied or delayed feasibility blocks the entire project. Quality EPCs check distribution transformer capacity informally before customer commitment for marginal cases.
For customers, feasibility clearance is the regulatory assurance that solar generation will not create downstream issues. PM Surya Ghar subsidy disbursement waits for feasibility plus completion plus net metering approval; any delay cascades.
For DISCOMs, feasibility clearance protects grid integrity. High solar penetration in particular distribution areas can cause voltage rise during peak generation and reverse power flow issues. Feasibility check is the gatekeeping that prevents these issues.
How feasibility clearance is obtained
- Site survey. EPC confirms roof area, structure, electrical service.
- Sanction load check. Verify proposed solar within sanction limits.
- Single line diagram preparation. Electrical layout document.
- Documentation compilation. Bills, ownership, vendor declaration.
- Application submission. Online portal or DISCOM office.
- Fee payment. Where applicable.
- DISCOM review. Technical team assessment.
- Site verification. Optional, depending on DISCOM.
- Clearance issuance. Or conditional approval / denial.
- Installation proceeds. Based on clearance.
Benefits of disciplined feasibility process
- Regulatory compliance. Required before installation.
- Risk identification. Capacity and voltage issues surface early.
- Customer confidence. Approved permit reduces concern.
- Net metering pathway. Foundation for final approval.
- PM Surya Ghar subsidy flow. Required step for DBT.
- Insurance acceptability. Documented compliance.
- Project finance enablement. Lenders may require feasibility.
Limitations and challenges
Timeline variation. Some DISCOMs slower than others.
Documentation burden. Multi-step paperwork.
State-specific processes. No national standard.
Denial risk. Distribution capacity constraints in some areas.
Communication gaps. Application status not always transparent.
Feasibility clearance across major Indian DISCOMs
| State / DISCOM | Typical residential timeline |
|---|---|
| Delhi (BSES, TPDDL) | 15 to 30 days, online portal |
| Maharashtra (MSEDCL) | 15 to 45 days, online via MSEB-net |
| Karnataka (BESCOM) | 15 to 30 days, online application |
| Tamil Nadu (TANGEDCO) | 30 to 60 days, mix online/offline |
| Gujarat (DGVCL, MGVCL, PGVCL, UGVCL) | 15 to 30 days, online |
| Uttar Pradesh (UPPCL discoms) | 30 to 60 days |
| PM Surya Ghar national portal | Integrated DISCOM flow |
Quick facts
| Issued by | Local DISCOM |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Grid technical acceptance of proposed solar |
| Timeline | 7 to 90 days depending on size and DISCOM |
| Documents | SLD, electricity bill, ownership, specs |
| Fees | DISCOM-specific, INR 500 to 10,000 |
| Next step | Installation, then net metering application |
| Authority | State SERC regulations, CEA grid code |
Common mistakes about feasibility clearance
- Starting installation before clearance. Compliance violation.
- Wrong sanction load assumption. Triggers denial.
- Incomplete documentation. Delays processing.
- Wrong SLD specifications. Technical rejection.
- Skipping site verification. DISCOM requests redo.
- No follow-up. Application stalls.
- Assuming national standard. State-specific patterns.
- Mixing with net metering approval. Different steps.
Key takeaways
- Feasibility clearance is DISCOM's technical OK for solar grid connection.
- First regulatory step before installation.
- Timeline 7 to 90 days depending on size and DISCOM.
- Documents include SLD, bills, ownership, plant specs.
- State-specific processes; PM Surya Ghar integrates flow nationally.
- Distinct from net metering approval (post-installation).
- Required for subsidy disbursement and project finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is feasibility clearance for solar?
Feasibility clearance (also called technical feasibility approval) is the DISCOM's confirmation that a proposed solar plant can be connected to the local grid without causing voltage, reliability, or capacity issues. It is the first regulatory step in the net metering and grid connection process. Without feasibility clearance, the project cannot proceed to installation.
Who issues feasibility clearance?
The DISCOM (Distribution Company) for the local service area. Examples: BSES and TPDDL in Delhi, MSEDCL in Maharashtra, BESCOM in Karnataka, TANGEDCO in Tamil Nadu, UPPCL in Uttar Pradesh. Each DISCOM has its own application process and timeline.
What does feasibility clearance check?
Whether the local distribution transformer has spare capacity to absorb solar generation, whether the LT or HT network can handle reverse power flow, whether voltage limits will be respected, whether protection schemes are compatible. For larger projects, full power flow study may be required.
How long does feasibility clearance take?
Varies by DISCOM and project size. Residential rooftop typically 7 to 30 days. Commercial and industrial 30 to 60 days. Utility-scale and HT-connected projects 60 to 90 days. Some DISCOMs have online portals with faster processing.
What documents are required?
Application form, site address proof, electricity bill, single line diagram (SLD), proposed plant specifications (kWp, modules, inverter), photo of proposed installation area, structural certificate where required, vendor declaration, and authorisation letter where applicable.
Is feasibility clearance the same as net metering approval?
No. Feasibility clearance is the initial technical OK to proceed. After installation, a separate net metering application is filed for net meter installation and final approval. Feasibility is the entry permit; net metering approval is the operating permit.
What happens if feasibility is denied?
Common reasons: distribution transformer at capacity, voltage stability concerns, protection scheme conflict. Options: reduce project size, wait for DISCOM grid upgrade, propose grid-side improvements at developer cost, choose different connection point. Resubmission with modifications is allowed.
Is there a feasibility fee?
DISCOM-specific. Some charge application fees (INR 500 to 10,000 depending on size); others process free. State agency fees may apply. Project finance budgets should include feasibility application costs.
Does feasibility apply to off-grid?
No. Off-grid systems do not connect to DISCOM grid and do not require feasibility clearance. However state inspector approval (CEI sanction) may still be required for safety compliance.
What is sanction load and how does it affect feasibility?
Sanction load is the maximum load the consumer is authorised to draw. For net metering, sanction load typically caps the maximum solar capacity that can be approved (residential: 100 percent of sanction load; commercial: varies by state policy). Feasibility check verifies proposed solar capacity is within limits.
Can feasibility be obtained before customer order?
Yes, and quality EPCs do this for marginal projects to confirm grid acceptance before committing the customer. For straightforward projects within DISCOM norms, feasibility is filed after customer order.
What is the role of CEI sanction?
Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) sanction is separate from DISCOM feasibility. CEI verifies electrical safety compliance for installations above specified capacity. Both clearances may be required: DISCOM for grid acceptance, CEI for safety.
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- State DISCOM net metering portals. Application process and timelines.
- CEA Technical Standards for Connectivity. Grid connection norms. cea.nic.in
- SERC regulations. State-specific net metering rules.
- MNRE solar rooftop guidelines. mnre.gov.in
- PM Surya Ghar portal. Standardised feasibility flow. pmsuryaghar.gov.in
- Solar EPC field experience. DISCOM-specific patterns.
- Forum of Indian Regulators publications. Best practice frameworks.
Written by QuickEstimate Editorial, QuickEstimate Editorial (Surat).
Last updated: 4 June 2026.