The Indian government is evaluating a new policy initiative known as the Solar Tariff Shock Protection Framework (STSPF-2026) to help rooftop solar consumers manage sudden electricity bill fluctuations. Officials involved in the consultation process told SolSetu that the framework aims to bring stability, transparency, and predictability to post-solar billing cycles.

While rooftop solar significantly reduces grid dependence, many households experience unexpected billing variations due to tariff slab changes, seasonal generation shifts, and altered net-metering dynamics. STSPF-2026 aims to address these issues through a uniform regulatory mechanism.

Why STSPF-2026 Is Needed

DISCOM data and consumer grievance reports show that rooftop solar users often face:

• Sudden bill spikes during monsoon months
• Movement into higher tariff slabs due to reduced grid consumption
• Confusion around net-metering credits and adjustments
• Unexpected fixed-charge increases
• Seasonal mismatch between consumption and generation

The proposed framework will help reduce confusion and ensure predictable billing for all solar homes.

Key Features Proposed Under STSPF-2026

Early policy drafts suggest the framework may include:

• Tariff Stability Band limiting bill variations within a predictable range
• Seasonal billing equalizer to smooth out monsoon-season under-generation
• Transparent net-metering credit structure for all DISCOMs
• Standardized post-solar bill format across states
• AI-driven monthly bill prediction integrated into DISCOM apps
• Safeguards for low-consumption households to avoid slab-change shocks

If implemented, the framework will be India’s first unified billing-stability mechanism for renewable energy consumers.

Benefits for Solar Consumers

STSPF-2026 will help households:

• Avoid sudden high bills during low-generation months
• Plan household expenses more accurately
• Understand annual savings with transparent credit logic
• Track grid consumption vs. solar generation easily
• Receive fewer bill-related shocks when net-metering resets

Experts believe the new framework could significantly improve consumer confidence in rooftop solar.

Pilot Testing Likely in 2026

Initial deployment may begin in:

• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Delhi NCR

A nationwide rollout may follow once billing systems are upgraded across DISCOMs.

SolSetu will continue tracking developments as STSPF-2026 moves into policy review stages.