Net metering is a NEPRA-approved billing arrangement where solar system owners export excess electricity to the DISCO grid and receive credits on their electricity bill. During the day your solar panels power your home — any excess goes to the grid through a bi-directional meter. At night you import from the grid as normal. Your monthly bill is calculated on the net difference (imports minus exports). Available across all 9 Pakistani DISCOs: LESCO, MEPCO, IESCO, GEPCO, FESCO, HESCO, SEPCO, PESCO and K-Electric.

NEPRA introduced net metering in Pakistan in 2015 under the Net Metering Regulations 2015. The regulations were updated in 2022 and again in 2025 — most notably changing export rates from a one-for-one retail exchange to an "avoided cost" rate. As of 2026, net metering is available across all 9 DISCOs nationwide with tens of thousands of approved installations.

A bi-directional (two-way) electricity meter records both electricity imported from the DISCO grid (what you consume) and electricity exported to the grid (excess solar generation). Your existing single-direction meter only records imports. When you get net metering approved, your DISCO replaces your existing meter with a bi-directional meter at no significant extra cost (meter cost: Rs. 3,500–7,000 paid to DISCO at installation). Your monthly bill then shows both import and export readings.

Yes — hybrid inverters with battery storage are fully compatible with net metering. The inverter manages three sources: solar panels, battery, and grid. Priority: solar powers loads → excess charges battery → further excess exports to grid (net metering). During load-shedding: solar + battery power your home, no grid interaction. When grid returns: resumes net metering export of excess solar. All major hybrid inverters (GoodWe ES, Sungrow SH, Solis RHI, Growatt SPH, Huawei SUN2000) support this mode on all Pakistani DISCOs.

Under NEPRA regulations, the maximum system size for net metering is 1,000kW (1MW). For residential connections, your solar system cannot exceed your sanctioned load. Most residential connections are 5–10kW sanctioned — check your electricity bill for your sanctioned load in kW. If you want to install a 7kW system on a 5kW sanctioned load connection, you must first apply to your DISCO to increase the sanctioned load (separate application and fee).

• Any consumer connected to one of Pakistan's 9 DISCOs
• Residential (domestic), commercial and industrial connections
• System capacity must not exceed your sanctioned load
• Must use a NEPRA-approved inverter (all major brands qualify)
• System must be installed by an AEDB-registered installer
• Both single-phase and three-phase connections eligible

Net metering is applied under the electricity account holder's name. If you're a tenant, the electricity bill must be in your name OR you need written consent from the property owner. Most DISCOs require the net metering applicant to be the registered electricity account holder. Practical solution: get a registered tenancy agreement and ensure the electricity bill account is in your name or co-signed. Long-term tenants (3+ years) have the most straightforward application path.

No — net metering applications require an installed and commissioned system. The DISCO technical inspection verifies the actual installation. You cannot apply in advance. The correct sequence: choose AEDB installer → sign contract → install system → prepare documentation → apply for net metering → inspection → meter installation → credits begin. Some installers offer to start the documentation process in parallel with installation to reduce total timeline.

Agricultural connections are technically eligible under NEPRA net metering regulations. However, agricultural solar programs often have separate incentive schemes and application processes through AEDB and provincial agricultural departments. Many agricultural solar installations use off-grid or direct-use systems (solar powering tube wells directly) rather than net metering. Contact your DISCO agricultural division and AEDB for current agricultural solar program details in your province.

Yes — three-phase connections are fully eligible for net metering. You'll need a three-phase inverter and a three-phase bi-directional meter. Three-phase connections typically have higher sanctioned loads, accommodating larger solar systems (10kW+). Commercial and industrial three-phase connections are among the best candidates for net metering due to high electricity consumption and good grid connection quality. The application process is identical — your installer handles the three-phase specific documentation.

Your monthly bill shows: Units Imported (from grid) and Units Exported (solar excess to grid). Net units = Imports minus Exports. You pay energy charges only on net units. Fixed charges (meter rent, surcharges) are always payable regardless of solar generation. Example: You import 300 units and export 250 units → net 50 units billed at tariff rate. If you export more than you import (net negative): the credit rolls forward to next month — DISCOs typically don't pay cash for net negative months.

NEPRA revised net metering export rates in 2025–2026 to an "avoided cost" framework. The avoided cost rate is lower than the retail tariff you pay when importing. This means exported units are credited at a lower rate than the rate you pay for imported units. The exact avoided cost rate varies by DISCO and is updated periodically. Confirm the current rate with your specific DISCO billing department before installation — it directly affects your net metering financial projections. Net metering remains strongly profitable even at avoided cost rates.

No — your bill will never go to zero. Fixed charges (meter rent, Fuel Adjustment Charges, Sales Tax, Income Tax surcharge) are applied regardless of solar generation. These fixed charges typically amount to Rs. 1,500–3,500/month on a residential connection. Even if you export more than you import every month, you'll still pay these fixed charges. For most Pakistani residential buyers with a well-sized system, net metering reduces bills by 70–90% — from Rs. 20,000–35,000/month down to Rs. 2,000–6,000/month.

Net metering credits roll forward month-to-month throughout the year. At the annual settlement (financial year end), remaining unused credits may lapse or be compensated at avoided cost rate (varies by DISCO). Practically: size your system so annual generation approximately matches annual consumption — avoid massive oversizing where you consistently accumulate credits that lapse. Don't oversize just for comfort: credits beyond annual consumption are essentially wasted at current Pakistan DISCO net metering terms.

Summer (April–September) is Pakistan's best net metering period — more sun hours, higher generation, more credits. However, summer is also when electricity consumption peaks (ACs running). The financial benefit is highest in summer: your solar covers most of your AC load during the day while also exporting to the grid. Winter (November–February) in Punjab/Islamabad has lower generation due to shorter days and smog — monthly credits are lower but bills are also typically lower as AC use drops. Annual net metering works out very positively over the full year.

• Check your inverter monitoring app (SEMS, ShinePhone, iSolarCloud) for monthly export kWh
• Compare this export figure with your DISCO bill's "Units Exported" line
• If DISCO shows significantly less exports than your inverter — billing error
• Take screenshot of inverter export data and visit DISCO billing office with your bill for correction
• DISCO bills can have errors — monthly verification for the first 3–6 months is good practice
• Keep a simple spreadsheet: inverter generation | DISCO import | DISCO export | expected bill vs actual bill

• LESCO (Lahore): 4–8 weeks — fastest in Pakistan
• IESCO (Islamabad/Rawalpindi): 5–10 weeks
• MEPCO (Multan/South Punjab): 6–12 weeks
• FESCO (Faisalabad): 6–12 weeks
• GEPCO (Gujranwala/Sialkot): 7–13 weeks
• K-Electric (Karachi): 6–14 weeks
• HESCO (Hyderabad/Sindh): 8–16 weeks
• SEPCO / PESCO: 10–18 weeks

NEPRA mandates 30-day processing — but in practice most DISCOs take longer. Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of delays.

• Application processing fee: Rs. 3,000–5,000 (paid to DISCO)
• Bi-directional meter cost: Rs. 3,500–7,000 (paid to DISCO at meter installation)
• Meter sealing fee: Rs. 1,000–2,000 (paid to DISCO)
• Total DISCO fees: Rs. 7,500–14,000
• Installer handling fee: Rs. 10,000–20,000 (should be in installation contract)
• Total process cost: Rs. 17,500–34,000 for net metering application

• CNIC copy (electricity account holder)
• Latest DISCO electricity bill
• Application form (from DISCO customer service centre)
• Single-line electrical diagram (installer prepares)
• Inverter datasheet + NEPRA approval certificate
• Solar panel datasheets
• AEDB installer registration certificate
• Installation completion certificate (signed by AEDB installer)

Make 3 complete sets. Keep submission receipt with date. Incomplete applications add 2–4 weeks minimum.

No — NEPRA regulations require net metering applications to be submitted by an AEDB-registered installer. The application requires technical documentation (single-line diagram, installation certificate, AEDB certificate) that only registered installers can provide. Self-installed solar systems are also not eligible for net metering. The installer's net metering fee (Rs. 10,000–20,000) should be explicitly included in your installation contract — confirm this before signing.

• Call DISCO helpline with your application reference number every 2 weeks
• Visit the Customer Service Centre in person — ask for solar/net metering supervisor
• File a formal complaint at NEPRA's consumer portal (nepra.org.pk) — NEPRA mandates 30-day processing
• Keep all submission receipts with dates as evidence of when you applied
• Common causes: incomplete documentation, inspector unavailability, meter procurement delays — confirm the specific reason with DISCO
• NEPRA escalation typically produces results within 15–20 working days

All major inverter brands sold in Pakistan are on NEPRA's approved equipment list: GoodWe (ES, EM, DNS, ET), Sungrow (SH, SG), Solis (RHI, S5, S6), Growatt (MIN, SPH, MAC), Huawei (SUN2000), Fronius (Primo, Symo, GEN24), Inverex (Veyron, NitroX). However, the list is updated periodically and specific model variants may differ. Always ask your installer to confirm your exact model number is on the current NEPRA approved list for your specific DISCO before purchasing.

On-grid (grid-tie) inverters: No — they shut down completely during load-shedding. No solar generation, no net metering export during outages. Hybrid inverters with battery: During load-shedding the inverter switches to battery+solar mode and powers your home — but cannot export to the grid (grid is down). When grid returns, hybrid resumes normal net metering export. Net metering credits accumulate only when grid is available and solar is generating more than your consumption.

Yes — but you need to notify your DISCO and update your net metering license. Adding panels to your existing system without DISCO notification technically violates your net metering agreement. The update process involves: informing DISCO of the planned expansion, updated single-line diagram, possible re-inspection. In practice, small expansions within your existing inverter's capacity are often added without full re-application — but for significant expansions (adding another inverter or string), a proper update application is recommended to protect your net metering status.

The net metering license is tied to the electricity connection (and the account holder), not the property itself. When selling your house, the net metering license can be transferred to the new owner — they need to apply for a transfer with the DISCO, providing their CNIC and updated account details. This transfer process typically takes 2–4 weeks. Solar systems and net metering licenses add measurable value to property sales in Pakistan's current solar market — mention it in your property listing.

Net metering licenses in Pakistan are issued for 25 years — matching the standard performance warranty period of solar panels. After 25 years, you can apply for license renewal. NEPRA's net metering regulations may change over time — export rates, eligibility criteria, and system size limits have already been revised once (2022) and again (2025). Systems already approved under previous regulations typically continue under grandfather provisions, but new applications face current regulations.

No — solar panels and inverters do not need to be the same brand. You can pair JA Solar panels with a GoodWe inverter, Trina panels with Sungrow, LONGi panels with Solis, etc. Any combination of NEPRA-approved inverter with Tier-1 panels works. The inverter only needs to be compatible with the panels' electrical specifications (voltage, current, string configuration) — your installer will verify this in the system design. Brand mixing is extremely common and there's no regulatory requirement for brand matching.

• Dirty panels (most common): Pakistan's dust reduces output 15–25%. Clean and recheck.
• Shading: New construction, tree growth, water tank added after installation. Check for shadows at 11am–1pm.
• Wrong tilt/orientation: Panels should face south at 25–32° tilt. Check if mounting is correct.
• Inverter overheating (summer): Inverter throttles in Pakistan's heat. Improve ventilation, add shade.
• String fault: One broken panel or loose MC4 connector reduces entire string output. Check per-string data in monitoring app.
• Seasonal variation: Lahore winter generates 35–40% less than summer. Annual average is more meaningful than monthly peak.

• Fixed charges: Meter rent, FAC, surcharges always apply — cannot be reduced by solar. Rs. 1,500–3,500/month minimum always payable.
• System undersized: If you consume 800 units/month and your 5kW generates 530 units — you still import 270 net units at full tariff.
• Net metering not yet active: Verify bi-directional meter is installed and active — check if bill shows both "import" and "export" readings.
• Billing error: Compare inverter export data with DISCO bill export units. Discrepancy = billing error. Dispute with DISCO.
• Load-shedding effect: On-grid system generates nothing during outages — you may be consuming from grid during peak hours when load-shedding reduces solar contribution.

Inverter rejection during net metering inspection is rare if you've verified NEPRA approval before purchase. Most common rejection reason: submitted documents show a different model than actually installed (documentation error, not hardware). Solution: correct the documentation and request re-inspection (adds 2–4 weeks). If the inverter genuinely isn't on the approved list: you'll need to replace it — a costly mistake that's entirely avoidable by verifying approval status before purchasing. Always get written confirmation from your installer that your specific inverter model is on the current NEPRA approved list for your DISCO.

DISCOs can reject net metering applications on technical grounds: system exceeds sanctioned load, non-approved inverter, incorrect earthing or safety equipment, installer not AEDB registered, or incomplete documentation. DISCOs cannot arbitrarily refuse applications that meet all NEPRA technical requirements — rejection must be for specific documented technical reasons. If you believe your application was wrongly rejected: request written rejection with specific reason, rectify the stated issue, and reapply. For unjustified rejections: escalate to NEPRA consumer portal.

• Fixed charges: Meter rent, FAC, taxes — solar se reduce nahi hote. Rs. 1,500–3,500 minimum hamesha aayega.
• System chota hai: Agar ghar mein 3 AC hain aur 5kW ka system hai — poora bill cover nahi hoga.
• Bi-directional meter sahi hai?: Bill mein "Units Exported" line dekho — agar nahi hai to net metering abhi active nahi hua.
• On-grid system load-shedding mein band hota hai: Load-shedding ke doran generation zero hoti hai — woh waqt grid se import hota hai.
• Panel saaf nahi: Gande panels 15–25% kam generate karte hain. Monthly cleaning zaroori hai.