1. Introduction
Net metering in Pakistan allows solar users to sell excess electricity back to the grid. In 2025, with increasing electricity tariffs, it has become one of the most attractive options for homeowners and businesses to cut down bills and recover solar investments faster. This guide answers the most common FAQs about net metering in Pakistan, including costs, approvals, specs, and warranty details.
2. Why Net Metering Matters in 2025
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Cuts electricity bills by exporting surplus solar energy.
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Ensures faster return on investment (3–5 years).
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Encourages renewable energy adoption across households and industries.
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Increases property value with a grid-tied solar system. For solar system options, check out Best Hybrid Inverter Pakistan 2025 and Hybrid Inverter Price Pakistan 2025.
3. Specs & Selection Tips
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System Size: Eligible from 3kW up to 1MW (as per NEPRA).
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Inverter Type: Must be grid-tied or hybrid net-metering certified. Check out more on Hybrid Inverter Price Pakistan 2025.
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Panel Approval: Only DISCO-approved solar panels are accepted. For example, Jinko 560W Solar Panel is compatible with net metering.
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Installer Requirement: Must hire a NEPRA-certified vendor.
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Battery Support: Optional → Hybrids can include backup, but batteries are not mandatory. Explore Lithium Battery Price Pakistan 2025 for battery options.
4. Estimated Costs (2025)
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Application & Processing Fee: ₨ 15,000 – 25,000 (varies by DISCO).
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Bi-Directional Meter Installation: ₨ 35,000 – 55,000.
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Total Net Metering Setup (excluding solar system): ₨ 50,000 – 70,000.
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Complete 5kW Solar Hybrid System with Net Metering: ₨ 1.0M – 1.2M. Check out pricing for Solar Panel Price Index Pakistan 2025 for an idea of solar panel costs.
5. Pros & Cons of Net Metering
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduces electricity bills by up to 80% | Initial application & meter cost |
| ROI in 3–5 years | Approval takes 6–10 weeks |
| Environment-friendly renewable energy | Only works with DISCO-approved inverters |
| Works for both homes and businesses | Batteries increase total cost |
6. DISCO Notes (Pakistan 2025)
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LESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, FESCO → actively process net metering applications.
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Timeline: Average approval takes 6–10 weeks.
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Documentation Needed: CNIC, property papers, panel datasheets, inverter compliance certificates.
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Installer Role: Only NEPRA-approved installers can submit applications.
Learn more about HESCO Net Metering 2025, IESCO Net Metering 2025, FESCO Net Metering 2025, and Gepco Net Metering 2025.
7. FAQs
Q1: What is the total cost of net metering in Pakistan (2025)?
Around ₨ 50,000–70,000 for meter + application (excluding solar system cost).
Q2: How long does approval take?
On average 2–3 months from application to meter installation.
Q3: Do I need batteries for net metering?
No, net metering works with grid-tied systems. Batteries are optional for backup. Learn more about Lithium Batteries.
Q4: Which inverters are approved for net metering?
Popular brands like Inverex, Huawei, Growatt, Goodwe, Fronius are approved. Explore all inverter brands on Inverter Brands.
Q5: Can businesses also apply for net metering?
Yes, commercial systems up to 1MW are eligible.
Q6: What happens if my solar system produces more than I consume?
The excess units are credited to your bill and adjusted in future months. Learn about Hybrid Inverter Price Pakistan 2025 for systems that support net metering.
Q7: Is net metering available in all cities of Pakistan?
Yes, in all DISCO-covered regions, subject to approval.
8. Installation Basics
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Load calculation to size the system.
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Select a net-metering compliant inverter (see Hybrid Inverter Price Pakistan 2025).
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Install solar panels with NEPRA-certified installer.
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File application with DISCO along with required documents.
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DISCO conducts technical review and inspection.
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Bi-directional meter installed.
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Export billing starts immediately after activation.
9. Warranty & After-Sales
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Meters: Typically 1-year service warranty.
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Inverters: 5–10 years depending on brand (check out Fronius vs Sungrow vs Huawei vs Goodwe for comparisons).
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Solar Panels: 10–25 years performance warranty. Check out Jinko 560W Solar Panel for options.
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Installer Services: Most vendors provide 1-year free after-sales service and handle net-metering paperwork.
10. Conclusion
Net metering in Pakistan (2025) is the most effective way to reduce electricity bills and achieve energy independence. While initial setup and approvals may take time, the long-term benefits include savings, ROI, and clean energy adoption. For households (3–10kW) and businesses (10kW–1MW), it is a future-proof investment under NEPRA’s renewable energy framework.