Net Metering Costs & Timeline (Pakistan 2025)

1. Introduction

In Pakistan, net metering allows households and businesses with solar systems to sell excess electricity back to the grid. As energy prices rise in 2025, net metering has become one of the most effective ways to reduce electricity bills and recover solar investment faster.

This guide covers costs, process timelines, DISCO notes, specifications, pros/cons, and FAQs for net metering in Pakistan.

Learn more about Net Metering FAQ Pakistan 2025.

2. Why Net Metering Matters in 2025

• Lower bills: Sell extra solar power to DISCOs.

• Return on investment: Typical solar payback in 3–5 years.

• Energy independence: Less reliance on expensive grid power.

• Support for renewables: Promotes cleaner, greener Pakistan.

3. Specs & Selection Tips

For a smooth net metering setup in Pakistan:

• System Size: 3 kW – 1 MW approved by NEPRA.

• Inverter Type: Must be net-metering compliant hybrid/grid-tied.

• Safety & Standards: Inverter should be DISCO-approved (LESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, etc.).

• Batteries: Optional → Net metering works without batteries, but hybrids with batteries ensure backup during load-shedding.

For more details, visit Best Hybrid Inverters for Solar.

4. Estimated Costs (2025, PKR)

• Net Metering Application Fee: ₨ 15,000 – 25,000 (varies by DISCO).

• Bi-directional Meter Installation: ₨ 35,000 – 55,000.

• Solar System (5 kW hybrid setup): ₨ 1.0M – 1.2M (including panels, inverter, wiring).

• Annual Maintenance / Service Fees: ₨ 10,000 – 15,000.

Note: Costs depend on DISCO region, system size, and approved installer.

Find more pricing info in Hybrid Inverter Price Pakistan 2025.

5. Timeline & Approval Process

Typical net metering approval in Pakistan (2025):

• Application Submission → Through approved installer (1–2 weeks).

• Technical Review by DISCO → Load assessment & inverter approval (2–3 weeks).

• Site Inspection & Testing → Compliance verification (2–4 weeks).

• Meter Installation → Bi-directional meter setup (1–2 weeks).

• Net Metering Activation → Export billing starts immediately.

Total Timeline: 6–10 weeks (average).

For more details on the process, visit Net Metering Costs Timeline 2025.

6. Pros & Cons of Net Metering

7. DISCO Notes (Pakistan 2025)

• LESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, FESCO actively support net metering.

• System Limit: Small users (3–25 kW) get faster approvals than large (100+ kW).

• Approved Installers: Only NEPRA-licensed vendors can apply.

• Battery Integration: Some DISCOs require extra compliance for hybrid systems.

Learn more about Net Metering Guidelines.

8. FAQs

• Q1: What is the cost of net metering in Pakistan (2025)?

  • Around ₨ 50,000–70,000 for application + meter, excluding solar system cost.

• Q2: How long does approval take?

  • Average 2–3 months depending on DISCO.

• Q3: Can I get net metering without batteries?

  • Yes, net metering works with grid-tied or hybrid inverters (batteries optional).

• Q4: Which inverter is best for net metering?

  • Brands like Inverex, Huawei, Growatt, KSTAR, Dynex are widely approved.

• Q5: Does every DISCO offer net metering?

  • Most major ones (LESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, etc.) do, but approval processes differ.

Check out more on Best Solar Inverters.

9. Installation Basics

• Calculate daily load & solar size (5 kW, 10 kW, etc.).

• Select a DISCO-approved hybrid/grid-tied inverter.

• Hire a NEPRA-approved installer.

• File for application & technical review.

• Install solar system & bi-directional meter.

• Start exporting excess power to the grid.

10. Warranty & After-Sales

• Meters: Usually 1-year service warranty.

• Inverters: 5–10 years (Huawei, KSTAR, Dynex up to 10 years).

• Solar Panels: 10–25 years performance warranty.

• Installer Support: Most vendors handle application + documentation.

Explore Warranty & After-Sales Support.

11. Conclusion

Net metering in Pakistan (2025) offers huge savings, faster ROI, and energy independence. While initial setup costs and DISCO approvals take time, the long-term benefits outweigh the hurdles.

• For small homes (3–5 kW), net metering is affordable.

• For medium setups (5–10 kW), it ensures bill savings + backup.

• For large systems (10 kW+), it’s an investment with long-term returns.

Learn more about Net Metering Process.