With the boost in power generation by the solar system, net metering in Pakistan came into effect. People do not want to pay the high unit rate to WAPDA or concerned energy suppliers like HESCO. The trend of installing solar systems is increasing all over Pakistan and they also want to use this energy in the off solar timing. They haven’t any facility to save their excess energy during the day time and they must have to use the facility of the green meter or net meter given by the independent company linked with the WAPDA.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing mechanism that is based on the credit & debit of the electricity to the WAPDA’s grid. The excess units produced by the solar system will be credited to the WAPDA system and in off-solar timing electricity will be returned or debited to the user. If a user wants to avail of this facility then they must have a solar system on their roof and generate more energy than the consumption.
Net Metering Rates in Pakistan
These rates are dependent on the net metering policy and NEPRA can change these rates too. NEPRA buys the electricity on the basis of these rates and returns the electricity at the WAPDA rate.
The following are the rates:
| Residential Buying | Rs. 18.64 /Unit |
| Commercial Buying | Rs. 22.2 /Unit |
| Industrial Buying | Rs. 11.3 /Unit |
NEPRA’s regulation for net metering clearly states that “if the user produces the electricity in the peak time or off-peak time, the rate of buying will be the same. Although, the rate charged by the DISCOs will be based on the off-peak or peak time basis”. Net meter or Green Meter is the three-phase meter and these meters are replaced with the single-phase or three-phase meters.
Advantages of Reverse or Net Metering in Pakistan
It looks good to produce free electricity through the solar system and it will add value at the time of selling the electricity at the same time. We shall discuss some components related to Nepra’s net metering.
Own Electricity and Control Billing
The primary benefit of solar systems is to produce their own power. When we talk about the benefits of net metering, the primary benefit of net metering is to control the billing. You can get the benefit of saving the money by using this system.
Easy to Afford
Net metering is a one-time cost and can be affordable by anyone. You can get long-term benefits from this mechanism and you should have to follow the net metering compliance before installing the solar system.
Best Utilization of 20% to 40% Output
Users can get benefits from the solar net metering system and you can say that about 20-40% of electricity goes to the grid. With the help of solar net metering, you can save this power, if you don’t have any facility like this then you cannot save this ample amount of energy. For the best utilization of solar panel systems, it is recommended that net metering be installed.
Burden Off The Grid
As you know the people of Pakistan are suffering from the high rate of electricity and because of less supply & heavy demand, they have to face the issue of load shedding. The trend of solar system installation decreases the burden from the governmental grid and they generate their own energy in the daytime.
Cost of Net Metering System In Pakistan
The net metering rates in Pakistan depend upon the size of the project and are different for commercial, residential, and industrial users. It can also vary from DISCOs to DISCOs because every DISCO is an independent body. If we talk about residential users, the price of net solar metering depends upon two factors i.e.; the price of the meter & the project size. You can say that on average you have to pay Rs. 135000 for the green or net meter.
Best Capacity for Home Solar Systems & Net Metering in Pakistan?
| Monthly Electricity Units | System Capacity |
| 500-600 units | 5 KW Solar System |
| 1100-1200 | 10 KW Solar System |
| 1700-1800 | 15KW Solar System |
| 2300-2400 | 20 KW Solar System |
| 2800-3000 | 25 KW Solar System |
Conclusion
Net Metering in Pakistan is a useful system for those who installed the solar system on their roofs and utilize the sunlight to produce power. This system is based on the debit & credit mechanism and the excess power in the time goes to the grid & off solar timing you can use your power. The rates are different for credit & debit units. Users can save a huge amount by using this facility and getting ease in their lives. We recommend you install the solar system and you must watch the NEPRA’s rules for getting the economic benefits from this system.