After the successful installation of the solar system, the question arises in the user’s mind “How to apply for net metering” for best utilization of power generated by the solar system. Net metering will provide you the benefit of the off-solar time and you can consume the energy that is stored on the WAPDA grid. A few steps are involved in applying net metering for your region and the steps are almost the same for the HESCO, MEPCO, LESCO, and other suppliers.
Let’s discuss in detail about the steps involved in the solar net metering:
Preparing Documentation
You have to gather all the necessary documents before applying. The documents consist of:
- CNIC (Copy of Computerized National Identification Card)
- Copy of previous utility bill
- Property ownership paper
- Form issues by the electric distribution company
You have to attach copies of all documents with the form and submitted to the concerned authority.
Selecting an Accredited Installer
An accredited installer is important for the quality work and it’s an independent body that installs these meters. Normally, in simple words, we can call them contractors. AEDB (Alternative Energy Development Board) role is also important because approval of solar panel installers is given by this board. You have to choose the right person for this procedure because many people are working and they scam the users. It is recommended that choose that person, is working in the concerned supplier company.
Technical Evaluation
You have to plan better for installing the solar system and then the solar net metering. Choose that place on the roof, where the maximum exposure to the sun can be utilized. In net metering, the excess production of power will go to the WAPDA grid and the user can get the maximum benefit. Technical evaluation is mandatory before installing this system.
Application Submission
At this step, you have to apply along with the mandatory documents. You can get this form from your concern DISCOs and the procedure almost remains the same for any DISCO. The form received from your concerned DISCO should be filled and submitted with the documents. You have to wait for 10-15 days for this process.
Application Review and Approval
After successful submission, your application will go through a review before approval. Your application & documents should comply with the rules of DISCO and if they meet the criteria then you may be notified about the approval of the application. You will also informed about the disapproval of the application with the reasons.
Meter Installation
Now, it’s time to install the meter in your location. In the start, there was only one meter installed with the two-way mechanism but now, the company has installed the two meters. Both meters show the same stats and work with the two-way mechanism. The electricity meter shows the credit & debit units along with the peak hour units. It is the best way to secure the information with a two-meter policy.
Agreement Signing
You are one step away from completing the process of net metering. After the successful installation of the meter, it is necessary to sign the agreement. NEPRA will issue the license and then DISCO like HESCO will credit the amount of your solar electricity as per the scheduled rate.
Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering in Pakistan
The eligibility criteria for net metering in Pakistan is not tough. Let’s discuss this:
- You should have the nationality of Pakistan and have CNIC.
- You are the owner of the house and solar system.
- A solar system should be installed on your premises.
- You must follow the specific standards provided by the electricity regulatory authorities.
- The power-producing capacity of panels should be from 1 kilowatt to 1 megawatt.
Conclusion
Solar net metering is the best option for users who install solar systems on roofs. You can transfer the access electricity to the WAPDA’s grid and can use it in the off-solar time. If you think, about “how to apply for net metering”, it is a simple process. You can follow them and enjoy the net metering facility. You can also hire a person of concerned DISCO, who can do this procedure for you. I recommended that choose a person from the concerned DISCO and assign the responsibility to do this work.