How To Apply For (Green Meter) Net Metering In Pakistan

The electricity crisis is increasing in Pakistan. The demand exceeds the electricity production, so load shedding has become a problem in Pakistan. Considering such problems, the government has decided to promote investment in solar panels. Solar panels will provide electricity to homes and businesses, and excess electricity can also be sent back to the grid. The concept of net metering in Pakistan has also been introduced. Thus, the panels’ initial cost can be recovered quickly, and the bills can also be saved. Here’s a detailed guide on net metering in Pakistan.

What is Net Metering

Net metering is a system that helps to send excess electricity generated by consumers using solar panels back to the grid to get credit. Although many people are now using solar panels, they generate more electricity than they consume. Sometimes, this electricity is wasted. But net metering is the best way to save electricity. This system uses two-way meters to track the electricity generated and consumed. Net metering in Pakistan is an innovative system where consumers can send excess electricity to the grid as credit and receive the amount.

How Net Metering Works in Pakistan?

Net metering in Pakistan allows consumers to generate solar energy according to their usage and feed excess electricity into the grid. This process saves consumers from electricity bills and helps reduce extra electricity costs. According to NEPRA, consumers generating electricity from 1 kW to 1 MW can avail of this net metering facility. The process of net metering was approved in 2006. Now, consumers will be able to receive compensation by sending the excess electricity generated by their panels to the grid as credit. It aims to introduce more clean energy technologies and address power shortages.

How To Apply for Net Metering in Pakistan?

Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for net metering in Pakistan.

Step 1: Preparing Documentation

First, gather your required documents, such as your identity card, a copy of your utility bill, proof of property ownership, and a form issued by the electricity distribution company. This form is essential. Having all these documents is very important when applying.

Step 2: Selecting an Accredited Installer

Choosing an accredited installer is crucial for a quality installation. For this, a solar panel installer approved by the Alternative Energy Development Board AEDB or any other recognized solar installer should be selected. Don’t choose a dealer who will later cheat and face trouble.

Step 3: Technical Evaluation

Site inspection is essential for the installation of panels. Therefore, the installer will check the location and select a suitable location. The panels cannot be installed in a place where there are trees, buildings, etc.; there is a risk of affecting the panels’ performance.

Step 4: Application Submission

After filling out the net metering form provided by the electricity distribution company DISCO, submit your application for net metering along with all the required documents. Then, wait for the results.

Step 5: Application Review and Approval

The distribution company will review them, and if all the documents are complete and meet their conditions, the application will be approved. DISCO Company will notify approval. If there is any deficiency, then it will also be informed about it.

Step 6: Installation and Inspection

Once the application is approved, an accredited installer will install the solar panels on the property. Therefore, always choose a reliable representative for the installation of panels so that they can be contacted later for any technical problem.

Step 7: Meter Installation

After installing the panels, the distribution company will install two-way meters to measure the electricity used by the home and the electricity sent to the grid, evaluating the amount of electricity being sent to the grid.

Step 8: Agreement Signing

After installing the meter, it is also necessary to sign the net metering form with the distribution company. This is the agreement between DISCO to provide them with solar electricity as a credit.

Eligibility Criteria for Net Metering in Pakistan

To benefit from net metering, it is necessary to meet specific standards provided by the electricity regulatory authorities. Where the panels are installed should be your own, i.e. not owned by someone else. Of course, it may be residential or commercial, but the place should be personal. Apart from this, the electrical connection should also be absolutely correct. The power generation capacity of the panels should be from one kilowatt to one megawatt. Only then can it be used for net metering.

Benefits of Net Metering in Pakistan

Although the panels are highly efficient, net metering also provides considerable benefits such as,

These are cost savings. Solar panels generate electricity for people’s use and cover their costs by generating additional energy, and the electricity bill comes down significantly.
It also has excellent effects on the environment. They reduce carbon footprints and provide a cleaner environment.
The use of panels leads to energy independence, and with net metering, dependence on grid electricity is also reduced.
The government also provides substantial rebates on programs like installing solar panels and net metering. In this way, renewable energy gets a lot of boost because this energy is vital for a bright future.

Challenges and Solutions in Net Metering

The net metering process also faces some challenges. But there are solutions to these challenges.

Challenges

This is sometimes the case with regulatory hurdles, i.e. navigating the complex regulatory environment around Net Mentoring.
The initial investment after the approval process can sometimes be very high, which can be a barrier for some people.
Solar energy production is always dependent on sunlight. If the sun is not coming out due to weather conditions or the required light is not getting, net metering can be significantly affected.

Solutions

There are solutions to these challenges.

Advocating for simple and streamlined rules for net metering can make the process easier and more accessible.
If the government gives tax exemptions or low-interest loans, this can also help meet the initial expenses.
If there is an energy solution such as batteries, etc., they will store the excess energy for bad times, and when the required amount of light from the sun is not available, the required current can also be taken from the batteries.

Best Capacity for Home Solar Systems & Net Metering in Pakistan?

MONTHLY ELECTRICITY UNITS	SYSTEM CAPACITY
500-600	5KW Solar System
1100-1200	10KW Solar System
1700-1800	15KW Solar System
2300-2400	20KW Solar System
2800-3000	25KW Solar System

Conclusion

Net metering has emerged as an excellent option for investors. Due to this, not only do most people now want to switch to renewable energy, but they are also very interested in generating their electricity. By sending excess power back into the grid, they can take control of the electricity. Due to this, the dependence of more people on traditional electricity will also be reduced, and there will be considerable cost savings. There will be freedom to use energy, and a clean environment will also be achieved. Net metering in Pakistan has emerged as an attractive option.