MEPCO Solar Net Metering 2024

Are you worried that your extra solar energy is wasted? You don’t need to be worried about because Solar Net Metering can easily solve this issue. The Government of Pakistan introduced this system on September 1, 2015.

Solar net metering is the latest system of electricity generation through solar plates (panels), which exports the surplus to Pakistan’s national grids. Pakistan is a sunny country, so it has a high potential to produce Electricity through solar systems. Unfortunately, only 2% of Electricity is produced through solar systems, while fossil fuels produce 70%.

Mepco Solar Net Metering

How Solar Net Metering Works?

Solar net metering is also called green metering. It is an outstanding idea launched by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). Mepco also provides this facility, just like other electric companies. It works on the give-and-take principle. 

Solar Net Metering works as follows:

  1. Solar panels convert Electricity into direct current (DC) after being produced by sunlight.
  2. Then, inverters convert Direct Current into Alternative Current (AC) to meet your electricity needs.
  3. Extra Electricity is exported to the national grid for further distribution.
  4. This receiving and transmission of power is tracked by a smart meter.

The extra Electricity produced by your solar panels is returned to you. In winter, due to cloudy or foggy weather, when your solar panels do not produce sufficient power, this stored Electricity is returned. This supply will be deducted from your credits. Your electricity bill is calculated based on imported and exported units at the end of every month.

How to Apply for Net Metering?

The following documents are required to apply for net metering:

  • An Application form according to Annex-II.
  • A Copy of CNIC (Attested)
  • A copy of last month’s Electricity bill.
  • Technical specification of PV.
  • Technical specification of the inverter.
  • A Diagram of Single Line.
  • NOC issued by the electric inspector.

How much time is required to install net metering?

Installation of net metering is a challenging task to do. It can take between 35 to 65 days after solar system installation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Net Metering

Net metering has some advantages and disadvantages as well.

Advantages:

Financial Benefit: This mechanism enables consumers, individuals, or businesses to reduce power bills and thus achieve financial benefits.

Energy Freedom: This system enables consumers (individuals or businesses) to be independent by producing renewable energy and reducing the National Grid’s dependency.

Eco-Friendly: This system generates clean Electricity by not using fuel burning, so it reduces air pollution and improves the air quality index.

Net metering has some disadvantages as well:

Grid Management Challenge: Deploying a large-scale net metering system is a great challenge for grid staff and management. Electricity generation can be uncertain and different, requiring extra grid infrastructure. For a smooth supply of Electricity, an additional grid is required.

The Integration Challenge: The large-scale integration of net metering into the grid station may create technical challenges. These challenges are voltage regulation, power quality, and grid stability. That is why this mechanism may require extra investment for installation.

Complexity in Net Metering Policies: Net metering policies can be different and complex in different areas. The policies and sops change from time to time, creating complexity and uncertainty in consumer decision-making.

Conclusion

Solar net metering is an advanced technology through which consumers can produce Electricity for their requirements and give extra power to the national grids. It minimizes bill price. The Government of Pakistan must overview some policies to improve the solar installation system. You can contact us with more queries and for information regarding net metering.   

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a 5kW on-grid system is approximately Rs: 995,000, while the cost of a 10kW on-grid system is approximately Rs: 180,000. 

No, it is not banned in Pakistan so far. It is available for both off-grid and on-grid PV systems. 

A battery can be an alternative to net metering. You can store Electricity instead of sending it to the national grid. You can use that stored energy in the night and thus can save money.

The system of net metering works on the principle of give and take. Consumers export extra Electricity to the National grid and can get it back when needed. With this system, consumers can benefit, and this power becomes useful.

Net metering started in Pakistan on September 1, 2015. This system allows all consumers to avail of PV and wind plants from 1 kW to 1 MW. 

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