Solar Panel Net Metering

We used to dream of being able to generate free electricity and have WAPDA pay us for it, but today we have realized that dream! Yes, a method known as “Solar Panel Net Metering” allows us to offer the additional solar energy we produce. Green Meter is the moment term for a net meter. You can too send excess power back to the network to adjust the credits on your power charge if your solar system is creating more energy than you require. It might surprise you to learn that around 23,000 Pakistani families have used the net metering benefit.

Net Metering Uses in Pakistan

NEPRA reported that domestic and small home users sold 66% of net-metered electricity to WAPDA, with experts predicting an increase to 66% by June 2024. Pakistanis are embracing net metering facilities, which shows their real need for solar energy to overcome their energy expenses and create a passive income source. Currently, over 23 thousand Pakistanis are using net metering facilities, marking a significant increase in usage.

What is a Net Metering Tariff in Pakistan?

The net metering rates in Pakistan, also known as tariffs, determine the financial benefits for consumers and NEPRA. The current tariff in Pakistan is around Rs. 19.32 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). It is crucial to understand peak and off-peak hours rates before costing net metering in Pakistan. Peak hours have high electricity rates during high consumption demand, occurring from 5 PM to 10 PM in Pakistan. Off-peak hours have lower electricity prices during low demand. Typically occurring late at night or early in the morning. Solar system owners need to understand the procedures of WAPDA for solar system owners.

WAPDA buys surplus electricity at the off-peak hours tariff, while most electricity consumption occurs during peak hours (5 PM to 10 PM). Peak hours slots may vary depending on the season. To understand net metering tariffs, consider a 4 kW solar system producing 500 units per month. Out of 500, 300 units are used, and 200 are exported to the electric grid. The unit price will also be calculated based on the off-peak hours rate.

Now suppose, there is not enough sunlight on a few particular days and you have to purchase power of 50 units from the grid amid off-peak hours then your peak-hours charge will be as follows:

Eligibility and Criteria for Net Metering Pakistan

The eligibility and criteria for net metering in Pakistan depend on different components such as customer category, solar PV run, voltage supply level, etc. Here is the table that defines the eligibility and criteria;

How Can I Apply For  Net Metering Pakistan in 2024?

The net metering Pakistan office is a genuine risible for solar consumers as they can export their overflow control back to the lattice and gain nice-looking sums. The National Electric Control Regulatory Specialist (NEPRA) legalized net metering in Pakistan in 2015 by issuing lawful rules to apply for net metering in Pakistan. You are required to take the below information to the net metering office to apply for net metering.

•  Installation of a PV Solar System

The solar system is the primary fix for the application of net metering in Pakistan. It is compulsory to install a PV solar system either an on-grid solar system or a hybrid solar system, at your premises with the connection of a three-phase electric meter. Without installing a solar system, there won’t be anything to bargain with. You will not be qualified to generate solar control and export it to the main grid (WAPDA). So, the first thing to begin with, you have to introduce a PV solar system according to your energy needs on your rooftop. After installation, the process of application will take put as per the defined rules of SRO 892 (1) 2015.

• Contact with a Solar Company Registered with the AEDB(Alternative Energy Development Board)

If you have a PV solar system on your rooftop already, you will have to contact with local AEDB(Alternative Energy Development Board)-registered company in your region. Presently an address can be raised in your intellect why clients cannot apply by themselves.

The reason is that NEPRA does not accept the applications directly from the clients till presently. Hence, you will have to apply through a nearby solar company. It is expected that NEPRA will begin accepting personal applications soon.

• Application Planning & Documentation

After concurring with the AEDB, your application handle will be begun. You will have to add important documents to the application. Such as a duplicate final power charge, national personality card (NIC), and other required documents by NEPRA as per rules of SRO 892 (1) 2015

• Energy Department Inspection & NOC Issuance

The officials from WAPDA and agents of AEDB will visit your premises where you have installed a solar system after affirming your application with the connected records. If the review meets its defined SOPs, the energy office will issue a No Complaint Certificate (NOC) according to Regulation SRO 892 (1) / 2015.

• Agreement Signing

After receiving NOC, you will agree for three a long time with the nearby electric supply company like LESCO in the Lahore region. This will be considered a legal agreement in which you will trade your excess solar energy to the electric grid of that company.

• Verification for License

Then LESCO (or any local electric supply company) will send this marked agreement to NEPRA for further verification and endorsement of the license.

After verification, NEPRA will issue a legal permit to your title which will not as it were be a piece of paper but a certificate that you will contribute your overflow. Solar energy to the national network for the following three long time. After three a long time, you may apply for the permit recharging accordingly by reaching out to AEDB representatives.

• Turning on Net Metering

After getting the license, a net meter will be installed by the electric supply company at your premises. This net meter will show the power that you moment and trade to the electric grid from your sun-based framework. After the completion of all forms, we will install net metering within 60 days from the date of final approval.

Net Metering Pakistan as a Technology

Pakistani solar customers can now use net metering technology to consume and trade solar energy to the national electric network, advancing a greener environment. NEPRA 2015 regulates this technology, requiring certain criteria for integration into solar systems.

• Your solar system must be within the capacity of 1 kW (kilo-watt) to 1 MW (megawatt).
• You must have a three-phase meter connection.
• You must have an account with the power supply company e.g. LESCO, MEPCO, PESCO, IESCO, etc.
• Your solar system must be efficient enough to create more vitality than you consume so that you send overflow energy to the grid.

Important Note: LESCO has declared that unit credits will not be carried forward to another year if it is not consumed by December. So, if you are in the Lahore locale and using net metering, it is best for you to use your outstanding credits before December.

Benefits of Net Metering Pakistan

Well, there are many benefits of net metering in Pakistan that give peace of intellect to solar consumers but we will talk about the most important benefits here one by one;

• Decrease Power Bill

The major benefit of net metering in Pakistan is that it overcomes the burden of power costs. The technology of net metering has the potential to diminish your power bills to zero as you can not as it were produce the power of your possess but can too send it out to the network to produce passive wage. We know a businessperson who has introduced a 4 kW solar framework in his shop and has reduced his power charge to zero in a fair 6 months.

• Get Freed of Expensive Batteries for Storage

You may require heavy investment to buy solar batteries as they are very costly and have shorter lifespans as well. If you do not store extra power in batteries, your solar system will waste the excess power. So, that’s why net metering utilizes your surplus solar energy and gives you financial benefit in return

• Motivate Customers to Switch to Renewable Energy

Many people are embracing solar energy after knowing the net metering features and benefits. One day, they will be thankful to us for using renewable solar energy for a brighter and more feasible environment.

• Overcome Grid Pressure

Due to limited energy resources in Pakistan, you can contribute to the national electric grid by trading your overflow solar energy. The electric grid at that point supplies this power to others. Your little contribution can light up so many homes!

• Sustainable Environment

Net metering can reduce the reliance on fossil powers, which impacts discussing pollution and climate alter. Renewable energy ensures the environment neat, clean, and clean by reducing control plant operations.

• Add Values to Your Home

Net metering in Pakistan can slowly increment the value of your home because homes equipped with solar system assume to have higher resale value. This facility is considered a valuable resource for any domestic in Pakistan.

Conclusion:

The net metering is a great opportunity for solar energy consumers to offer their extra delivered solar energy to the grid. It can not as it were diminish their power bills but reduce the recovery time of initial investment in solar systems. This innovation can make solar shoppers get a return on investment (ROI) in no time. This office is also advantageous for night solar panels to overcome the burden on the electric grid.

However, it may take up to 60 days to install the net metering after getting the last approval from the overseeing body. If your solar panels are efficient enough to generate more electricity than consumers, you must benefit from the net metering in Pakistan!

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