Solar Net Metering – Application Procedure in Pakistan
Most likely, if you have solar panels put on your roof, you aren’t making the most of the energy they provide. Any excess energy is usually redirected back into the grid to support the electrical supply provided by your local utility. The financial sustainability of solar panel investments may become harder to prove if solar net metering surplus electricity is not compensated for.
There is a simpler and less expensive way to deal with this energy surplus, even though domestic battery storage systems can help store extra energy for later use. One common way that utility providers pay homeowners back for the excess electricity generated by their solar panels that they do not use right away is through net metering. Even so, net metering is the most widely accepted form of remuneration.
Net Metering Overview
With the help of a system called net metering, Pakistani customers can generate their electricity from renewable resources like solar panels and share any extra with the national grid. By enabling people and companies to act as energy producers and consumers, this system helps to create an ecosystem for energy that is more sustainable.
Through the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), the Pakistani government is actively supporting the installation of small-scale renewable energy systems with the primary goal of addressing the country’s energy shortage. The AEDB primarily promotes the Net Metering idea.
The rules and procedures for solar net metering were formally adopted by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) in 2015 as part of the “(Alternative & Renewable Energy) Distributed Generation and Net Metering Regulations, 2015” legislation.
How does Net metering Works
Instead of using the evening hours, the PV panels generate more electricity when the sun is shining brilliantly. When that happens, the extra energy that is transmitted back to the utility providers’ main system causes the meter to start running backward, which may look odd.
As a result, you receive credit points for your energy account, which you can use to buy electricity from the utility in the event that your solar panels aren’t producing enough energy, such as at night. Instead of receiving money in return, the electricity companies handle this by exchanging goods for credit points.
Essentials for Solar Net Metering in Pakistan
The Simplified Steps of the Net Metering Cycle
Net Metering Rates in Pakistan
Tariffs, which are another name for net metering rates, are an important factor in evaluating the viability and economic benefits of implementing net metering in Pakistan. The current net metering price, which regulates electricity transactions between customers and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), is fixed at Rs. 19.32 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
The distinction between off-peak and peak rates is crucial when discussing net metering. Off-peak rates are the cheaper power rates that are imposed during certain times when there is less demand for electricity, usually in the late evening or early morning. On the other hand, peak rates are higher electricity costs during times when there is a greater demand for electricity, which often happens between 5 and 10 p.m.
Net Metering Tariff Remains Unchanged
The plan under consideration called for cutting net metering users’ fees from Rs19.32 to Rs9 per unit. Power distribution companies (DISCOs) currently pay Rs19.32 per unit to solar energy generators for their excess electricity. DISCOs, however, have stated that they would like to see this pricing dropped to Rs9 per unit.
The current Nepra (Alternative and Renewable Energy) Distributed Generation and Net Metering Regulations 2015 will remain unchanged, according to a statement from the regulatory body. Net metering customers will, therefore, keep selling excess electricity to DISCOs for the going rate of Rs19.32 per unit.
The authority reaffirmed its dedication to advancing net metering across the nation.
LESCO Net Metering
In order to address the growing electrical deficit and function as a substitute to balance the national grid, LESCO Net Metering is essential. But in 2018, LESCO offered 20 net metering to people who committed to generating energy through solar panel use. The plan was for the establishment to use the solar system to add 10,000 megawatts of power to the national grid in 2023.
How to Apply for LESCO Net Metering
Energy Officer’s NOC
The formal visit to the clients’ residences, involving recognized professionals, must be mentioned in writing in the application. They will determine if you qualify for a meter and inspect the equipment integrity, insulation, and length of the wiring.
NEPA Technical Standard requires that your inverters comply with IEEE 1547 2003, IEC 61215 or EN, UL 1741 specification, or other international standards.
Diagram in a single line
Protective and control single-line schematics for the connection must be provided by the distributor generator in order to install net metering. Satisfaction of the safety requirements.
Installing the interconnection disconnect switch requires adhering to IEC and IEEE regulations.
Your inverters work together like an anti-islanding device.
Procedure for Net Meter Application
To learn more about the LESCO Net Metering application, keep reading.
Apply in person at the LESCO office that is closest to you.
LESCO will send you a confirmation message in 5 days, but it will notify you in 7 days if something is missing.
It will take 20 days to get your application.
When LESCO receives your application, it will review it. If your application does not match the standards, you will be notified within 3 days; if all requirements are met, you will be notified within 10 days.
Within seven days of a thorough inquiry, your license application will be forwarded to NEPRA.
Following that, LESCO will seek payment of the necessary amount for connection within 20 days.
After making a payment, the customer will have their connection in a month.
Charges for LESCO Net Metering
| Size of DG facility | Fee |
| 0-20 KW | Free of Cost |
| 20-50 KW | Rs. 500/- |
| 50-100 KW | Rs. 1000/- |
| 100-1000 KW | Rs. 5000/- |
Impact of Net Metering Rates on Consumers
Customers in Pakistan are greatly influenced by net metering rates, which also have an impact on the payback duration, ROI, and financial viability of net metering adoption.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Customers in Pakistan are greatly influenced by net metering rates, which also have an impact on the viability from a financial standpoint, ROI, and payback duration of net metering adoption.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Consumer investments in renewable energy systems, like solar panels, a directly impacted by net metering rates. A higher net metering rate translates to more substantial financial returns for
consumers. A favorable net metering rate empowers consumers to more effectively offset their electricity expenses, potentially leading to a shorter payback period and greater savings over their solar installation’s lifespan.