How Net Metering Works in Pakistan
The real-world net metering experience
Net metering paperwork in Pakistan takes longer than the solar installation itself — that's the irony. Your panels go up in 3-5 days, but the DISCO approval can take 30-90 days depending on your region. LESCO in Lahore processes fastest (30-45 days on average), while smaller DISCOs can take 60-90 days. During this waiting period, your system generates electricity but you can't export to the grid — the excess is wasted unless you have battery storage. Some homeowners time their installation to coincide with winter (lower generation, lower waste during the approval wait) and have net metering active by summer peak.
The application requires coordination between you, your installer, AEDB, and your DISCO. Most good installers handle the paperwork as part of their service — if yours doesn't offer this, it's a red flag about their experience. The most common rejection reasons: inverter not on the DISCO's approved list (verify before buying), incomplete single-line diagram (your installer should prepare this), and mismatch between installed capacity and application (they must match exactly, down to the watt).
Your DISCO installs a bi-directional meter — it runs forward when you consume and backward when you export. Monthly bill = units imported minus units exported. Net excess carries forward as credit.
Related: net metering, panel sizing, solar calculator.
Net Metering Billing — How Credits Work
| Scenario | Units Imported | Units Exported | Net Bill | What Happens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You consume more | 400 units | 200 units | Pay for 200 units | Normal bill for net consumption |
| Balanced | 300 units | 300 units | Rs. 0 (only fixed charges) | Minimum bill (meter rent only) |
| You export more | 200 units | 350 units | Credit of 150 units | Credits roll to next month |
| Year-end settlement | — | Excess credits remaining | Varies by DISCO | Some pay out, some carry forward |
Monthly Generation Estimates by System Size in Pakistan
| System Size | Summer (Apr-Sep) | Winter (Nov-Feb) | Monsoon (Jul-Sep) | Annual Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | 420-480 units/mo | 300-360 units/mo | 350-400 units/mo | ~380 units/mo |
| 5 kW | 700-800 units/mo | 500-600 units/mo | 580-670 units/mo | ~635 units/mo |
| 10 kW | 1,400-1,600 units/mo | 1,000-1,200 units/mo | 1,160-1,340 units/mo | ~1,270 units/mo |
| 15 kW | 2,100-2,400 units/mo | 1,500-1,800 units/mo | 1,740-2,010 units/mo | ~1,905 units/mo |
Savings calculator: solar savings. Panel count: sizing calculator. Apply for net metering: application guide. Electricity bill context: bill calculator.
The peak mismatch problem: Solar generates maximum power at noon, but household consumption peaks in the evening (AC, cooking, lighting). Without net metering, noon generation is wasted. With net metering, noon excess is exported (meter runs backward) and evening consumption is imported (meter runs forward). The net billing at month-end accounts for this timing difference — you don't need to consume electricity at the exact moment you generate it.
Year-end credit policy varies by DISCO. Some DISCOs carry unused credits indefinitely, others settle annually at a predetermined rate (usually lower than the retail tariff — typically Rs. 8-12/unit vs the Rs. 30-50 retail rate). This means oversizing your system significantly beyond your consumption earns diminishing returns. Size for 90-100% of annual consumption, not more — excess credits at year-end settlement provide poor value.
When evaluating metering works, the Pakistan-specific factors matter more than generic international advice. Our dust levels require cleaning every 2-4 weeks (not the 3-6 months recommended by Western guides). Summer temperatures above 45°C reduce panel efficiency by 10-15% — meaning real-world output is lower than spec-sheet ratings. Grid voltage fluctuations can damage inverters without surge protection (Rs. 5,000-10,000 investment that protects a Rs. 50,000-150,000 component). And the net metering approval timeline varies dramatically by DISCO — LESCO processes in 30-45 days while smaller DISCOs may take 60-90 days. Every recommendation on this page accounts for these Pakistan-specific realities that international solar guides miss entirely.
Always verify current requirements. Fees, timelines, and document requirements can change without advance notice. Check the relevant official website or call the office before your visit to confirm the latest requirements.