If you have solar panels at your home, you probably don’t use all the energy they produce. To save electricity, net Metering in Pakistan allows people to generate their own electricity through sunlight, and the excessive electricity can be sold to the national grid station instead of being wasted. The concept of net Metering is not a new thing, even in many countries, net Metering has become an ideal thing for the last couple of years.
There are two possible ways to save your extra energy for later use: one, you can save your surplus energy in your residential batteries, and second, you can sell your extra energy to the national grid. In this scenario, the customers can get the advantage of low electricity bills.
Every consumer can use the net metering facility by following the specific rules set by NEPRA in 2015 that outline how this facility can be assessed. NEPRA Pakistan has already approved the regulations for net Metering to make it simpler for consumers to benefit from this wonderful system
GEPCO Net Metering Overview
The net Metering allows people in Pakistan to generate electricity using solar panels and share the extra energy with the national power grid. This amazing system lets people and industrial fields not only use energy but also produce it, which helps create a more sustainable energy system.
To cope with the energy shortfall, the government encourages installing small renewable energy systems through the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) with a strong focus on net Metering.
In the year 2015, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) introduced rules and SOPs for solar net Metering as part of the Distributed Generation and Net Metering Regulations 2015″ to make it easier for consumers to adopt renewable energy solutions.
How Net Metering Works?
When the sun shines brightly, solar panels generate more electricity than you use during the day. In net Metering, you can receive credit for each KWh you sell to the National Grid. Consequently, you can enjoy the same amount of KWh when you need. It’s due to the excess energy transferred back to the main system of electricity providers.
Consequently, you earn credits on your energy accounts for this surplus electricity. You can consume these credits later on when your solar panels are not producing electricity, like at night. One more thing to mention here is that instead of giving you cash for your extra electricity, the utility companies give you these credits, which act like credit points in your account that can be used for future needs.
GEPCO Net Metering Application
The complete process of Net Metering GEPCO in Pakistan is very simple. But you have to follow some steps to install net Metering at home. NEPRA Pakistan has already set some rules and regulations to become a part of this system.
Firstly, you have to manage all the documents NEPRA requires at the nearest DISCO (Distribution Company) office. DISCO will look at your application further, check if everything is there, and notify the applicant if all the requirements have been fulfilled. After this brief process, DISCO will inform you if everything is good.
It will take a maximum of 5 working days for your application to be acknowledged. In case of incomplete information, the applicant has to provide the required documents within 7 working days. In the last and final step, the electricity distribution company checks your application again with all the necessary documents. They will decide whether to approve or reject your application based on NEPRA’s rules. This step could take about 05 to 20 working days to finish.
Documents Required for Net Metering
Before you apply for GEPCO net Metering, it is important to know which documents are required:
- A copy of your CNIC
- One copy of your current electricity bill
- Must provide the serial number of your inverter
- Provide the inverter datasheet with your application.
- Provide the solar panel datasheet as well.
- An affidavit of 50 or 100 rupees worth.
- Provide a layout diagram of your complete solar system.
- Provide a company invoice from the installer (AEDB Authorisation)
Eligibility Criteria for GEPCO Net Metering
Before installing a net metering system, it is important to focus on the key features needed for the net metering system in Pakistan:
Grid Connection
To qualify for GEPCO net Metering, you need to connect your system to the electricity grid. Make sure that your solar system is properly connected to the grid system.
Availability of a 3-phase Meter
Another important requirement for net Metering is a 3-phase meter that can send excessive electricity back to the grid.
Load Balancing
The most important aspect of net Metering is load balancing. Before using your solar system, make sure that the total electricity used from the meter is lower than your capacity. Even if you have a solar system capacity of more than 3 kW, you can still apply for net Metering.
Home Solar System Capacity Needed
Before purchasing a solar system, make sure that you know exactly how much capacity you need. Opting for the right choice will not only save you time and money. Following are the details of solar system capacity and energy consumption.
| Monthly Units Consumed | Solar System Capacity |
|---|---|
| 300-500 | 3KW |
| 500-650 | 5KW |
| 700-1000 | 7KW |
| 1100-1300 | 10KW |
| 1700-1800 | 15KW |
| 2300-2500 | 20KW |
| 2800-3000 | 25KW |
| 3500-3700 | 30KW |
Conclusion
In Pakistan, net Metering allows people with solar panels to generate their electricity and sell the extra energy to the national grid. It will not only reduce electricity bills but also support sustainable energy practices. The application process is very simple: applicants must follow the specific guidelines set by NEPRA, ensuring their solar systems are properly connected and meet capacity requirements. By installing solar panels and net Metering, Pakistan can play a crucial role in creating a greener and more effective energy infrastructure for the future.
FAQs
Q. What is Net Metering?
Net Metering allows people in Pakistan to generate their own electricity using solar panels and sell the excessive power to the national grid.
Q. What are the eligibility criteria for net Metering?
To be eligible for net Metering in Pakistan, you must connect your solar system to the electricity grid, use a 3-phase electricity meter, and ensure your electricity usage does not exceed your solar system’s capacity.
Q. What documents are needed to apply for net Metering?
To apply for net Metering, you need a copy of your CNIC, your current electricity bill, inverter and solar panel data sheet, a layout diagram of the solar system, and an affidavit of 50 or 100 rupees.
Q. How long does the net metering application process take?
It usually takes between 5 to 20 working days to apply for net Metering. You will have to submit your documents to the DISCO’s office and wait for approval according to the rules set by NEPRA.
Q. What happens if I generate more electricity than I use?
If you produce more electricity than you consume, the extra energy is sent to the national grid. You will earn credits for this surplus electricity, Which can be used later when your solar panels are not generating electricity.
