Net Metering Guide for Pakistan

Net metering in Pakistan allows solar system owners to sell excess electricity back to WAPDA, LESCO, or IESCO, reducing bills to near zero or earning credits. Solarlink handles the complete net metering application process for all customers in Punjab and Islamabad.

As of 2024, Pakistan has issued over 100,000 net metering connections nationwide, with the number growing rapidly as WAPDA tariffs rise. NEPRA regulations allow net metering for systems between 1kW and 1MW, covering virtually all residential and commercial solar installations.

Source: NEPRA Net Metering Regulations 2015 (amended 2023); AEDB Pakistan Solar Report

What Is Net Metering?

Net metering is a NEPRA-approved policy that allows owners of solar (or other renewable) generation systems to export surplus electricity to the national grid and receive bill credits in return.

The principle is simple: your solar panels often produce more electricity than your home or business uses during daylight hours. Without net metering, that surplus is either wasted or stored (in a battery). With net metering, it flows into the grid and your bi-directional meter records the export — which your DISCO credits against future bills.

Net metering is distinct from feed-in tariff schemes (where you are paid cash for every exported kWh). Under net metering, exported units offset imported units on your bill. The export rate and the settlement mechanism are set by NEPRA and are subject to periodic revision.

How It Works — The Billing Cycle

Once your net-metering connection is active, each billing period works like this:

1. During the day — your solar system generates electricity. Your home or business uses what it needs. Any surplus flows out to the grid; your bi-directional meter records the export.
2. At night / peak demand — you draw electricity from the grid. Your meter records this import as normal.
3. At bill generation — your DISCO calculates: Imported kWh − (Exported kWh × export rate factor). If exports exceed imports, the surplus credit rolls over to the next period.
4. Annual settlement — at periodic intervals defined by NEPRA rules, any remaining credit balance is settled by the DISCO. Contact your DISCO or SolarLink for the applicable settlement schedule for your connection type.

Note: The actual applied export rate and settlement terms are set by NEPRA and may differ from import tariff rates. SolarLink will confirm the applicable rate at the time of your system design.

Eligibility Basics

You are generally eligible for net metering if:

• You hold an active electricity connection with a licensed DISCO (LESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, MEPCO, FESCO, PESCO, HESCO, QESCO, SEPCO, or K-Electric).
• You are the registered consumer for that connection (or have written authorisation from the registered consumer).
• Your solar system is installed by a NEPRA-licensed EPC contractor (SolarLink is a licensed contractor).
• The system capacity does not exceed your sanctioned load for the connection. Your sanctioned load is printed on your DISCO connection letter; SolarLink verifies this before system design.
• The system equipment (inverter, panels) meets NEPRA and DISCO technical standards.

There is currently no restriction on consumer category — residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial consumers in Pakistan are all eligible.

Net Metering by DISCO in Pakistan

Net metering is available through all major Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in Pakistan. Each has its own application process but follows NEPRA’s standardized Net Metering Regulations (2015, amended 2023).

How to Apply for Net Metering in Pakistan — Step by Step

The net metering application is submitted to your DISCO and follows a process defined by NEPRA regulations. Solarlink handles steps 1–5 on your behalf for all customers.

1. Install an eligible solar system: Your system must be grid-tied and between 1kW and 1MW in capacity. Solarlink designs all systems to NEPRA net metering standards from day one.
2. Contact your DISCO: Submit an application to your local distribution company (LESCO, IESCO, GEPCO, etc.). Solarlink prepares and submits the complete DISCO-specific document set on your behalf.
3. Site inspection: The DISCO sends an engineer to inspect your solar installation and verify technical compliance. Solarlink liaises with the DISCO inspector throughout this step.
4. Sign the net metering agreement: After approval, sign the Generation Licence Agreement with the DISCO. Solarlink prepares all documentation required at this stage.
5. Bidirectional meter installation: DISCO installs a net meter that measures both import and export. Solarlink coordinates this installation and follows up until the meter is active.
6. Start earning credits: Your bill will now reflect units exported minus units imported. Solarlink explains your first net-metered bill and confirms your export credits are correct.

Solarlink handles steps 1–5 on your behalf for all customers. You do not need to visit the DISCO office — we manage the entire process from document preparation to bi-directional meter installation.

Required Documents

Exact requirements vary slightly by DISCO. The standard document set typically includes:

• Completed DISCO net metering application form
• Copy of your most recent electricity bill
• Copy of CNIC (consumer and, if applicable, property owner)
• Single-line diagram (SLD) of the proposed solar system — prepared by SolarLink
• Equipment datasheets for panels, inverter, and protection devices
• Copy of SolarLink's NEPRA generation licence
• Site layout / roof plan showing panel placement
• Signed net metering interconnection agreement

Some DISCOs request additional documents such as a no-objection certificate from the building owner (for tenants), or technical reports for larger commercial systems. SolarLink maintains an up-to-date checklist for each DISCO and prepares the full set for your application.

Timeline & Common Delays

NEPRA establishes a maximum processing timeline that DISCOs must follow. In practice, SolarLink's experience across Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Sargodha shows that most approvals happen within 4–12 weeks from complete application submission.

The most common causes of delay:

• Incomplete document set — a missing datasheet or unsigned form triggers a deficiency notice, restarting the clock. SolarLink's pre-submission checklist prevents this.
• DISCO grid capacity constraints — in some feeders, the DISCO may require a grid upgrade before approving net metering at a given size. This is less common for residential systems under 10 kW.
• Applicant responsiveness — DISCO may require the consumer to be present for inspection or to sign documents within a specified period. SolarLink coordinates these on your behalf.
• DISCO workload — some DISCOs process a high volume of applications and may take longer than the statutory maximum. SolarLink tracks each application and escalates where needed.

Disclaimer: Fees, specific timelines, and procedural details may change as NEPRA updates its regulations or DISCOs revise their processes. Always confirm current requirements with your DISCO or SolarLink before proceeding.

How SolarLink Handles It for You

Net metering paperwork is the part of going solar that most customers find confusing and time-consuming. SolarLink includes full net metering application management as a standard service in every installation we complete.

• We design your system within your sanctioned load from day one.
• We compile and submit the complete DISCO-specific document set on your behalf.
• We liaise with the DISCO engineer during feasibility visits and inspections.
• We follow up with the DISCO until your bi-directional meter is installed.
• We explain your first net-metered bill and confirm your export credits are correct.

For customers who already have a solar system but haven't completed net metering, we offer a standalone net metering support service — we review your existing system, prepare the required documentation, and manage the full DISCO application.