What net metering means
Net metering lets you export solar power you generate but don't use back into the WAPDA grid, in exchange for a credit on your bill. Instead of a normal one‑way meter, your connection gets a bi‑directional meter that records power flowing both in and out.
On a sunny afternoon, if your panels are producing more than your home is using, the surplus flows outward and is recorded separately from what you draw at night. At the end of the billing cycle, your net consumption — what you drew minus what you exported — is what you're billed for.
Who is eligible
Net metering is available to residential, commercial and industrial connections that install a grid‑tied solar system up to a capacity set by your distribution company (DISCO), which varies by connection type and load. Your installer should confirm the applicable limit for your connection before finalising system size.
What the application involves
- An application submitted to your local DISCO with your system design and equipment specifications
- A technical review to confirm your inverter and wiring meet the required standards
- Installation of an approved bi‑directional meter, usually at your cost
- A physical inspection before the connection is approved for export
Processing times vary by DISCO and region, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. This is one of the more paperwork‑heavy parts of going solar, which is why we handle the submission and follow‑up on your behalf rather than leaving it to you.
What it means for your bill
With net metering, only your net import is billed at your normal tariff, and in many cases unused export credit can roll over to the next billing cycle. This is different from a system with no net metering, where any surplus you generate during the day is simply lost rather than credited.