EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NET METERING

Net Metering is an effective way for solar panels owners to earn credit for the electricity they add to the grid. In this way, if your solar panels also produce extra energy that you don’t need, you can redirect it to the national grid and either reduce your electricity bill to zero or a negative value. 

How does net metering work?

Net Metering is an effective policy for those who produce energy using solar power, and their system generates electricity more energy than what is required. With Net Metering, the nearest electric utility provides a bidirectional meter to the consumer, so they can record the excess energy they are adding to the national grid and earn credit for it. 

It was September 2015 when NEPRA first issued its net-metering regulations by which consumers with three-phase connections to the national grid can get a net-metering facility for renewable energy installations, ranging from 1kW to 1MW.

How can you avail net metering facility in Pakistan? 

One of the reasons why net Metering has become quite prevalent in Pakistan is because it is extremely easy to get the policy. The first step of moving towards net Metering is to install a solar system that is compliant with net Metering. Secondly, consumers need to fill out an application in order to apply for the license. 

As part of the application process, the electric company will inspect the system, and once satisfied, it will issue the NOC. The consumer will then have to sign the agreement, after which the generation license will be given, and the net meter will start operating. 

Consumers adding electricity to the national grid are compensated in the following ways:

  • Their utility bills are reduced
  • They get a payment for the extra energy added to the national grid 

The compensation depends upon the rules as laid down by NEPRA. The fee for the application depends upon the size of the facility. For example, if your solar system produces 0 to 20 kilowatt of energy, you won’t have to pay any application fees. But if it produces 20 to 50 kilowatt, you will have to pay Rs. 500 and upwards, as the amount of energy further increases. Anyone can opt for this program as long as they comply with the conditions as specified by NEPRA. 

Benefits of Net Metering in Pakistan 

As already discussed, net Metering allows consumers to reduce their own utility bills or get a payment for the energy they provide. At the same time, they make good use of the extra energy their system produces because the energy they provide is given to the people in the nearby areas. 

Accordingly, consumers that are conscious about the environment can help in reducing pressure on the national grid and also benefit other people while having their power meter run backward. However, for consumers that do not go for Net Metering, all the excess energy that their solar plants produce will be wasted. 

In Conclusion

Net Metering is definitely a very prospective policy for all those whose energy systems produce an excess amount of energy. If you also own a solar panel that produces extra energy, net Metering might be the perfect policy for you.

 

REASONS TO INVEST IN SOLAR SYSTEM THIS YEAR

Solar energy has become an imperative source of power all across the world. Homeowners and businessmen from America to Asia have started to invest in solar systems rapidly. After all, solar energy is renewable, cost-effective, and beneficial for the environment. Here are some reasons why investing in a solar system might be a good decision for you as well:

 

  1. Solar Power can help cut your electricity bills

The rising costs of electricity in the country are becoming a hassle for many. Electricity makes a major chunk of monthly expenses in many households and companies. However, by using a solar system, you can generate your own electricity and cut down your electricity bills to a minimum or even zero. 

 

2. Solar energy is a reliable source of power.

Load shedding is one of the biggest problems that people experience in Pakistan. Due to constant load shedding, many factories are unable to run their operations effectively and have to rely on expensive UPS or generators. 

However, solar energy can help you free yourself from these problems. Solar energy provides a reliable and steady supply of electricity. Since Pakistan receives abundant sunlight for the majority of the months across the year, solar panels can capture an ample amount of solar energy, store it, and provide electricity all day long. 

 

3. A solar system can help in long-term savings

The initial cost of a solar system is generally high. However, you can find easy financing solutions in the market and pay for the solar system, usually in easy installments. Besides, a solar system only costs high at the start. The maintenance cost of this technology is quite minimal.

Plus, there are ways to generate a profit using solar systems as well. Through net metering policy in Pakistan, people can provide excess electricity, which their solar systems produce, to on-grid systems. Based on the amount of electricity provided, credit is provided to the owners of the solar system by which either their electricity reduces to zero or a negative value. 

 

4. It is good for the environment

As a renewable source of energy, solar systems are quite useful for the environment. By investing in solar energy, your business can become more eco-friendly and show the customers that it cares about the environment. You can help reduce your company’s carbon footprint and make Pakistan a greener place.

 

5. A solar system can increase the value of your property

Properties that come with a solar system installed are already sold at a high price in the market. This is because solar systems have a high installation cost, which is usually included in the total price of the home. This means that if you install a solar system on your property and eventually decide to sell it, you can recover the initial investment you made in the technology.

 

Final Takeaway

Solar energy is one of the most effective ways to reduce your electricity bills and make your company more socially responsible. In other words, it’s time for your business to invest in solar systems as well.