The innovation of solar panel systems, which allowed us to convert the Sun’s heating effect and use it to generate electricity, is one of the most amazing solutions in human history.
We are all familiar with how a solar panel system works i.e. producing electricity from solar radiation and delivering it to the home for use.
The cherry on top for everyone with a solar panel installation is Net Metering.
One of the best developments to provide solar customers with extra advantages is net metering. Every country has various net metering regulations, and the mechanisms used to implement them function differently, giving consumers varying benefits.
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What is Net Metering in Pakistan and How Does it Work?
As frequently misunderstood, a net meter is only a measuring tool that counts the units of electricity transferred to and from the grid station.
In Pakistan, a remarkable system called net metering keeps track of all the units that are delivered to the grid and removed from it when needed at night or even during the day when demand exceeds solar system output.
Device and Techs Required for Net Metering
There are a few requirements that must be met before a Net Metering system may be deployed at your premises. The following are these requirements.
1. Three-Phase Meter
Another requirement for submitting an application for net metering is a three-phase meter. It can be installed if you don’t already have one after going through several steps from WAPDA.
2. Grid Connection
The connection to the grid is the most important need before installing a net metering system. Because of this, an off-grid system cannot be used with the system; only a grid-tie or hybrid system may be used.
3. Sanctioned Load
It is ideal for the sanctioned load to be lower than the system capacity. A solar panel system with a minimum capacity of 3 KW is eligible for net metering. The sanctioned load cannot exceed 2 KW for a 3 KW system.
Useful Link: LESCO Tariff for 2023 | Electricity Unit Rates in Pakistan
Things to Know Before Installation of Green Meter
There are a few concepts that you must be familiar with before you can comprehend the net metering flowchart. I’ve explained few things to you.
1. Peak Hours
The cost of the power unit is higher during these times of the day than it is during the rest of the day. They often last from 5 to 10 hours, depending on the time of year. Every quarter, they somewhat alter.
For example, LESCO has changed it from 5 PM to 11 PM.
2. Off-Peak Hours
They cover the entire day, excluding the busiest times. Electricity is generated by the solar system during off-peak times. Compared to peak hours, this time of day has lower electricity prices.
3. Import Units
These are the units that are brought in from the grid station to meet the house’s power needs. Because solar panel systems generate all of the electricity, they are typically close to zero during off-peak hours.
4. Export Units
Units that the owner of the solar system exports to the grid stations. Due to the absence of solar panel input during peak hours and at night, these are both 0.
5. Net Billing
The bills for peak and off-peak hours are calculated individually, and the net bill is equal to import units minus export units.
Monthly Calculation of Import and Export in Electricity Bill
Type | Units |
Import | 40 |
Export | 200 |
Considering a unit price of Rs. 14 per unit. The following is the monthly fee for off-peak hours.
Type | Units | Price per unit | Total price |
Import | 40 | 14 | 560 |
Export | 200 | 14 | 2800 |
Net | 40-200 | 14 | -2240 |
The negative charge shows that the consumer has given the grid utility units worth Rs. 2240.
Monthly Net Bill Will be
Peak Hours Bill | 1700 |
Off-Peak Hours Bill | 2240 |
Net Bill | -540 |
The negative charge indicates that the consumer owes the electric company Rs. 540, which will be taken out of the next bill.
If there is a positive charge, it means that the consumer will be responsible for the difference between the peak and off-peak bills.
Quarterly Schedule
The length of the peak hours, which varies every three months, is used to divide the year into four quarters. If you have a negative bill at the end of the quarter, you have the following two choices:
- You can adjust in the following quarter.
- Pay the amount in cash.
Since the latter option calls for a drawn-out process and may be troublesome, people frequently choose the former.
Conclusion
So here are the few things which were necessary to explain to you before your install a Green Meter/Net-Metering Meter. In my best opinion, I would suggest you install solar panels without batteries.
What will happen if you install it without batteries?
Use Solar System the whole day without batteries and use WAPDA electricity at night.
Benefit?
You can save batteries cost and will be out of this hassle of negative and positive units calculation.