Pakistan Net Metering Calculator
See your electricity bill before and after solar under Pakistan's net metering rules — with DISCO slab rates, the NEPRA export buyback rate and your payback period in rupees.
Your system & usage
Your bill & payback
How net metering works in Pakistan
Under Pakistan's net metering rules, a bi-directional meter (installed by your DISCO — LESCO, IESCO, K-Electric etc.) records both the units you import from the grid and the units your solar system exports to it. Your bill nets the two: imported units are charged at your slab rate, exported units earn you a credit at the NEPRA buyback rate. The result is a single net bill — often close to zero or even a credit in sunny months.
The 3-phase meter requirement
Net metering connections in Pakistan require a 3-phase bi-directional meter. If your home currently has a single-phase connection, your DISCO will upgrade the meter as part of the net metering application — factor the meter cost and a few weeks of processing time into your plan. Applications run through your DISCO (and historically via AEDB/NEPRA licensing for larger systems); residential systems typically follow a simplified DISCO-level process.
The NEPRA buyback rate
The buyback rate is set by NEPRA and paid by your DISCO for every unit you export. It is lower than the retail slab rate — which is why self-consumption matters: a unit you use yourself avoids a full-price import, while a unit you export only earns the lower buyback rate. NEPRA revises tariffs from time to time, so check the current notified rate and update the calculator's export-rate field.
Reading your result
| Figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| Units imported | What you still buy from the grid (e.g. at night). Zero means your solar covers your full consumption on a monthly average. |
| Units exported | Surplus solar sent to the grid — earns credit at the buyback rate. |
| Bill after solar | Your net monthly bill. A negative number is a credit carried on your account, not a cash payment. |
| Payback | System cost ÷ monthly saving. Pakistan paybacks of 2–4 years are typical thanks to high slab rates and strong sunshine. |
Frequently asked questions
How is my net metering bill calculated?
Imported units × your slab rate, minus exported units × the NEPRA buyback rate. If exports exceed imports, the balance appears as a credit on your bill rather than a cash refund.
What is the NEPRA buyback rate?
It is the per-unit rate your DISCO pays for solar electricity you export to the grid, notified by NEPRA. It is lower than retail slab rates, so using solar yourself saves more than exporting it. Enter the current rate in the calculator — it changes when NEPRA revises tariffs.
Do I need a 3-phase meter for net metering?
Yes — net metering requires a bi-directional 3-phase meter installed by your DISCO. Single-phase customers are upgraded as part of the application process; allow for the meter cost and processing time.
What size solar system do I need in Pakistan?
Match the system to your monthly units: at ~120 units per kW per month, a 5 kW system generates about 600 units and a 10 kW system about 1,200. Size for your actual consumption — oversizing earns only the lower buyback rate on the surplus.
How long is the payback period for solar in Pakistan?
Typically 2–4 years, driven by high slab rates and strong year-round sunshine. Systems on higher slabs (heavy users) pay back fastest. Use the calculator above with your own bill and a current system quote for a personalised figure.
Last updated: September 2026.
Disclaimer: This tool is for information only and is not professional financial advice. Slab rates, buyback rates and net metering rules change — confirm current figures with your DISCO and NEPRA notifications before investing.