Solar in Pakistan after net metering: the new net billing rules explained, and how to still save

Thinking of putting solar panels on your roof? The rules changed this year, and many installers still sell systems as if they didn’t. Here is the plain-language version.

What changed

On February 9, 2026, NEPRA brought in the Prosumer Regulations 2026, ending the old “net metering” system for new users and replacing it with net billing, as reported by The Express Tribune and Profit.

Old system (net metering): one unit you sent to the grid cancelled one unit you took from it. If you exported 300 units and used 300, your bill was close to zero.

New system (net billing):

• Units you take from the grid are charged at your normal tariff and slab.
• Units you send to the grid are bought at a much lower buyback rate.

Profit reported the buyback rate for new users at Rs8.13 per unit, down from about Rs25 for existing users. Other reports quoted figures around Rs10-11. Ask your electricity company (DISCO) for the exact current rate before you sign anything.

Other new rules

According to The Express Tribune:

• The agreement now lasts 5 years instead of 7, renewable by mutual consent.
• Your system can’t be bigger than your sanctioned load (and max 1MW).
• No new connections where a transformer is already 80% full of solar.
• You pay all connection costs, including meters, plus a Rs1,000 per kW fee.
• NEPRA can revise purchase rates during the agreement.

Already have net metering?

If your net metering agreement was signed before February 9, 2026, you keep your old terms until the contract expires, under a February 16 amendment. But when it ends, or if you make a major change such as adding panels, expect to move to net billing.

So is solar still worth it?

Yes, but the strategy has changed. Selling power to the grid now earns little, so the money is in using your own solar power yourself.

• Size for your own use, not for export. Look at your daytime usage and size the system for that.
• Shift heavy loads to daytime: washing machine, iron, water pump and AC when the sun is up.
• Consider a hybrid inverter with batteries if you can afford it, so daytime power covers your evening.
• Off-grid is growing. Profit notes that analysts expect longer payback times for grid-connected systems and more people choosing off-grid solar.

Pakistan already has about 7,000 MW of grid-connected net-metering solar and an estimated 13,000-14,000 MW off-grid, according to Profit.

Bottom line: solar still cuts bills, but don’t believe an installer who promises a “zero bill” by selling units back. Ask them to show the maths using the new buyback rate.