If you have been following solar news in Pakistan, you have probably heard that net metering is being replaced by “net billing.” Under NEPRA’s Prosumer Regulations 2026, the rules for selling your extra solar electricity back to the grid have changed significantly — and it is the single most talked-about topic among solar buyers this year.

At Abu Bakar Solar Kohat (ABS Kohat), customers ask us about this every day. So here is a clear, honest explanation of what changed, who is affected, and — most importantly — what the smartest move is now if you are planning a solar system.

What Is Changing? Net Metering vs Net Billing

Under the old net metering system, every unit you exported to the grid was treated as equal to a unit you imported. Your meter simply ran backward, and at the end of the month you paid only for your “net” usage.

Under the new net billing system, exported and imported units are no longer equal. You buy electricity from the grid at the full government tariff, but the grid buys your exported solar electricity back at a much lower fixed “buyback” rate.

The New Solar Buyback Rate

This is the headline change. Here is the before-and-after for new solar consumers:

Does Solar Still Make Sense in Pakistan?

Absolutely — arguably more than ever. Here is why the change does not kill the case for solar:

• Grid electricity keeps getting more expensive. Every rupee of solar power you use yourself is a rupee you do not pay at the full, rising tariff.
• The value is now in self-consumption, not export. The old model rewarded exporting surplus. The new model rewards using your own solar directly and storing the rest.
• Load-shedding protection. A solar system with battery backup keeps your home or shop running during outages — something the grid cannot promise.

The Smart Move Now: Self-Consumption + Storage

Because exporting is no longer well paid, the goal shifts from “send extra units to the grid” to “use and store as much of your own solar as possible.” That makes two products more valuable than ever:

• A hybrid solar inverter that can run your loads from solar during the day and charge a battery with the surplus.
• A lithium (LiFePO4) battery to store daytime solar and use it in the evening — instead of exporting it for a few rupees.

In other words, a well-designed hybrid + battery system sized to your own consumption now beats an oversized, export-focused net-metering system for most homes and shops. (See our guide on choosing the right battery and sizing your system.)

How to Design a System for the Net-Billing Era

1. Size to your daytime load first. Match your panel and inverter size to what you actually use during sunlight hours.
2. Add battery storage for the evening. Store surplus daytime solar instead of exporting it cheaply.
3. Keep a modest grid connection. Use the grid as a backup, not as your “solar bank.”
4. Choose genuine, efficient equipment. Higher-efficiency panels and a quality hybrid inverter maximise the solar you can actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is net metering completely finished in Pakistan?

For new consumers, NEPRA has shifted to a net billing model under the Prosumer Regulations 2026. Existing net-metering users are protected under their current agreements.

What is the new solar buyback rate?

For new consumers the buyback rate has been reduced to roughly Rs 8.13 per unit, down from around Rs 25–27 per unit previously. Always confirm the current figure with your DISCO, as rates are reviewed periodically.

Should I still install solar?

Yes. With electricity tariffs rising, solar still saves money — but the design should focus on self-consumption and battery storage rather than exporting surplus to the grid.

Does this mean I need a battery now?

For most homes and shops, yes. A lithium battery lets you store daytime solar and use it at night, which is far more valuable than exporting it at the low buyback rate.

Related Reading

• Solar Panel Price in Pakistan 2026: Latest Per-Watt Rates
• Lithium vs Lead-Acid: Best Battery for Your Inverter
• What Size Solar System Do You Need in Pakistan?