What is Net-Metering?
Net-metering is a government-approved system that allows you to sell your extra solar electricity back to KE. During the day, when your panels generate more power than your home needs, the extra units are exported to the utility grid. At night, when your solar system is off, you import units from KE like normal.
How Does Net-Metering Work?
Once your solar system is connected with a bidirectional (import/export) meter, KE automatically records:
- Units you export during the day
- Units you import at night or cloudy days
- Net final bill
If your export is greater than your import, your KE bill can drop to almost zero.
KE Net-Metering Requirements
To apply for net-metering in Karachi, you must have:
- Solar System (3 kW – 1000 kW)
- Tier-1 Solar Panels (Approved)
- Approved Inverter (On-Grid / Hybrid)
- Compliance Certificate
- Valid CNIC
- KE Consumer Number
Required Documents
KE requires the following documents:
- Owner CNIC (front/back)
- Recent KE bill
- Property ownership proof (Sale Deed / Rent Agreement)
- Photographs of DB panels + meter
- Solar system layout (provided by 360Sol.pk)
- Installer certification papers
Step-by-Step Approval Process
Step 1 — Site Survey
A technical team visits your location, evaluates your load, wiring, breakers, shadow angles and recommends an ideal system size.
Step 2 — KE Application Submission
Your documents and technical layout are submitted to KE’s portal for net-metering registration.
Step 3 — Preliminary Inspection
KE sends a team to verify wiring, main breaker, relay connection and safety compliance.
Step 4 — NOC Issuance
Once approved, KE issues your official Net-Metering NOC.
Step 5 — Bi-Directional Meter Installation
KE replaces your old meter with a new import/export meter.
Step 6 — Activation
Your account is activated and you can start exporting units — your next bill will show unit adjustments.
How Long Does Net-Metering Take?
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Document Submission | 1 – 2 Days |
| Survey Approval | 3 – 7 Days |
| NOC Issuance | 7 – 14 Days |
| Meter Replacement | 3 – 10 Days |
Total expected time: 15 – 30 days depending on KE load and area.
Net-Metering Charges & Fees
KE charges for:
- Application Fee
- Meter Replacement Fee
- Inspection Fee
Average cost in Karachi: Rs. 20,000 – 35,000 (one-time).
How Much Can You Save?
On a 10 kW system:
- Monthly Generation: ~1400–1600 units
- KE Bill Savings: Rs. 38,000–48,000
- Annual Benefit: Rs. 450,000+
Payback period: 2.1 – 2.6 years
Common Reasons KE Rejects Applications
- Main breaker not installed properly
- Earthing not correct
- Old meter connection not clear
- Power factor not zero
- Load distribution panel wired incorrectly
Best Inverters for Net-Metering
- GoodWe ET / EH Series
- Huawei Sun2000 Series
- Sungrow SG Series
- Solis RHI / S6 Series
Final Advice
Net-metering is one of the best investments in Karachi right now. With rising KE tariffs, solar allows you to:
- Cut monthly bills to almost zero
- Get long-term returns for 20+ years
- Increase property value
- Enjoy stable daytime load
If you want a free system plan or KE bill analysis, contact us anytime.
