Solar Net Billing &
ROI Calculator (NEPRA 2026)
Calculate solar generation units, grid offset credits, and system payback timelines. Modeled for the transition from Net Metering to NEPRA's new Net Billing regime.
System Parameters
0 Years
Estimated Setup Cost: PKR 0
Energy Profile Summary
• Net Billing regime: Effective since Feb 9, 2026, new solar installs sell units to DISCOs at Rs. 12 (NAEPP wholesale rate) while buying grid imports at Rs. 56+.
• Grandfathering Clause: Systems registered under net metering before Feb 9, 2026, continue 1:1 offsets for a 7-year license period.
• Self-Consumption Factor: Sizing batteries (Hybrid) is recommended under Net Billing as it allows storing excess daytime solar to offset high night-time grid bills instead of exporting at cheap buyback rates.
Guide to Net Billing in Pakistan
The introduction of the **NEPRA Prosumer Regulations 2026** on February 9, 2026, marked a significant policy change for solar energy in Pakistan. DISCOs (LESCO, K-Electric, IESCO, FESCO, etc.) have shifted from the traditional 1:1 Net Metering to a Net Billing framework to manage grid loading.
Comparison: Net Metering vs Net Billing
| Metric | Net Metering (Old / Grandfathered) | Net Billing (New 2026 Rules) |
|---|---|---|
| Billing Swap Rate | 1:1 Unit Swap (offsets imports at Rs. 56+) | Financial credit based on wholesale rates (Rs. 12) |
| Import Tariff Price | Standard DISCO retail rate (Rs. 56) | Standard DISCO retail rate (Rs. 56) |
| Best System Sizing | Large size to export maximum units | Sized exactly to daytime load + battery storage |
| Estimated Payback | 2.5 to 3.0 Years | 4.0 to 5.0 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new NEPRA 2026 Net Billing billing framework?
The NEPRA Prosumer Regulations 2026 (effective Feb 9, 2026) replaced the 1:1 net metering unit swap with a Net Billing trade model. Excess solar units exported to the grid are purchased by DISCOs at a wholesale rate of around Rs. 9-13/unit, while imports from the grid are billed at the retail rate of Rs. 55-65+/unit.
How does the Net Billing transition affect my solar payback period?
For new grid-tied (on-grid) installations, the payback period has increased from 2.5-3 years to 4-5 years because exported power is bought by DISCOs at a much lower wholesale rate. Sizing hybrid systems with battery storage helps reduce grid imports and optimizes ROI.
What is the grandfathering clause for existing net metering licenses?
Prosumers who had active net metering licenses or applications processed before February 9, 2026, are legally protected and continue to enjoy 1:1 unit offsets under the old net metering rules for the remainder of their 7-year license agreement.
Why is battery storage (hybrid system) recommended under Net Billing?
Under Net Billing, selling power to the grid is less profitable (Rs. 12/unit) than saving grid costs (Rs. 56/unit). Batteries store excess daytime solar energy so you can use it at night, maximizing self-consumption and reducing expensive night-time imports.
DISCOs conduct physical audits of prosumer setups to prevent grid overloading. It is required to purchase tier-1 inverters certified by AEDB to secure grid authorization.