Solar Net Billing in Pakistan: The 2026 Guide to Buyback Rates
Solar Net Billing in Pakistan: The 2026 Shift Explained
The landscape of solar energy in Pakistan underwent a massive transformation in early 2026. The traditional 1:1 Net Metering system—where one unit exported to the grid cancelled out one unit imported—has been replaced by Net Billing.
What is Net Billing?
In the new system, your electricity bill is split into two distinct streams:
- Imports: You pay the standard retail tariff (approx. Rs. 55–65/unit) for energy used from the grid.
- Exports: You are credited at a significantly lower "Buyback Rate" (approx. Rs. 11.35/unit) for surplus energy sent back to the grid.
Why Your Savings Might Drop
If you previously sized your solar system to "sell" energy to the grid, your ROI will now take longer. Under Net Billing, exporting a unit only gets you a fraction of the cost of buying a unit.
The Golden Rule of 2026 Solar
Self-Consumption is King. Every unit you use directly from your panels during the day saves you ~Rs. 60. Every unit you export only "earns" you ~Rs. 11.
How to Maximize ROI
- Shift the Load: Run your AC, washing machine, and water pumps during 10 AM to 3 PM.
- Hybrid Inverters: Consider adding a 5kWh or 10kWh Lithium battery to store that daytime energy for evening use instead of exporting it.
- Right-Size, Don't Over-Size: Sizing for 150% of your needs no longer makes financial sense. Aim for 80-90% coverage.
Use our Solar Net Billing Calculator to see how these new rates affect your specific monthly bill.