Introduction:
Solar energy is a clean, pollution free and renewable source of energy. Fortunately, Pakistan is blessed with about 300 sunny days with good solar radiation of 5 to 6 kWh/square meter/day.
Taking cognizance of this situation, NEPRA has issued Alternative & Renewable Energy Distributed Generation and Net Metering Regulations, 2015 for implementing Solar Roof-Top Net Metering policy to encourage large scale generation in this sector.This scheme is only for the Solar Rooftop facility owned, operated and maintained by the consumer(s).
What is net-metering?
Net metering is an electricity policy for consumers who own renewable energy facilities (such as…solar power) which allows them to use electricity whenever needed while contributing their production to the grid.
Net-metering allows customers of DISCOs to install an on-site Renewable Energy (RE) facility not exceeding 1000 kilowatts in capacity so they can generate electricity for their own use. Any electricity generated that is not consumed by the customer is automatically exported to the DISCOs distribution system which is registered with the help of a bi-directional energy meter. The DISCOs then give a credit for the excess electricity received according to NEPRA’s approved tariff. In this way, net metering allows consumers to earn money by feeding-in the extra energy back into the DISCOs grid; this will bring the return on investment down significantly.Net metering policy is designed to foster private investment in renewable energy.
Benefits
This will not only lessen the burden on national grid but will also support in increasing overall generation capacity, potentially reducing grid investment,creating local employments,reducing fuel import bill, decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases and strengthening the national grid by minimizing line losses as well as increasing gains for Pakistani economy by way of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects.
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