Net metering vs net billing
Most solar-payback estimates still floating around online assume the old net metering rate. That scheme changed under Net Billing under NEPRA Prosumer Regulations 2025, effective 16 December 2025— and the difference is large enough to meaningfully lengthen every new system's payback period.
The gap: roughly 52% lower per exported unit
Under net billing, a kWh you export to the grid at midday is worth roughly half (or less) of what a kWh you self-consume is worth. This pushes the economics of a new system toward sizing for self-consumption rather than maximizing export, and stretches simple payback for export-heavy setups.
Net metering agreements signed before the Prosumer Regulations cutoff remain on 1:1 offsetting until their original agreement expires. Adding panels or otherwise materially modifying an existing net-metered system triggers a mandatory switch to net billing rates.
Run your own system's numbers on the Solar Payback Calculator, which already applies the current net billing rate — not the legacy net metering rate. Sizing a new system first? Start with the Solar System Size Calculator.
Source: NEPRA Prosumer Regulations 2025, notified 16-12-2025 — reported export rate cut from ~Rs26-27/kWh (NAPP) to ~Rs13/kWh (NAEPP). See the full versioned rate on the rates reference page.