Solar rules in Pakistan change often. This guide reflects the position in late 2026. Always confirm the current rules with your electricity company (DISCO) before you sign anything.
Solar is still one of the best investments a Pakistani household can make against rising electricity bills. But the rules changed in 2026, and many people are still buying systems designed for the old rules. This guide explains what changed, how to size a system that pays back under the new rules, and what to ask installers.
What changed in 2026: from net metering to net billing
Under the old net metering system, every unit you sent to the grid offset a unit you bought, at roughly the same value. Bigger systems meant bigger savings, so many homes installed far more panels than they needed.
In February 2026 NEPRA notified the Prosumer Regulations 2026, which move new solar users to net billing. You still buy electricity from the grid at the normal tariff, but the grid now pays you a much lower buyback rate for the units you export. Published reports put the new buyback rate at roughly Rs 8 to Rs 11 per unit, far below what you pay to buy a unit.
If you already had a net metering agreement before the change, reports indicate your existing contract continues on its original terms until it expires. Check your agreement and confirm with your DISCO.
What this means in practice
Every unit of solar you use yourself saves you the full price of a grid unit. Every unit you export earns only the low buyback rate. So the goal is no longer "as many panels as the roof can hold". The goal is to use as much of your own solar power as possible.
- Size the system to your daytime use, not your whole bill.
- Move heavy loads into daylight hours where you can: washing machines, water pumps, irons, and air conditioners in the afternoon.
- Consider a battery to store midday solar for the evening, when you would otherwise buy expensive grid units.
Step 1: Read your bills
Collect your last 12 electricity bills. Note the units used in summer and winter months. Then think about when you use most of that power. A family that is home all day and runs ACs in the afternoon can use far more solar directly than a household that is out until evening.
Step 2: Choose the type of system
| System | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| On-grid | Panels feed your home and the grid. No battery. Switches off during load-shedding for safety. | Areas with reliable power and high daytime use |
| Hybrid | Panels, grid and a battery. Stores solar for evenings and keeps essentials running during outages. | Most homes under net billing, especially with load-shedding |
| Off-grid | Panels and batteries, no grid connection. | Farms, remote sites, areas without a reliable supply |
Step 3: Understand the main parts
Panels
Most panels sold now are monocrystalline. Newer N-type and TOPCon panels usually produce a little more power for the same roof space and lose less output in heat, which matters in Pakistani summers. Ask for the brand, the exact model, the wattage and the datasheet, and check the performance warranty.
Inverter
The inverter is the heart of the system and the part most likely to need service. Choose a brand with an authorised service centre in your city, and ask how long repairs take.
Batteries
Lithium batteries cost more upfront than lead-acid but usually last far longer, need no maintenance and can be discharged more deeply. Ask for the usable capacity and the number of cycles in the warranty, not just the headline size.
Structure, cables and protection
This is where cheap installations cut corners. You want a rust-protected structure fixed properly to the roof, correctly sized DC cables, DC and AC breakers, surge protection and proper earthing. These parts protect your home, not just your system.
Checklist before you sign
- A written quote listing the brand and model of every main part
- A sizing explanation based on your bills, not a round number
- Warranty details for panels, inverter, batteries and workmanship, in writing
- Who handles the DISCO application and paperwork, and the expected timeline
- After-sales service: who you call when something stops working
- References: addresses or photos of installations from the last year
Questions to ask every installer
- How did you calculate this system size for my home?
- How much of the solar output will I use myself, and how much will be exported?
- Do you recommend a battery for my usage, and why?
- Is the inverter brand serviced locally?
- What earthing and surge protection is included?
- Is net billing paperwork included in the price?
Frequently asked questions
Is solar still worth it under net billing?
For most homes with high daytime use, yes, because every unit you use yourself saves you the full grid price. Payback depends on getting the size right and using your solar during the day.
Should I install extra panels to sell power to the grid?
Under net billing, exported units earn a much lower rate than you pay to buy them, so oversizing usually stretches your payback period. Size for your own use first.
Do I still need net billing approval?
If your system will export to the grid, yes. Your installer should explain the application process with your DISCO.
Compare installers in your city. Browse solar panel and inverter companies across Pakistan and ask at least three for written quotes.