Solar Energy Philippines
Net Metering Guide
Sell your excess solar energy back to the grid and slash your electricity bill to near zero. Here's exactly how to qualify and apply — whether you're on MERALCO, BENECO, INEC, or NUVELCO.
What is net metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) under Republic Act 9513 (Renewable Energy Act of 2008) and ERC Resolution No. 09, Series of 2013. It allows qualified end-users with solar PV systems to export surplus electricity to their distribution utility's grid and receive a corresponding credit on their monthly bill.
In plain terms: when your solar panels produce more power than your home or business consumes, the excess flows into the grid and your meter runs backwards. At the end of each billing period, you only pay for the net electricity you drew from the grid — or receive a credit carried forward if you exported more than you consumed.
Who can apply?
System size limit
Your solar PV system must not exceed 100 kWp (kilowatt-peak) for residential and commercial customers. Systems above 100 kWp fall under a different ERC framework.
Grid-connected installation
Your system must be connected to the distribution utility's grid — not purely off-grid. A grid-tie or hybrid inverter with grid export capability is required.
PEC-compliant wiring
The installation must comply with the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) and be certified by a licensed Registered Master Electrician (RME). Our certified installers strictly follow official PEC structural protocols and precise solar electrical designs to meet all regulatory requirements.
Active utility account
You must be an existing customer in good standing with your distribution utility (MERALCO, BENECO, INEC, NUVELCO, or other ERC-regulated DU).
Bi-directional meter
Your utility will install a bi-directional (net) meter that records both energy consumed from the grid and energy exported to it. This replaces your existing meter.
Step-by-step application process
System design & PEC compliance
P&A Solar designs your system to meet PEC requirements and your utility's technical standards. We prepare the single-line diagram, load schedule, and technical specifications required for the application.
Submit application to your DU
We file the Net Metering Application Form together with your system design documents, proof of ownership, valid ID, and latest electricity bill at your distribution utility's office. MERALCO customers apply at any MERALCO Business Center; BENECO customers apply at the BENECO main office in Baguio City.
DU technical evaluation
Your distribution utility evaluates the application for technical compatibility — grid capacity, transformer loading, and protection coordination. Under ERC rules, the DU must act on a complete application within 30 business days.
Interconnection agreement signing
Once approved, you sign the Interconnection Agreement and Net Metering Agreement with your DU. These contracts govern the technical and billing terms of your grid connection.
Bi-directional meter installation
The DU installs a bi-directional meter at no cost to you (meter installation is mandated free under ERC rules). This meter records both import (consumption) and export (generation) in kWh.
System energization & go-live
After meter installation, P&A Solar performs final commissioning. Your system is energized, connected to the grid, and begins generating — and exporting — solar power immediately.
Utility-specific notes
Coverage: Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Batangas, Quezon (partial)
Apply at: Any MERALCO Business Center; online pre-application at meralco.com.ph
MERALCO processes net metering applications through its Distributed Energy Resources (DER) team. Expect 15–30 business days for technical evaluation. Export credit is valued at the blended generation rate (approx. ₱5.00–₱6.50/kWh depending on your rate class).
Coverage: Baguio City, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay (Benguet)
Apply at: BENECO Main Office, Naguilian Road, Baguio City
BENECO has an active net metering program. Our La Trinidad and Buguias branches handle all BENECO-area applications. Processing time is typically 20–30 business days after submission of complete documents.
Coverage: Ilocos Sur (Candon City, Sta. Cruz, Tagudin, and surrounding municipalities)
Apply at: INEC Main Office, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) processes net metering applications at their main office. Our Candon City branch assists with document preparation and submission. Export credits are applied monthly.
Coverage: Nueva Vizcaya (Bayombong, Solano, Bambang, Dupax, and surrounding areas)
Apply at: NUVELCO Main Office, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO) accepts net metering applications at their Bayombong office. Our Nueva Vizcaya branch coordinates directly with NUVELCO for faster processing.
How net metering billing works
Each billing period, your DU reads both the import (kWh consumed from grid) and export (kWh sent to grid) registers on your bi-directional meter. Your bill is calculated on the net difference.
If you consumed 300 kWh from the grid and exported 180 kWh, you pay for 120 kWh net. If you exported more than you consumed, the excess credit is carried forward to the next billing period — it does not expire within the same calendar year.
Export credits are valued at the generation charge component of your tariff (not the full retail rate). For MERALCO customers this is approximately ₱5.00–₱6.50/kWh; for cooperative customers it varies by ERC-approved tariff. At year-end, any remaining unused credit may be converted to cash at the DU's discretion under ERC rules.
Example billing calculation
Documents you'll need
- Accomplished Net Metering Application Form (from your DU)
- Latest electricity bill (original or certified true copy)
- Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
- Valid government-issued ID of the account holder
- Single-line diagram of the solar PV system (prepared by P&A Solar)
- Load schedule and technical specifications (prepared by P&A Solar)
- Certificate of Electrical Inspection (CEI) from your local government unit
- PEC compliance certificate signed by a licensed PEE or RME
- Inverter technical datasheet and grid-tie certification
P&A Solar prepares all technical documents (items 5–9) as part of our installation service. You only need to provide items 1–4.
Common questions
Ready to start earning from your solar system?
P&A Solar handles the entire net metering application process — from system design and document preparation to DU coordination and meter installation. Book a free assessment and we'll tell you exactly how much you can earn from your roof.