Enabled by law
Republic Act No. 9513 established the Net Metering pathway for qualified on-site renewable-energy systems.
Solar and Net Metering
Use renewable energy at your property, connect safely to the Meralco grid, and receive bill credits for eligible excess electricity you export.
How it works
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Generate and use renewable energy
Your system supplies the property first while it is generating.
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Export eligible excess energy
Surplus electricity can flow through the approved connection to the grid.
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Import energy when needed
The Meralco grid supplies the property when renewable generation is not enough.
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Receive bill credits
Eligible exports earn peso credits under the applicable Net Metering rules.
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is an arrangement under the Renewable Energy Act that lets a qualified customer operate an on-site renewable-energy system in parallel with the distribution grid. The property uses the electricity it produces first. Eligible excess electricity is recorded when it is exported to the grid and earns a peso credit on the customer’s bill.
A bi-directional meter records imports from Meralco and exports from the approved system separately. Imported electricity and exported electricity use different rate components, so an exported kilowatt-hour is not exchanged one-for-one at the full retail rate.
The program at a glance
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Eligible capacity
The program ceiling is not more than 100 kW per qualified small generation entity. Final approval depends on the proposed system and local network conditions.
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Energy export credits
Eligible excess electricity exported through the approved setup earns peso credits under the applicable monthly export-credit rate.
How electricity moves through your system
Use the previous and next buttons, or the left and right arrow keys while the carousel is focused, to browse the explanations. Use Home or End to jump to the first or last item.
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Use your own renewable energy first
Electricity generated on-site supplies the appliances and equipment running at the property before electricity is drawn from the grid.
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Export eligible excess energy
When generation is higher than current use, eligible surplus electricity flows through the bi-directional meter to the Meralco grid.
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Import energy when generation is low
When renewable generation cannot meet demand, electricity flows from the Meralco grid through the same bi-directional meter to the property.
Why registration matters
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Safety
Technical review, inspection, approved metering, testing, and commissioning help the system operate safely with the grid.
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Grid stability
Approved protection and a technical assessment help prevent unacceptable power-quality or reliability effects.
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Sustainability
Using renewable electricity on-site can reduce dependence on grid-supplied energy while the system is generating.
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Potential bill savings
On-site use reduces imported electricity, while eligible exports may earn credits. Results vary with use, weather, design, rates, and maintenance.
Who can apply?
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Qualified new or existing Meralco customer
Residential, business, industrial, and government customers may apply, subject to current program and technical requirements.
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Account in good standing
The applicant should have no unsettled or outstanding Meralco obligation at the time of application.
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Service registered to the applicant
The electric service that will host the installation should be registered under the applicant’s name or supported by the required authorization.
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Qualified, compliant renewable-energy system
The proposed equipment, capacity, protection, service entrance, permits, and interconnection must pass the applicable review.
Prepare for a safe, complete application
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Choose a reputable partner
Work with an experienced provider that follows safety standards, supplies complete equipment information, and offers dependable support.
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Register before parallel operation
Contact Meralco early and do not export or operate in parallel until the required review, metering, testing, and commissioning are complete.
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Prepare the current documents
Use the latest application form and checklist, then gather account, equipment, provider, permit, and representative information that applies.
Supporting your move to solar and renewables
Renewable energy can supply homes and businesses with cleaner on-site electricity. Net Metering adds a safe, approved way for qualified customers to export eligible excess generation and receive bill credits.
Review the application process
Power your needs, export the rest
Electricity produced by the renewable-energy system supplies the property first. When generation is higher than demand, eligible excess energy can be exported. When generation is lower, the property continues to import electricity from Meralco.
See imports and exports separately
A bi-directional meter records electricity delivered by Meralco and eligible electricity exported by the approved system as two separate energy flows. A separate REC meter may be used to measure gross renewable generation when selected.
Understand your Net Metering bill
Use the previous and next buttons, or the left and right arrow keys while the carousel is focused, to browse the explanations. Use Home or End to jump to the first or last item.
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Start with the Net Metering summary
The bill brings together electricity imported from Meralco and eligible electricity exported by the approved renewable-energy system.
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Find imported and exported energy
Review the separate meter readings and kilowatt-hour values for energy delivered to the property and energy sent to the grid.
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Find the export credit rate
Eligible exported electricity uses the applicable monthly export-credit rate, which is different from the full retail import rate.
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Calculate the peso credit
The eligible exported kilowatt-hours are multiplied by the applicable export rate to calculate the peso credit for the period.
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Apply the credit to the bill
The Net Metering peso credit is applied to eligible bill charges under the current rules, and any available balance is handled through the approved credit process.
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Track results over time
Compare energy use, generation, imports, exports, and credits across billing periods rather than relying on one month alone.
Four things to know before investing
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Know the right size
Review which appliances and equipment run during daylight so the proposed capacity reflects realistic on-site use and avoids over- or under-sizing.
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Know the right location
Check roof condition, structural capacity, orientation, tilt, and shading because each affects safety and system performance.
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Know the right provider
Choose a qualified provider that follows technical standards, documents the equipment correctly, and offers reliable after-sales support.
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Know the requirements
Review the latest checklist and coordinate early with the local government unit for permits and the Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection.
Why safety and compliance cannot wait
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Equipment damage
An improperly installed or untested system can cause faults that damage renewable-energy equipment, appliances, or connected electrical facilities.
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Fire and electric shock
Non-compliant wiring, protection, or installation work can create electrical fire and electrocution hazards.
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Lineworker safety
A system without correct anti-islanding and isolation protection can energize lines during an outage or maintenance activity.
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Power quality and grid stability
An incorrect interconnection can create voltage, power-quality, or service disturbances that affect the property and nearby customers.
Net Metering questions
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Getting started and eligibility
Who can apply for Net Metering?
Qualified new and existing Meralco customers may apply, including residential, business, industrial, and government customers. The account, proposed system, service arrangement, technical design, and local network conditions must meet the applicable requirements. -
Is Net Metering exclusively for solar PV technology? What other technologies can I use?
No. Solar PV is the most common option, but qualified on-site renewable-energy systems may also use wind, hydro, biomass, or another technology allowed by the program. Every proposal remains subject to Meralco’s technical and interconnection review. -
Does the Net Metering program allow me to save on my electric bill?
It can. Using your own renewable electricity reduces the energy you import while the system is generating, and eligible exports may earn bill credits. Actual results depend on electricity use, weather, equipment, system design, maintenance, rates, and program rules. -
Process and application requirements
How can I apply for the Net Metering program?
Download and complete the current application form, review the documentary checklist, and submit the required account, applicant, project, equipment, and representative information through an approved Meralco channel. Meralco then confirms eligibility and begins the technical review.Open the application guide -
What are the Net Metering application requirements?
Requirements cover the Meralco account and applicant, proposed system and provider, panels, inverters, optional batteries and REC meter, authorization when a representative applies, technical study information, local permits and CFEI, the Net Metering Agreement, applicable payments, and any required affidavit or waiver. Use the latest form and checklist for the complete stage-by-stage list. -
How long does the Net Metering application process take?
Timing depends on a complete application, permits, technical-study results, customer corrections, network conditions, inspection readiness, agreements, payments, metering, and commissioning. Meralco will provide the next action and status at each stage; the full journey does not have one unconditional completion date. -
Technical checks
What is a Distribution Impact Study and why is it required?
A Distribution Impact Study assesses whether the local distribution system can safely accommodate the proposed interconnection. It considers factors such as system capacity, transformer loading, voltage, power quality, protection, and available hosting capacity, and identifies whether further study or network work is needed. -
Meters, billing, and credits
What is a bi-directional meter and why do I need it?
A bi-directional meter records electricity moving in both directions. Import registers measure electricity delivered from the Meralco grid to the property, while export registers measure eligible surplus electricity delivered from the approved system to the grid. These separate readings are used for Net Metering billing. -
What is a REC meter and do I need one under the 2025 amended Net Metering rules?
A Renewable Energy Certificate meter measures the gross electricity generated by the renewable-energy system. It is separate from the required bi-directional import/export meter and is voluntary under the amended rules. If you decline it, the current process requires the applicable affidavit and waiver and uses the approved method to estimate generation. -
When can I start seeing Net Metering bill credits?
Credits begin after the approved meters are installed or configured, the renewable-energy system passes testing and commissioning, and the special meter reading establishes the start of Net Metering service. Eligible exports are then reflected through the succeeding billing process. -
Why is the export energy rate lower than the import energy rate?
Imported electricity includes the retail-rate components that apply to the service. Eligible exported electricity earns a peso credit using the export-credit method required by current rules, based on the applicable monthly blended generation cost rather than the full retail rate. The export value can therefore change from month to month. -
Do Net Metering bill credits expire?
Unused Net Metering credits are banked and carried forward for application to current or future bills while the account and agreement remain eligible. They are bill credits rather than a cash payment, and their treatment at closure or transfer follows the current rules and account conditions. -
Can bill credits be transferred if I move locations?
Credits do not simply move to a different property. A transfer may be allowed for certain property-ownership changes when the required account, Net Metering Agreement, and Certificate of Compliance conditions are met. Contact Meralco before changing ownership, closing the account, or moving. -
Customer responsibilities and compliance
Will Meralco need access to my meter or premises for inspection or maintenance?
Yes. Meralco may need safe, reasonable access to inspect the service entrance and renewable-energy facility, install or maintain approved meters, perform testing and commissioning, verify compliance, or investigate a metering or safety concern. Coordinate schedules and keep the required equipment accessible. -
What happens if I modify or expand my solar PV system after approval?
Contact Meralco before changing panel or inverter capacity, equipment models, batteries, protection, transfer equipment, wiring, or operating mode. A material change may require updated forms, technical review, inspection, metering, agreement, or commissioning before it can operate in parallel with the grid. -
Costs and fees
How much does it cost to apply for Net Metering?
There is no fee simply to submit the application, and the Distribution Impact Study, testing, and commissioning are not charged to the applicant under current program rules. Other project, permit, meter, ERC, correction, study, or network costs may still apply depending on the installation. -
What other fees should I expect?
Possible costs include the renewable-energy system and provider, LGU permits and inspection, customer-side corrections, the ERC Certificate of Compliance application fee, an applicable Difference in Meter Cost, and a case-specific Distribution Asset Study or network requirement. Meralco or the responsible authority will provide the applicable assessment before payment. -
Safety and protection
Can I use a Battery Energy Storage System for my renewable-energy installation?
Yes, a proposed system may include a battery, but it is not automatically approved. The application must identify the battery and transfer-switch details, and Meralco and the provider must confirm the protection, isolation, metering, operating mode, and technical review that apply to the design. -
How can I ensure my installer follows standards?
Choose a reputable, experienced provider that documents the proposed equipment, follows electrical and interconnection standards, secures the applicable permits, completes required corrections, and supports testing and commissioning. Keep copies of the design, equipment data, permits, inspection records, warranties, and final settings. -
What are the risks of installing solar without registering under Net Metering?
An unreviewed grid connection can create equipment damage, fire, electric-shock, lineworker, power-quality, and grid-stability risks. A one-way meter may also record unintended exports as additional consumption. Do not operate in parallel or export until the required review, protection, metering, testing, and commissioning are complete. -
Other questions
What happens if my solar system exports power unintentionally while I am not enrolled in Net Metering?
Stop unapproved export and contact the provider and Meralco. An ordinary one-way meter may record reverse energy as additional consumption, and an unapproved interconnection may create safety and power-quality risks. Meralco will identify the correct registration, Zero Export, correction, or interconnection path for the installation. -
What if I install solar panels without enrolling in the Net-Metering program? I want to use all the electricity my panels generate and do not want to export to the grid.
Learn more about Distributed Energy ResourcesFor a customer-owned system that generates electricity for your own use without exporting, review the SGF Zero Export Solar System or Micro Solar System guidance. These programs have their own system, safety and notification requirements.
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What happens during a power outage—will my renewable-energy system still work?
Do not assume it will. A grid-connected system must stop energizing Meralco lines during an outage. Whether the property has approved backup power depends on the inverter, battery, transfer equipment, isolation design, and operating arrangement. Never bypass anti-islanding or isolation protection. -
Can I combine Net Metering with other Meralco programs?
Depending on the customer class and service, you may also be eligible for energy-efficiency, Peak/Off-Peak, or other Meralco programs. Each program has its own metering, billing, technical, and enrollment rules, so ask Meralco to assess how the options work together for the account.
Ready to prepare your Net Metering application?
Review the six application stages, download the current forms, and check the requirements that apply to your property and proposed system.
Open the application guide