Quick answer: On 9 February 2026, NEPRA's Prosumer Regulations 2026 replaced net metering with net billing for new solar connections. Exported units are now bought at about Rs 10 to 11 per unit, while units you import from the grid are charged at your normal tariff. That means solar pays off best when you use the power yourself during the day. For a new house, plan a clear, shade-free roof, a structure for the panels, conduits from roof to inverter, and a ventilated inverter and battery space at the design stage, not after the house is finished.
Net Metering vs Net Billing: What Changed
| Old net metering | Net billing (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| How units are counted | Exported units offset imported units one for one | Imports and exports priced separately |
| Export rate | About Rs 26 per unit under older contracts | About Rs 10 - 11 per unit |
| Import rate | Offset by exports | Your normal tariff (much higher than the export rate) |
| Best strategy | Oversize and export | Size for daytime use, add batteries where it makes sense |
Users who signed under the old rules generally keep their terms until their agreement expires, as long as they do not enlarge the system. New connections fall under net billing. Confirm the current terms with your electricity company (DISCO) before signing.
Design Decisions to Make Before Construction
1. Keep the roof clear and shade-free
The mumty, water tanks, parapets and neighbouring buildings all cast shadows. Place the stair tower and tanks on the north side of the roof where possible, and keep the south-facing area free for panels. Even partial shade on one panel can reduce the output of a whole string.
2. Design the structure for panels
Most Lahore homes use an elevated steel frame so the roof remains usable underneath. The frame must be anchored to the slab, beams or parapet as designed by a structural engineer, especially for wind loads. Ask for the anchor points to be shown on the drawings, and seal every anchor so it does not break the roof waterproofing.
3. Lay conduits during the grey structure
Run dedicated conduits from the roof to the inverter location, and from the inverter to the main distribution board, before plaster. Adding them later means chasing walls or running exposed cables down the elevation. This is a small cost during grey structure work.
4. Plan an inverter and battery space
Choose a shaded, ventilated location close to the main DB, such as a corner of the porch, a store or a utility room. Inverters lose efficiency and lifespan when they overheat. Battery banks need ventilation, clearance and a dry floor.
5. Provide proper earthing
Solar systems need separate, tested earthing for the panel frames, inverter and surge protection. Plan earthing pits during foundation and plinth work, when the ground is open.
6. Plan the electrical layout for daytime use
Under net billing, power you use yourself is worth several times more than power you export. Put large daytime loads, such as water pumps, some air conditioners and the washing machine, on circuits that can run from solar, and consider timers for pumps.
How Big Should the System Be?
In Lahore, each kW of well-placed panels produces roughly 4 to 4.5 units per day on average across the year, more in summer and less in foggy winter weeks. Under net billing, size the system to cover your daytime use with modest headroom, typically about 100 to 120 percent of daytime consumption, rather than oversizing to export.
| House | Typical system size | Roof area needed (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 marla | 5 - 8 kW | 350 - 550 sq ft |
| 10 marla | 8 - 12 kW | 550 - 850 sq ft |
| 1 kanal | 12 - 20 kW | 850 - 1,400 sq ft |
Systems of 25 kW and above need a NEPRA licence. Your installer should provide a load analysis before quoting.
Combine Solar with a Cooler House
The cheapest unit of electricity is the one you do not need. Roof insulation, shaded windows and good ventilation reduce the cooling load, so a smaller solar system covers more of your needs. See our heat-resistant house design guide.
Our architectural design team plans roof layout, panel structure, conduits and inverter space into every new design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is net metering still available in Pakistan in 2026?
No, not for new connections. Since 9 February 2026, new solar connections fall under net billing. Existing users generally keep their old terms until their agreement expires.
What is the solar buyback rate under net billing?
Exported units are bought at about Rs 10 to 11 per unit, based on the national average energy purchase price, which can change.
Is solar still worth it for a new house in Pakistan?
Yes, if the system is sized for daytime use. Every unit you use yourself saves the full grid tariff, which is several times the export rate.
Can solar panels be installed on any roof?
The roof slab, parapet and anchor points must be checked by an engineer, especially for elevated frames and wind loads. It is easiest and cheapest to plan this during design.
Building a new home and want it solar-ready from day one? Talk to Planet Builders & Interiors.