Net metering sounds complicated. It involves three agencies, six steps, and months of processing. The good news is that your part comes down to having your property documents ready and signing.
Here's exactly how Meralco net metering works in 2026, what it costs, how your bill credits are computed, and what you actually need to do.
Quick answer
- What it is
- A Meralco program that turns the excess solar power you send to the grid into credits on your electricity bill.
- Cost to apply
- Free. Expect up to ₱3,000 for a meter replacement, a ₱1,500 ERC fee, and LGU inspection fees.
- Credit value
- Exports are credited at Meralco's blended generation charge, not your full per-kWh rate.
- Do credits expire?
- No. Unused credits roll over every month.
- How long it takes
- About 6–8 months, based on ACES Solar's actual installations, if your property documents are in order.
- Who does the paperwork
- For ACES hybrid systems, we handle the LGU permit, CFEI, and Meralco application.
What is net metering?
Net metering lets qualified customers with renewable energy systems, like residential solar, export excess electricity to the Meralco grid in exchange for bill credits.
It works through a bi-directional meter, which measures electricity in both directions:
- Import: electricity your home draws from the Meralco grid
- Export: excess solar electricity your system sends to the grid
Your home always uses your solar power first. When your panels produce more than your home is using at that moment, the excess is exported. Once your system is commissioned for net metering, those exports become credits on your Meralco bill.
How much is exported solar power worth?
This is the part most solar ads leave out: exported electricity is not credited at the full rate you pay per kWh.
According to Meralco, credits are computed as your exported electricity multiplied by Meralco's monthly blended generation charge, excluding other generation adjustments. Your regular rate also includes transmission, distribution, and other charges, and those are not included in the credit.
What that means in pesos: In September 2026, Meralco's all-in rate for a typical household is ₱14.74 per kWh. Every kWh of solar power you use yourself saves you that full amount. Every kWh you export earns less, because the credit counts only the generation portion of the rate, not transmission, distribution, taxes, and other charges.
What this means for you: solar power you use directly is worth more than solar power you export. Running your aircon, washing machine, water heater, and other high-consumption appliances during daytime solar hours gets you the most value from your system. Net metering then adds value on top of that for the excess.
What happens to unused net-metering credits?
If your credits are more than your bill for the month, the extra credits are banked and carried over to your next billing periods.
According to Meralco, unused net-metering credits do not expire. Credits you earn during sunny summer months can still reduce your bill in the rainy season.
Who can apply for Meralco net metering?
Under Meralco's current requirements, you may apply if:
- Your renewable energy system is up to 100 kW (or 100 kWp for solar PV)
- Your Meralco account is registered under the same name as the applicant
- Your account is in good credit standing, with no unpaid bills or outstanding balance at the time of application
Meralco also runs a technical evaluation to confirm that the local distribution network can safely accommodate your system. This means the capacity you can connect may depend on grid conditions in your area.
What are the requirements?
Meralco's main requirements are:
- An accomplished net-metering application form
- A Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) from your LGU
- A signed Net-Metering Agreement (NMA)
- Payment of the ERC Certificate of Compliance (COC) application fee
Meralco may request additional technical documents depending on your installation. The Net-Metering Agreement does not need to be notarized, and electronic signatures are accepted.
Is a REC meter required?
No. Under the amended rules, a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) meter is optional. Additional documentation may be required if you skip it. A bi-directional meter is still required, because it records what you import and export.
How much does net metering cost?
Applying is free, but expect these related costs:
| Fee | Paid to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Difference in Meter Cost (DIMC) | Meralco | Up to ₱3,000 (residential), only if your meter needs replacing |
| Certificate of Compliance fee | Energy Regulatory Commission | ₱1,500 |
| CFEI and inspection fees | Your LGU | Varies by LGU |
Additional costs may apply if Meralco finds that distribution upgrades or further technical studies are needed.
How does the application process work?
Here's the process as ACES runs it on actual installations:
-
Secure the LGU electrical permit
Before installation, an electrical permit is secured from your Local Government Unit (LGU).
-
Install the system and apply to Meralco
Once your hybrid system is installed, the net-metering application is submitted to Meralco. Your system can already power your home from this point. See what happens on installation day in our solar installation guide.
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Meralco checks grid feasibility
Meralco evaluates whether the local distribution network can safely accommodate your system through a Distribution Impact Study (DIS).
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Approval and CFEI
If the connection is feasible, Meralco releases its approval, and the Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) is applied for with your LGU.
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Agreement and final inspection
With the CFEI secured, the Net-Metering Agreement is signed and Meralco conducts its final inspection. If your meter can't read imports and exports, it's replaced with a bi-directional meter.
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Testing and commissioning
Meralco tests and commissions your system. You're officially net-metered only after testing and commissioning, even while the ERC completes its own paperwork. Exports from this point onward earn credits.
What if Meralco says the grid can't take your system?
It doesn't happen on most homes, but if Meralco's study finds the local grid can't safely accept your system as designed, there are three options:
- Reduce the system size by permanently removing some panels
- Apply to Meralco for a transformer upgrade in your area
- Install harmonic filters to meet Meralco's power-quality requirements
If this comes up, ACES walks you through which option fits your home and what each one involves.
You don't have to run this process yourself.
For every applicable hybrid system we install, ACES Solar handles the LGU permit, CFEI, and Meralco net-metering application. We coordinate the documents, follow up with the agencies, and keep you updated. Your part is to have your property documents ready (see below) and sign.
Get a system recommendation for your billHow long does net metering take?
Based on ACES Solar's experience with actual installations, the full process takes about 6 to 8 months.
That timeline assumes your property documents are complete and in order. Missing or mismatched documents are the most common cause of delay.
Documents to prepare
Have these ready before you start, and make sure the names and details match:
- Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT)
- Building permit
- Occupancy permit
- Tax declaration
- Latest real property tax receipt
Other factors that affect timing:
- Meralco's feasibility study and whether grid upgrades are needed
- LGU permit and CFEI processing times
- Inspection and commissioning schedules
The 6–8 months is the wait for export credits, not the wait for savings.
Can I use my solar system while waiting?
Yes, and this is where most of your savings come from.
From installation onward, your system powers your home during the day and reduces the electricity you buy from Meralco.
What you don't get yet are credits for exported power. Those begin only after meter installation, testing, and commissioning are complete. Excess power exported before your enrollment officially starts should not be assumed to earn credits.
Waiting for net-metering approval before installing solar doesn't speed anything up. It just means more months of paying your full bill.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get paid cash for the electricity I export?
No. Net metering pays in bill credits, not cash.
Do net-metering credits expire?
No. According to Meralco, excess credits roll over to future billing periods and do not expire.
Does net metering work with a solar battery?
Yes. A properly configured hybrid system with a battery can be enrolled in net metering. During a grid outage, battery-backed systems automatically isolate from the grid so that no power flows into Meralco's lines. This protects line workers.
Is net metering required if I don't want to export?
No. If you only want to use your solar power yourself, Meralco offers a Zero Export registration. Meralco should still be informed about your installation for safety.
What is a bi-directional meter?
It's a meter that records electricity in both directions: what you import from Meralco and what your solar system exports. It's how your credits are computed.
When will I start receiving credits?
After Meralco's testing and commissioning. That's when you're officially net-metered, even if the ERC's paperwork is still being completed. Eligible exports from then on appear as credits on your next bills.
Is net metering worth it?
Yes, as a bonus rather than the main event.
Your biggest savings come from using your solar power directly, since every kWh you use yourself is one you don't buy at the full rate. Net metering then adds value for the excess your home can't use.
That's why the right system depends on more than roof space. Your bill, daytime usage, roof conditions, battery needs, and local grid conditions all matter. An oversized system that mostly exports earns less than a right-sized one you actually use.
Get solar without the paperwork headache
ACES Solar designs and installs hybrid solar systems across Metro Manila and Calabarzon, and handles the LGU permits, CFEI, and Meralco net-metering application for you.
You get the savings. We deal with the paperwork.
Tell us your monthly billSources
- Meralco: Net-Metering Application Process
- Meralco: Net-Metering Additional Documents (PDF)
- Meralco: September 2026 rate advisory
Requirements, fees, and rates are based on Meralco's published guidance as of September 2026 and may be updated by Meralco, the ERC, or other government agencies.