You might have heard of net metering — a setup that seems like a smart way to get even more value from your solar system.
The idea is simple: when your system produces more electricity than you use, you send the excess power back to the grid. In return, you earn credits that reduce your monthly electricity bill.
It’s a model that works well in other countries — and one that should benefit homeowners here in the Philippines.
But in reality, net metering in the Philippines comes with a number of trade-offs that often make it less practical — and less profitable — than it appears.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering lets you send extra electricity from your solar panels back to the grid — and in return, you get credits that help lower your electricity bill.
Here’s how it works: during the day, your solar system might produce more power than you’re using. Instead of wasting that energy, it goes to your electricity provider (like Meralco). Then, when you use electricity at night or on a cloudy day, those credits help reduce the amount you have to pay.
It sounds like a good way to make sure none of your solar energy goes to waste. And in other countries, it’s a big part of how solar saves people money.
But in the Philippines, the system is a bit different — and those differences can really affect how much you actually save.
How to Apply for Net Metering (and Why It Takes Time)
Applying for net metering in the Philippines involves several steps — and for many homeowners, it can take months before the system is fully approved and activated.
Here’s a simplified overview of the process:
- Submit required documents, including your application form, proof of occupancy, a signed electrical plan, certification of your solar equipment, and inspection clearances from your local government unit.
- Undergo technical evaluation, where your electricity provider checks if your system can be safely connected to the grid. This may include impact studies and assessments.
- Install and test your system, making sure it meets technical and safety requirements.
- Sign a Net Metering Agreement with your provider once everything is approved and ready to go.
While the timeline varies, in our experience the full process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on how quickly paperwork is completed and approved.
📎 For Meralco users, you can view the full list of requirements and steps here:
Meralco Net Metering Application Process
Why Net Metering Isn’t Worth It (Yet)
While net metering sounds like a smart way to get more value from your solar system, it rarely delivers the kind of savings most homeowners expect — especially here in the Philippines.
The main issue? You’re not getting full value for the electricity you send back to the grid.
When you buy electricity from Meralco, you pay around ₱13 per kWh. But when you export excess solar energy, you only get credited ₱5 to ₱6 per kWh — less than half. So unless you’re using most of your solar power at home, you're giving away energy for much less than what it’s worth.
On top of that:
- The application process is long and tedious, often taking 6–12 months.
- There are technical requirements that can add to your system’s cost.
- And throughout that time, you’re not getting the full benefit of the solar system you've already paid for.
It’s no surprise that many homeowners who start looking into net metering end up choosing a different path — one that focuses on using more of their solar power directly at home.
Why We Recommend Batteries Over Net Metering
If your goal is to lower your electricity bills and get the most out of your solar system, storing your power at home is a better option than sending it back to the grid.
With a battery, you can keep the extra electricity your solar panels produce during the day — and use it later, when your household needs it most. That means:
- Lower electricity bills because you rely less on the grid at night
- No more wasted energy or undervalued credits
- Backup power during power outages
You start saving from the moment your system is turned on. It’s a smarter, more reliable way to take control of your energy — without having to wait months for net metering to get approved.
In the past, batteries were expensive — and net metering was seen as the more affordable way to deal with excess solar power.
But that’s no longer the case. Battery prices have dropped by over 80% in the last decade, from $400 per kWh in 2014 to $78 per kWh in 2024, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. This significant decline is largely due to advancements in electric vehicle technology, which have driven mass production and innovation in battery systems. As a result, the same trend of decreasing costs is now benefiting residential solar users.
It’s a simpler, more immediate way to take control of your electricity use and maximize your savings.
The Future of Net Metering in the Philippines
Net metering has potential — and things could improve in the Philippines if policies change or export rates become more favorable.
In Malaysia, for example, homeowners can get net metering approval in about a month, and exported electricity is credited at a one-to-one rate — meaning every kilowatt-hour you send to the grid offsets one kilowatt-hour you use. It’s a much more efficient and rewarding system for solar users.
But here in the Philippines, net metering still takes a long time to get approved — and you don’t get much in return.
For now, it’s simply not the most practical way to save on your electricity bills
Our Honest Take on Net Metering
Net metering might sound good in theory, but for most homeowners in the Philippines, it’s not the best way to save.
If you want to start lowering your electricity bills right away — without waiting months for approval — a solar system with battery storage is the smarter choice.
At Solviva, we only offer solar systems that are either hybrid or hybrid-ready. That means even if you don’t get a battery today, you’ll always have the option to add one in the future — no major rework or expensive upgrades needed. This isn’t the case for all grid-tied solar systems.
That extra level of flexibility is just one of the ways our Solar Experts at Solviva make sure your system works for you — not the other way around.
Ready to start your solar journey?
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our experts are here to help you make the switch to solar energy, save on your electricity bills, and become more energy independent.
Just fill out the form below, and a Solviva Solar Expert will reach out to guide you every step of the way.
