Meralco Net Metering Guide (Philippines)

What is net metering & how Meralco net metering works

Net metering is the arrangement that lets a home or business with its own solar panels export the electricity it doesn't immediately use back to the grid, and receive a credit on its bill. It's authorized in the Philippines under Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513) and its implementing rules, which entitle qualified renewable energy users (up to 100 kW) to connect to their distribution utility's grid.

For Meralco customers in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, Meralco acts as that distribution utility. When your panels produce more than your home consumes, the surplus flows out through a bi-directional meter and is recorded as exported energy. Meralco then credits that export — but at the generation cost rate, not the full retail rate you pay for imported power. The difference matters: you avoid the retail rate (often ₱11–14/kWh) for every kWh you self-consume, but only earn a lower credit (around ₱5–6/kWh) for every kWh you export. That's why sizing a system to match your daytime use, rather than over-producing, usually saves more money.

Meralco net metering requirements

These are the typical requirements for a Meralco net metering connection. Treat them as a general guide — Meralco updates its procedures and document list over time, so confirm the current requirements with Meralco before you apply.

• ●A grid-tied solar system sized 100 kW or below (the net metering ceiling under RA 9513 rules).
• ●Solar equipment listed and registered with the ERC / DOE — panels, inverter, and balance-of-system from accredited manufacturers.
• ●Installation by a DOE-accredited solar installer, with a signed electrical single-line diagram.
• ●A completed Meralco net metering application form, submitted to Meralco's Net Metering desk.
• ●Passing site inspection by Meralco to confirm wiring safety, grounding, and protection settings.
• ●A bi-directional meter installed by Meralco to measure both imported and exported energy.

How to apply for Meralco net metering

The application generally flows in this order. This is an informational overview, not a definitive legal procedure — your installer and Meralco will confirm exact steps and fees for your case.

1. 1

   Install your solar system

   Have a DOE-accredited installer fit a code-compliant grid-tied system using ERC-registered panels and an inverter. The system must be safe and ready to export before you apply.

2. 2

   Submit the net metering application

   File the Meralco net metering application form with supporting documents — system specs, single-line diagram, installer accreditation, and your Meralco account details. Your installer usually handles this.

3. 3

   Meralco review & site inspection

   Meralco reviews the submission for eligibility, then schedules a site inspection to verify the installation meets safety and protection requirements.

4. 4

   Bi-directional meter installation

   Once the system passes inspection, Meralco swaps your meter for a bi-directional unit that separately records imported and exported kilowatt-hours.

5. 5

   Export & earn credit

   Excess solar generation now flows to the grid and is credited on your bill at the export (generation) rate, reducing your monthly charges.

Meralco net metering rate, cost & fees

The key takeaway: exported power earns the generation-cost credit (roughly ₱5–6/kWh), which is well below the retail rate (₱11–14/kWh) you pay for imports. Self-consuming your solar during the day therefore saves roughly twice as much per kWh as exporting it. There may also be an application or meter fee from Meralco — confirm the current amount with them, as it changes over time.

Meralco net metering FAQ