Net-Metering
Net-Metering is a program under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513) and is carried out by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
It allows customers with Renewable Energy (RE) generating systems of 100 kW or less to export the electricity that they were not able to consume to the Distribution Utility (DU), such as Meralco, and its corresponding value will be given credits to the customer’s monthly bill and generate savings in the process.
Any RE installation above 100 kW is no longer covered by the Net-Metering program. As such, the RE installation will fall under the Zero Export (ZE) or Distributed Energy Resources (DER).
When you enroll in Net-Metering, Meralco will replace your current meter with a bi-directional meter for your business.
The bi-directional meter measures the inflow and outflow of electricity to and from your business. The inflow is the electricity that you get from Meralco, and the outflow is the excess electricity that your RE generating system supplies to the grid.
You may opt to have a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) meter installed to measure the gross electricity generated from the RE system, on which the DU bases your generated renewable energy. The readings from the REC meter will be used as a basis for the computation of subsidies, discounts, and for compliance with the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS).
Under the NM program, you still import or buy electricity from Meralco during times of the day when your RE generating system cannot fully meet your power requirements. This is usually the case during night-time when the solar panels are unable to generate electricity. During daytime, though, when the solar facility can generate electricity that is more than what you need, you may export this excess energy to the grid.
Pictured is a diagram to show how your solar energy is collected and metered.
 REC Meter is Optional* |
Applying for Net-Metering ensures that your solar installation is compatible with the power grid, that it does not endanger yourself or others, and that it can be properly monitored to make sure you get the maximum value and savings from your investment. That's Meralco's 4S of Solar Energy.
Prevent electrical fires, electrocution hazards, and damage to property
Avoid dangerous fluctuations and power interruptions
Promote the use of energy that is more environmentally friendly, contributing to the preservation of our planet
Export excess solar energy to the grid and save on bills
Installing and operating a Renewable Energy facility without registering with Meralco exposes you and other customers to several risks and safety hazards. Meralco shall not be responsible or liable for any damages and losses that may result from the unauthorized operation of your installation, in violation of relevant laws, rules and regulations.
Improperly installed solar panels can cause electrical fires and electrocution.
Some contractors who install your solar PV system don’t install a shut-off feature. When we need to make repairs along your street, power is completely shut-off along the affected lines. Without this very important safety feature, your solar installation could provide even a small amount of electricity to the power lines, which could harm (sometimes fatally) linemen and field personnel.
Incorrect solar installations can cause fluctuations in the quality of power across the circuit, affecting your neighbors. This means your community may experience power fluctuations or even brownouts because of a faulty installation.
Faulty installations may be easily damaged during powerful typhoons and heavy rain, leading to further safety hazards.
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Step 1: Filing of Application
Enterprise and National Government Customers can apply for Net-Metering by submitting the accomplished application form, and requirements via their Relationship Manager.
Customers eligible to apply for Net-Metering must have good credit standing or have no unsettled or outstanding obligations with Meralco at the time of application.
Application Requirements
Processes and requirements have been updated based on Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Advisory dated September 22, 2025.
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| a. Application Form | Download a copy of the application form here. Additional supporting documents may be requested to ensure safety, technical compliance, and accurate evaluation of your application. |
| b. Certification of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) | This will be issued by your Local Government Unit (LGU). As documentary requirements may differ per LGU, applicants are strongly encouraged to coordinate early to prevent processing delays. The CFEI will be submitted after inspection of your service entrance and before we replace your meter (if applicable). |
| c. Amended Net-Metering Agreement (NMA) | Meralco will provide a copy of this Agreement to you. Note that notarization is NOT MANDATORY and electronic signatures are allowed. |
| d. COC Application Fee | Upon receipt of the Statement of Account from ERC, you may pay through the following:
*Meralco will remit payments to ERC. |
| Other Requirements / Fees | |
|---|---|
| Notarized affidavit and waiver for NM customers on REC meter installation | Applicable only if the customer chooses not to install a REC meter. |
| Difference in Meter Cost (DIMC) fee | This covers the difference in cost between your old meter and the new bi-directional meter. The cost shall not exceed Three Thousand Philippine Pesos (P3,000.00) for residential customers (based on Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Advisory dated 22 September, 2026). Please settle this for the energization, testing, and commissioning to proceed. |
Step 2: Technical evaluation of your application
Meralco will evaluate your application and requirements through a field study called the Distribution Impact Study (DIS) (free of charge based on Section 17 of the 2025 Amended Net-Metering Rules).
The DIS is a study we conduct to find out the potential effect of your solar installation on our distribution system. If DIS results show an upgrade of the distribution facilities is needed, a Distribution Asset Study (DAS) will be conducted. DAS fees will be determined depending on the asset study conducted to determine the engineering solution that would be needed to accommodate the RE installation.
After this, we’ll coordinate with your solar installer the proper interconnection of your solar PV installation to your load and to the Meralco system. Your solar installer shall then finalize the details of your solar PV interconnection
To determine the maximum allowable capacity of the solar panel for the RE systems, that when integrated will not cause adverse effects to the distribution network, refer to the table below:
| Transformer (kVa) | Hosting Capacity (kWac) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 7 kW |
| 15 | 7 kW |
| 25 | 10 kW |
| 37.5 | 14 kW |
| 50 | 19 kW |
| 75 | 29 kW |
| 100 | 38 kW |
| a. | This table only represents the aggregate maximum allowable capacity for solar PV systems per transformer level. Meralco conducts its final assessment depending on actual system conditions. |
| b. | This is only applicable for single-phase distribution transformers. For other transformer types, it will require transformer loading and/or actual field measurements to assess the hosting capacity. |
| c. | This hosting capacity is only applicable within the Meralco franchise area. |
| d. | Hosting Capacity (HC) is defined as the maximum solar PV systems that can be integrated without causing any adverse effect on the normal system operation of the distribution network. The existing MERALCO HC quantification is based on worldwide models and methodologies. The MERALCO HC method properly modeled the low voltage network, secondary line, and service drop, load, and solar PV generation system. An appropriate power flow method was used and was based on the backward/forward sweep radial power flow algorithm coded in MATLAB platform. |
| e. | Consult your Meralco representative for further details. |
Step 3: Inspection and approval of your service entrance
We will inspect your facility and service entrance to ensure compliance with Net-Metering standards.
Step 4: Completion of requirements
Customer must submit the following energization requirements to Meralco in order to be issued their bi-directional and REC Meters:
- Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI)
- Net-Metering Agreement (NMA)
- Fixed Asset Boundary Document (FABD)
Step 5: Energization and Commissioning
Once we have replaced your existing meter with a bi-directional meter, installed a REC meter and have successfully tested and commissioned your solar PV, you can now safely use and enjoy the benefits of your solar Net-Metering installation.
Note: Once all of these steps have been accomplished, Meralco will then submit all documents related to your application including the Net-Metering Agreement and Certificate of Compliance (COC) Application Fee to apply for COC with the ERC.
First things first, remember to:
Purchase the right size.
When purchasing solar panels, consider the load or equipment that will be operating during the daytime or when sunlight is available. Make sure the size is matched with the power needs of your business. If too big, you end up spending more than you should. If too small, it will not be enough to serve your needs. Purchase the right size to keep your appliances and equipment running smoothly and safely to be able to maximize your investment.
Check the best location for your installation.
Before you make your investment, check the roof, inspect the structure and location where your panels will be installed. Consider factors such as panel direction, panel angles, and inverter options – all of which affect the output and the efficiency of the solar PV system.
- For Rooftop Solar PV (Photovoltaic) installations, you must ensure that your roof is structurally capable of supporting the weight of the panels. The galvanized iron sheet that is commonly used in the country is usually good enough to support the weight of solar PV installations. Nevertheless, it is good practice to consult this with the solar provider.
- To maximize the amount of energy that the solar panels will be able to generate, it is best if they will be installed facing south. This is the case since more sunlight is captured if they are facing this direction since the Philippines is located above the equator. It should also be noted that excessive shading from trees and other obstructions will reduce the amount of power that can be generated by the solar panels.
Choose the right solar provider.
Choose a supplier who is reputable, with after-sales service, knowledgeable in safety standards, and has experience in interconnecting with Meralco.
- How long will I wait to realize the investment?
On average, a customer with reasonable use of his solar PV system will be able to get a return on his investment (ROI) after 5 years. This may be considered a good ROI given that the solar PV system is expected to have a useful life of up to 25 years, given that it is properly maintained. - 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?
Even if you do not export electricity to the grid, your connection may still pose risk to linemen performing maintenance, to your appliances, and neighboring houses or establishments connected to your circuit. This is why Meralco observes safety measures and strict procedures. - Does the Net-Metering Program allow me to save on my electric bill?
The less power you import from the grid translates to "avoided retail cost" of energy. Customers should know their load profile (peak consumption) before installing a generating facility to ensure that their installation is right-sized and thus be able to maximize the benefits. Where can I find the Net-Metering Export Energy in my bill?
This computation can be seen on the right side of the bill’s front page. Shown below is a sample of how the customer’s Net-Metering Credit (Net-Metering Export Energy) is subtracted from his bill.
The previous month’s excess Net-Metering credits are broken down into non-VAT and VAT components which are then paid to your bill’s non-VAT and VAT components.
- Can I use a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for my RE installation?
Yes, customers may use BESS in order to continuously enjoy the benefits of having an RE installation provided that it complies with the following technical guidelines:- The RE facility should contain a transfer switch or any form of mechanism that isolates the loads served by the battery from the utility.
- The transferring mechanism can be manual or automatic and can be located externally or internally to the inverter unit.
- While the Hybrid inverter is in battery mode, the RE facility and the critical loads should be isolated from the distribution grid. Under no circumstances shall the battery be able to export power to the distribution grid.
A warning signage should be applied in a visible location on the battery, in uppercase with a minimum height of 6mm and shall read as follows:
WARNING:
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD.
DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS.TERMINALS ON BOTH LINE AND LOAD SIDES MAY BE ENERGIZED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
To learn more, contact your Relationship Manager.