Solar Net-Metering Payback Calculator — Pakistan 2026
Estimate how many years a rooftop solar system takes to pay for itself in Pakistan, based on system size, cost, your tariff and the net-metering export rate.
| Monthly generation | — |
|---|---|
| Units offsetting your own use | — |
| Surplus exported | — |
| Monthly saving | — |
| Annual saving (year 1) | — |
In short
Under Pakistan's net metering, solar units you consume yourself save the full retail tariff while surplus exported units are credited at a much lower buy-back rate. A 10 kW rooftop system typically generates around 1,200 units a month and pays back in roughly 3–5 years.
Who this is for: Homeowners in Pakistan estimating the payback period of a rooftop solar system under net metering.
Why the export rate matters so much
Under net metering, units you generate and use yourself save you the full retail tariff. Units you export to the grid are credited at a much lower buy-back rate set by policy — and that rate has been revised downward more than once. A system sized to your own daytime consumption therefore pays back far faster than an oversized one that exports most of its output.
This tool uses a simple payback: system cost ÷ first-year saving. It ignores panel degradation (~0.5%/year), tariff inflation (which shortens payback) and maintenance, so treat it as a first screen, not a financial model.
See also: Pakistan Sales Tax (GST) Calculator.
Assumptions
- Generation = kW × yield per kW per day × 30.
- Units up to your monthly consumption save the tariff you enter; surplus is credited at the export rate you enter.
- Simple payback = system cost ÷ first-year saving; degradation and tariff inflation are ignored.
Worked example
Generation: 10 × 4 × 30 = 1,200 units/month
Self-use: 800 × 40 = PKR 32,000 · Export: 400 × 10 = PKR 4,000 → PKR 36,000/month
Annual saving PKR 432,000 → payback ≈ 3.5 years
Frequently asked questions
Should I oversize the system?
Usually not under current export rates — surplus units earn far less than the units you avoid buying. Size to your daytime load and any future additions (AC, EV).
Does this include batteries?
No. Batteries add cost without adding net-metering credit; they help with load-shedding, which is a separate benefit.
Is the net-metering rate fixed once I sign up?
Policy can change for new connections; existing agreements have historically been honoured for their term, but check your DISCO's current terms.
What system size do I need?
Roughly your monthly units ÷ 120 gives the kW that covers your daytime use; sizing beyond that mostly produces low-value exported units.
How long does net-metering approval take?
Typically a few weeks to months after installation, involving your DISCO's inspection and a bi-directional meter.
Related calculators
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