How to Apply for Net Metering in the Philippines (Meralco Guide)

What Is Net Metering and Why Should You Care?

If you've invested in a rooftop solar PV system, net metering is how you turn excess electricity into real savings. Instead of letting unused solar energy go to waste, you export it back to the grid and Meralco credits that exported energy directly to your monthly bill.

Under the Philippine Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513), distribution utilities like Meralco are required to offer net metering to qualifying customers. That means every kilowatt-hour you send back to the grid gets offset against what you consume, reducing your electricity costs month after month.

Who Is Eligible?

Before filing an application, make sure you qualify:

• You are an existing Meralco customer with a renewable energy (RE) generating system of 100 kW or less (solar PV, wind, biomass, run-of-river hydro, etc.)
• You have good credit standing no unsettled or outstanding balances with Meralco in the past 12 months
• Your solar installation must be grid-tied (not off-grid)
• The system must be located within Meralco's franchise area

Note: The 100 kW cap applies per connection point. If you're a business with multiple meters, each connection is evaluated separately.

Learn more about the program overview on the Solar & Net-Metering page.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Meralco's net metering process was updated following the ERC Advisory dated September 22, 2025. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Prepare and Submit Your Documents

Gather and submit your application requirements to Meralco. Visit the Requirements page for the complete and up-to-date checklist. Typical documents include:

• Accomplished Net-Metering Application Form
• Copy of your latest Meralco bill
• Electrical plans and single-line diagram (signed and sealed by a licensed electrical engineer)
• Bill of materials for the RE system
• Manufacturer's datasheet for the solar inverter and panels
• Certificate of Conformity or relevant permits from LGU/DENR (if applicable)
• Government-issued ID of the account holder

Submit documents via Meralco's online portal or at your nearest Meralco Business Center.

Step 2: Distribution Impact Study (DIS)

Once documents are reviewed, Meralco conducts a Distribution Impact Study (DIS) , a free technical evaluation that determines how your solar installation may affect the local distribution grid.

• This is done at no cost to the applicant, per Section 17 of the 2025 Amended Net-Metering Rules.
• Processing time varies depending on the complexity of your system and grid conditions in your area.

Step 3: Distribution Asset Study (DAS) If Required

If the DIS finds that your installation requires grid infrastructure upgrades, Meralco will perform a Distribution Asset Study (DAS). This assesses the engineering solution needed to safely accommodate your RE system.

• DAS fees are determined based on the scope of the study.
• You will be informed of any applicable costs before proceeding.

Step 4: Facility Inspection and Meter Installation

After approval, a Meralco technical team will:

• Inspect your facility and service entrance to confirm it meets safety and compliance standards
• Install a bi-directional meter to measure both energy consumed from the grid and energy exported to it
• Optionally install a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) meter if you wish to generate RECs

Step 5: Interconnection Testing

Meralco conducts live testing of your solar PV system's interconnection with the distribution grid to ensure everything operates safely and correctly.

Step 6: Agreement Signing and ERC Filing

Once all steps are complete, Meralco:

• Issues your Net-Metering Agreement
• Prepares and submits your Certificate of Compliance (COC) Application to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on your behalf

You're now officially enrolled in the net metering program.

How Are Credits Calculated?

Excess energy you export to the grid is credited at the Avoided Cost Rate the rate Meralco would have paid to generate or purchase that electricity. This is lower than the retail electricity rate, so the goal is to size your solar system to minimize export and maximize self-consumption.

Credits are applied to your next month's bill. Unused credits carry over monthly but are not converted to cash.

Ready to Go Solar? Let Aibishter Engineering Services Handle It

Navigating the net metering application process can be complex from preparing technical documents to coordinating with Meralco for the Distribution Impact Study and meter installation. That's where we come in.

Aibishter Engineering Services is a Philippines-based solar engineering company dedicated to helping homeowners and businesses make the switch to clean, renewable energy. We offer end-to-end solar solutions, including:

• Solar PV system design and installation - properly sized for your energy needs and net metering eligibility
• Net metering application assistance - we prepare and submit all required documents on your behalf
• Electrical engineering services - licensed engineers to handle plans, permits, and ERC compliance
• Post-installation support - system monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Whether you're a homeowner looking to cut electricity bills or a business aiming to reduce operating costs, Aibishter Engineering Services has the expertise to guide you from consultation to commissioning.

Get in touch with us today and take the first step toward energy independence. Call us now (917)-189-8089.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the application process take?

Processing time varies. The DIS alone can take several weeks depending on your area and system size. Plan for 1–3 months from document submission to final meter installation.

Can I apply if I don't own the property?

The application must be under the name of the Meralco account holder. Renters typically need written authorization from the property owner.

Is net metering available for businesses?

Yes. Meralco offers the program to both residential and commercial/industrial customers. See the Meralco Biz Solar & Net-Metering page and the Corporate Partners Net-Metering page.

Why is there a 100 kW limit?

The cap is set by the ERC to manage grid stability. Learn more from Meralco's explanation here.