Net metering only pays off if your solar system regularly produces more than your household uses. This calculator compares the credit you'd earn on that excess against the one-time meter fee, so you can see the real payback — not just a sales pitch.
For the full application process and requirements, see our Net Metering Philippines guide.
Calculate Your Net Metering Payback
Net Metering vs Zero Export
| Net Metering | Zero Export | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity cap | 100 kW | None |
| Setup fee | Up to ₱3,000 (DIMC) | None |
| Excess power | Exported, credited at blended generation rate | Curtailed by the inverter, no credit |
| Best for | Systems that regularly overproduce | Systems sized close to household usage |
Common Questions
How do I know how much I export vs use myself?
Your inverter or monitoring app shows this after a few weeks of real use. Before installation, estimate a 3kW system at 360–405 kWh/month and compare that to your household's monthly kWh from a recent Meralco bill.
Is net metering worth it if I use almost all my solar power myself?
If your system rarely produces more than you use, there's little excess to export and net metering adds minimal value. Meralco's fee-free Zero Export program — no cap, no export credit — may be simpler in that case.
What export rate should I use here?
Exported electricity is credited at your utility's blended generation rate, not the full retail rate — roughly the generation-charge component of your bill, around ₱5.20/kWh for Meralco in 2026, versus an all-in retail rate of about ₱11.40/kWh.