Net Metering Policy Bangladesh: Complete Guide

What Is Net Metering?

Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows solar panel owners to feed excess electricity back into the national grid and receive credits on their electricity bill. In Bangladesh, this policy was formalized through the Net Metering Guidelines 2018 and has been expanded under the 3,000 MW rooftop solar program.

When your solar panels generate more electricity than you consume (typically during midday), the excess flows into the grid through a bi-directional meter. Your DISCO credits this excess against your nighttime or cloudy-day consumption, effectively using the grid as a free battery.

How Net Metering Works in Bangladesh

The net metering process in Bangladesh follows a monthly billing cycle:

• Your bi-directional meter tracks both electricity consumed from the grid (import) and electricity sent to the grid (export)
• At the end of each billing cycle, your DISCO calculates the net difference
• If you consumed more than you generated, you pay only for the net difference
• If you generated more than you consumed, the excess credit carries forward to the next month
• Credits can accumulate for up to 12 months before settlement
• Settlement rates are based on the applicable retail tariff for your consumer category

Eligible Distribution Companies (DISCOs)

Net metering is available through all major distribution companies in Bangladesh:

Maximizing Your Net Metering Benefits

To get the most from net metering, size your system to generate 100-120% of your annual consumption. This ensures maximum self-consumption during the day while generating enough excess to offset nighttime usage. Installing a smart energy management system can further optimize by scheduling high-consumption appliances (water heaters, washing machines, EV charging) during peak solar hours.

Keep in mind that net metering credits are settled at the end of each 12-month cycle, so it's beneficial to have your system slightly oversized to build up credits during the sunny winter months that carry through the monsoon season.

Common Questions About Net Metering

Many homeowners wonder about the safety and reliability of grid-connected solar systems. Modern inverters include anti-islanding protection, meaning your system automatically shuts down during grid outages to protect utility workers. If you want power during outages, you'll need a hybrid inverter with battery storage — an increasingly popular add-on in Bangladesh.