smart solar and power brings you a complete walkthrough of Bangladesh's net metering policy. If you are a homeowner, business, or institution looking to connect a solar PV system to the national grid, this article explains the legal framework, technical criteria, paperwork, and practical tips to get approved quickly.
What Is Net Metering and Why It Matters in Bangladesh
Net metering lets a solar generator feed excess electricity back to the grid and receive credit on the next bill. The credit is measured in kilowatt‑hours (kWh) and is applied at the same tariff as the electricity you consume. In Bangladesh, the policy aims to reduce load‑shedding, lower carbon emissions, and encourage private investment in renewable energy.
Key Benefits for Users
- Reduced electricity bills – you only pay for the net energy you consume.
- Return on investment – surplus generation is monetised.
- Energy independence – your system supplies power even during outages (subject to inverter settings).
- Environmental impact – each kilowatt‑hour of solar displaces fossil‑fuel generation.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The net metering scheme is governed by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. The main documents are:
- Bangladesh Renewable Energy Policy 2008 (updated 2021).
- Net Metering Regulation (BPDB Order No. 14/2020).
- Technical Standards for Grid‑Connected PV Systems (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution).
All installations must comply with these rules, obtain a license from BPDB, and be inspected by a certified engineer.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is open to:
- Residential owners with a roof area of at least 30 m².
- Commercial and industrial entities with a minimum demand of 100 kW.
- Educational institutions, hospitals, NGOs, and government bodies.
Applicants must have a valid electricity consumer number and a clear title deed for the property.
Technical Requirements for a Grid‑Connected System
Below are the minimum technical specs accepted by BPDB:
- System size: 1 kW to 1 MW per connection.
- Inverter: Must be a certified on‑grid inverter with anti‑islanding protection.
- Voltage: 230 V single‑phase or 400 V three‑phase, matching the local supply.
- Power factor: Minimum 0.95 lagging.
- Protection devices: Surge arresters, circuit breakers, and residual‑current devices as per IEC 60364.
All components should carry the Bangladesh Standards (BDS) mark or an equivalent IEC certification.
Design Considerations
When sizing a system, calculate the average monthly consumption (kWh) from your last electricity bill. A rule‑of‑thumb is to install a PV capacity that can generate 70‑80 % of that consumption, leaving room for future expansion.
Example calculation:
Average monthly consumption = 900 kWh Target generation = 0.75 × 900 = 675 kWh Assuming 5 kWh/kW/day solar yield in Dhaka → 1 kW generates ≈150 kWh/month Required PV size ≈ 675 / 150 ≈ 4.5 kW
Adjust for shading, roof orientation, and seasonal variation.
Step‑By‑Step Application Process
Follow these stages to secure net metering approval:
1. Preliminary Feasibility Study
Contact a certified solar installer – for instance, smart solar and power – to perform a site survey. The survey includes roof assessment, shading analysis, and an energy audit.
2. Prepare Technical Design Package
- Single‑line diagram showing PV array, inverter, protection devices, and connection point.
- Electrical load schedule.
- Equipment datasheets with certifications.
3. Submit Application to BPDB
Upload the following documents through the BPDB online portal:
- Completed Net Metering Application Form.
- Copy of property title deed.
- Consumer ID and recent electricity bill.
- Technical design package.
- Letter of intent from the installer.
Pay the processing fee (currently BDT 5,000 for residential, BDT 15,000 for commercial).
4. Review and Site Inspection
BPDB assigns an engineer to verify the installation site. The inspector checks structural safety, wiring quality, and compliance with standards.
5. Obtain Net Metering License
After a successful inspection, BPDB issues a Net Metering License and a unique Metering ID. The license is valid for 20 years, renewable upon review.
6. Meter Installation and Grid Connection
The utility installs a bidirectional meter at your premises. Once the meter is active, you can start feeding solar power to the grid.
7. Billing and Credit Settlement
Every month, the utility calculates net consumption: Energy Consumed – Energy Exported = Net kWh. If export exceeds consumption, the surplus is carried forward as a credit for up to 12 months.
Financial Incentives and Cost Recovery
Bangladesh does not yet offer a feed‑in tariff, but net metering itself provides direct savings. Additional incentives include:
- Reduced import duty on solar panels (up to 10 %).
- Low‑interest loans from state‑owned banks for renewable projects.
- Corporate tax deduction for capital expenditure on renewable assets.
Typical payback period for a 5 kW residential system ranges from 5 to 7 years, depending on electricity rates and solar irradiance.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Inadequate documentation: Missing title deed or outdated consumer ID leads to rejection. Keep all paperwork current.
- Improper inverter selection: Using an off‑grid inverter will fail the anti‑islanding test. Choose a certified on‑grid inverter.
- Oversizing without approval: BPDB caps the system size based on your load. Exceeding limits triggers penalties.
- Neglecting maintenance: Dirty panels or loose connections reduce generation and may void the license.
Case Study: Residential Net Metering in Dhaka
A 4 kW rooftop system installed by smart solar and power in a Dhaka apartment saved the homeowner BDT 45,000 per year. The system generated 600 kWh/month, while the household consumed 700 kWh. The net 100 kWh deficit was billed at the standard tariff, resulting in a 14 % reduction in the annual electricity bill.
How smart solar and power Supports Your Net Metering Journey
Our engineering team handles every step – from site survey to final commissioning. We provide:
- Free initial consultation (get a free solar consultation from smart solar and power).
- Custom design that meets BPDB standards.
- Installation by certified technicians.
- After‑sales service, including performance monitoring and warranty management.
Explore our product catalog for high‑efficiency panels, inverters, and batteries (explore our high-quality solar products).
Next Steps for Prospective Applicants
1. Gather your latest electricity bill and property documents.
2. Contact smart solar and power for a no‑obligation site assessment.
3. Review the proposed design and cost estimate.
4. Submit the application package to BPDB.
5. Prepare for the inspection and enjoy the first credit on your next bill.
Embracing net metering not only cuts your expenses but also contributes to Bangladesh’s clean‑energy goals. With the right partner, the process is straightforward and financially rewarding.
Related reading: Smart Solar and Power: How Much Roof Space Do Solar Panels Need in Bangladesh?
Frequently Asked Questions
What size solar system can I connect under Bangladesh's net metering policy?
You can connect systems from 1 kW up to 1 MW per consumer, as long as the size matches your average load and receives BPDB approval.
How long does it take to get a net metering license?
The typical timeline is 4‑6 weeks after submitting a complete application and passing the site inspection.
Will I be paid for excess electricity I export?
Excess generation is credited against future electricity bills. Unused credit can be carried forward for up to 12 months.
Do I need a special meter for net metering?
Yes, the utility installs a bidirectional (net) meter that records both consumption and export in kWh.
Can I upgrade my system after getting the license?
Upgrades are allowed but require a revised application and re‑inspection to ensure the new size complies with BPDB limits.
Is financing available for net metering projects?
State‑owned banks offer low‑interest loans for renewable energy projects, and some commercial lenders provide green financing options.