Frequently asked questions
What is net billing and how does it differ from net metering?
Net metering (the rule until February 2026) credited every kWh you exported to the grid at the same retail tariff you paid for imported units, effectively a 1:1 swap. Net billing (the rule for new prosumers from 9 February 2026) credits exports at roughly PKR 11/unit while you still pay full retail tariff for imports. Existing prosumers with pre-February 2026 agreements keep the old rate for the life of their contract.
Is a hybrid system worth it now that net billing has reduced the export rate?
Yes — usually more so than before. Every kWh stored in your battery and consumed at night replaces a unit you would otherwise buy from the grid at PKR 40–60. Storing instead of exporting captures roughly 4× the value per kWh under net billing.
How long do lithium batteries last in Pakistani conditions?
Tier-1 LiFePO4 batteries (Pylontech, Dyness, Soluna, BYD) are rated for 6,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge — roughly 15+ years of one cycle per day. Heat is the main enemy: we install batteries in ventilated indoor spaces, never in direct sun.
Can a hybrid inverter run my air conditioner during loadshedding?
Yes if the system is sized for it. A 5 kW hybrid inverter comfortably runs a 1.5-ton inverter AC plus normal household load. For two or more ACs you need a 7.5 kW or 10 kW hybrid inverter and a battery sized for at least 2–3 hours of full AC load.
What happens when the grid comes back?
The hybrid inverter detects grid voltage and frequency, synchronises, and reconnects automatically — usually within 30–60 seconds. You don't notice anything except the grid LED turning back on. The system then uses solar first, battery second, grid last (priority order is configurable).
Can I retrofit a battery to my existing on-grid system?
Only if your existing inverter has a battery port (it's a hybrid model). If your inverter is a string-only on-grid model, you'll need to either replace it with a hybrid inverter or add an AC-coupled battery system, which is more expensive. Send us your inverter make and model and we'll tell you which path applies.
How much battery should I buy?
Match the battery to your overnight critical load × hours you want covered. Most Pakistani homes need 5–15 kWh — enough for fans, lights, fridge, Wi-Fi, and one or two inverter ACs through a 4–6 hour outage. Bigger banks make sense if you want full whole-home backup or if you do shift work and consume heavily at night.