In short: Karachi is supplied by K-Electric (KE), not by a government DISCO. That means net billing applications in Karachi go through KE’s own online system on ke.com.pk, not the PITC portal used by the other companies. KE’s guidelines say a PPIB pre-qualified vendor processes the application on your behalf.
A south-facing 10 kW solar system in Karachi produces about 47 units a day on average, around 17,000 units a year. That is about 8% more than the same system in Lahore. Net billing for a 10 kW system with Solar Net Metering costs Rs 160,000 for K-Electric consumers.
Last updated: 21 September 2026. Based on K-Electric’s Net Billing Guidelines (13 April 2026), KE’s application form, the NEPRA (Prosumer) Regulations 2026 and PVGIS solar data. Sources are listed at the end.
Why net billing works differently in Karachi
K-Electric is the electricity distribution company for Karachi. NEPRA’s Prosumer Regulations 2026 apply to it, so new solar connections in Karachi are on net billing, the same as in the rest of Pakistan. Imported units are billed at your tariff, and exported units are credited at the national average energy purchase price. The application process is KE’s own, though. KE’s “Net Billing” page on its website offers:
- Apply for Net Billing and Track Net Billing Case Status
- Vendor/POC Registration for installers
- A downloadable application form and guidelines for KE consumers
- KE’s requirements for distributed generation interconnection and a Self-Procured Meter Policy for customers who buy their own meter
- A list of PPIB-approved vendors in three categories: C-1 above 500 kW, C-2 up to 500 kW and C-3 up to 250 kW
How much a solar system produces in Karachi
We used PVGIS, the European Commission’s solar calculator, for central Karachi. The settings were a 10 kW system facing south at a 20-degree tilt, with 14% system losses, using ERA5 weather data for 2005 to 2023.
| Month | Units per day (10 kW) | Month | Units per day (10 kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48 | July | 37 |
| February | 52 | August | 35 |
| March | 53 | September | 43 |
| April | 54 | October | 48 |
| May | 52 | November | 47 |
| June | 45 | December | 47 |
Karachi’s pattern is different from northern cities. Winter is strong: January gives about 48 units a day, against about 37 in Lahore. The big dip comes in July and August, when monsoon cloud cuts output to about 35 to 37 units a day. Over a full year, a 10 kW system produces about 17,000 units. That is close to Hyderabad (about 17,100) and Sukkur (about 17,200), and behind only Quetta (about 18,500) among the cities we compared.
How to apply for net billing with K-Electric
KE’s Net Billing Guidelines (13 April 2026) set out these steps and timelines, in working days:
- Choose a PPIB pre-qualified vendor. KE says these vendors process the application on behalf of the consumer, and the technical design must meet NEPRA’s regulations and PPIB guideline standards.
- Apply online through the Net Billing page on ke.com.pk. Fill in the application form and upload scanned documents.
- Get a Provisional Case ID and login details by SMS (8119) and email, and log in for real-time case updates.
- Qualification within 5 working days, if all prerequisites are met.
- Initial and technical review within 15 working days. If there is a discrepancy, the vendor is told within 3 working days.
- Agreement signing and estimate within 14 working days for qualified cases.
- Pay online or at partner banks within 7 working days of the estimate.
- Bi-directional meter installed and connection activated within 15 working days of payment confirmation.
Documents K-Electric asks for
All applicants:
- A copy of the owner’s CNIC, with name and address matching the KE bill
- The latest KE bill, matching the owner’s CNIC
- A vendor checklist, duly filled in and authenticated
- Inverter settings on the vendor’s letterhead, stamped and signed
- The vendor’s PPIB certificate
- The inverter datasheet
- An Electrical Inspector (EIK) NOC and approved load flow study, for systems above 250 kW
- A pay order for the generation licence, listed at Rs 1,000 per kW (see the note below)
Companies also provide Form 29, a certificate of incorporation or partnership deed, an NTN document and, where someone else applies, the CEO’s authorisation. Masjids, trusts, hospitals and NGO schools provide their deed and an authorisation for the signing person.
Check the licence fee before you pay
KE’s guideline dated 13 April 2026 lists a pay order of Rs 1,000 per kW for the generation licence for all categories, and KE applies for the licence with NEPRA on your behalf. On 28 April 2026, Dawn reported that NEPRA amended its rules so that systems of 25 kW or less need no licence and pay no fee. Confirm with KE whether a pay order is still needed for your system size. Since August 2026, systems up to 25 kW also no longer need NEPRA’s approval (S.R.O. 1320(I)/2026).
K-Electric rules worth knowing
- Load must match: your connected load must match your sanctioned load. If not, regularise it with your KE IBC (Integrated Business Centre) before applying.
- Each meter is separate: several meters on one premises are treated as separate cases.
- Meter cost: the applicant pays the meter replacement cost. KE’s form notes that the connection charge estimate includes this, plus any network enhancement works.
- Common rejection reasons listed by KE: earthing issues, panel mismatch, ongoing installation and unconfirmed roof ownership.
- Delays can come from incomplete documents, site anomalies, or transformer capacity constraints that need augmentation paid for by the consumer.
Tips for solar in Karachi
- Plan for the monsoon dip. July and August produce the least. Size your system on your yearly use, not on a single summer month.
- Coastal air: near the sea, salty air is harder on metal. Ask your installer about corrosion-resistant mounting structures and fasteners.
- Use solar in the daytime. Under net billing, self-used units save your full tariff while exports earn much less. A hybrid system with batteries helps homes with heavy evening use.
- Keep panels clean. Dust and sea salt build up on the glass. See our solar panel cleaning guide.
For the national rules behind all of this, read our complete guide to net billing in Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for K-Electric net metering myself?
KE’s guidelines say PPIB pre-qualified vendors process the application on the consumer’s behalf. You provide the documents, such as your CNIC and KE bill, and your vendor submits the case.
How do I check my K-Electric net billing case status?
Use “Track Net Billing Case Status” on KE’s Net Billing page, with the Provisional Case ID and login details KE sends by SMS (8119) and email.
How long does K-Electric net billing take?
KE’s published timelines add up to about 56 working days from a complete application to meter installation, plus the time you take to pay. Incomplete documents or transformer issues can make it longer.
Where is the K-Electric net metering office?
KE lists its net metering team at Civic Center, KE Wing, Ground Floor, Karachi, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with the email net.metering@ke.com.pk.
How many units does a 10 kW solar system produce in Karachi?
About 47 units a day on average and about 17,000 units a year, based on PVGIS data for a south-facing system.
How much does 10 kW net billing cost with K-Electric?
With Solar Net Metering, net billing for a 10 kW system costs Rs 160,000 for K-Electric consumers in Karachi.
اردو خلاصہ
کراچی میں بجلی کے-الیکٹرک فراہم کرتی ہے، اس لیے یہاں نیٹ بلنگ کی درخواست PITC پورٹل کے بجائے کے-الیکٹرک کی ویب سائٹ (ke.com.pk) پر جمع ہوتی ہے۔ کے-الیکٹرک کی گائیڈ لائنز کے مطابق PPIB سے منظور شدہ وینڈر آپ کی طرف سے درخواست جمع کرتا ہے۔ کیس آئی ڈی ایس ایم ایس 8119 اور ای میل پر ملتی ہے، اور ادائیگی کے 15 ورکنگ دن کے اندر دو طرفہ میٹر لگانا ضروری ہے۔ کراچی میں 10 کلو واٹ سسٹم روزانہ اوسطاً تقریباً 47 یونٹ اور سالانہ تقریباً 17,000 یونٹ بناتا ہے، جبکہ جولائی اور اگست میں مون سون کی وجہ سے پیداوار کم ہوتی ہے۔ کے-الیکٹرک صارفین کے لیے 10 کلو واٹ سسٹم کی نیٹ بلنگ 1,60,000 روپے۔
Planning solar in Karachi?
Solar Net Metering handles solar installation and net billing applications across Pakistan. Net billing for a 10 kW system with K-Electric costs Rs 160,000. Head office: 222 Main Boulevard, DHA Phase 6, Lahore.
Sources
- K-Electric: Net Billing page
- K-Electric Net Billing Guidelines, 13 April 2026 (PDF)
- K-Electric distributed generation interconnection application form (PDF)
- Dawn, 28 April 2026: Nepra abolishes licence requirement, fee for small solar users
- PVGIS (European Commission Joint Research Centre): Karachi, 24.86°N 67.00°E, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses
K-Electric’s procedures and fees can change. Confirm current requirements with KE before applying.