How to Apply for Net Metering in the Philippines

The Meralco net metering application is a four-stage process: document submission, Distribution Impact Study, facility inspection, and bi-directional meter installation. SolarPro Install manages this entire process on your behalf as part of every solar installation — from document preparation through energization.

Official Meralco process · ERC Advisory September 22, 2025 · SolarPro Install handles end-to-end

ERC Net Metering

Accredited

Meralco-Accredited

Solar Installer

DOE-Accredited

Solar Installer

PRC-Licensed

Electrical Engineer

Serving:
Metro Manila
Cavite
Laguna
Bulacan

What Is the Net Metering Application?

The net metering application is the formal process you must complete with Meralco before your solar panel system can legally export electricity to the grid and earn bill credits. Installing solar panels without completing this registration is not sufficient — Meralco requires a separate application that includes document submission, a technical study, a facility inspection, and meter replacement before net metering credits begin.

The application is governed by Republic Act 9513, administered by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and processed by Meralco. The most recent requirements are based on the ERC Advisory dated September 22, 2025. SolarPro Install is an ERC Net Metering accredited and Meralco-accredited installer — we prepare and submit all documents on your behalf and follow up with Meralco throughout the process.

Learn What Net Metering Is and How It Reduces Your Meralco Bill →

Net Metering Application Process Overview

The official Meralco net metering application follows four stages. Each stage has specific requirements that must be completed before proceeding to the next.

Submit Required Documents

Application Form, CFEI from LGU, Amended Net-Metering Agreement, and COC Application Fee submitted to Meralco.

Distribution Impact Study

Meralco evaluates the effect of your solar installation on the distribution network. If upgrades are needed, a Distribution Asset Study follows.

Inspection and Approval

Meralco inspects your facility and service entrance for standards compliance before approving the grid interconnection.

Meter Installation and Energization

Meralco installs your bi-directional meter, tests the system, and commissions your solar PV installation. Net metering credits begin.

Each Stage Has Specific Requirements. None Can Be Skipped.

Stage 1: Submit Required Documents

Four documents are required to initiate the net metering application. SolarPro Install prepares and submits all of these on your behalf.

Application Form

The official Meralco net metering application form, available for download from the Meralco website. Additional supporting documents may be requested by Meralco for safety, technical compliance, and accurate evaluation. SolarPro Install fills this out and submits it on your behalf.

Certification of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI)

Issued by your Local Government Unit (LGU) after the solar installation has been physically inspected and found compliant. Requirements differ per LGU, so early coordination is critical to prevent delays. The CFEI is submitted after the Meralco service entrance inspection and before meter replacement. SolarPro Install coordinates the CFEI process on your behalf.

Amended Net-Metering Agreement (NMA)

A standard agreement provided by Meralco that governs the terms of your net metering connection. Notarization is NOT mandatory. Electronic signatures are accepted. SolarPro Install prepares the NMA for your review and signature before submission to Meralco.

COC Application Fee

The Certificate of Compliance application fee payable to the Energy Regulatory Commission. Payment options: ERC-LBP Link.BizPortal online, Manager’s check payable to “Energy Regulatory Commission”, or cash at a Meralco Business Center. Meralco remits cash and check payments to the ERC on the customer’s behalf.

If the customer chooses NOT to install a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) meter, a notarized affidavit and waiver is also required. SolarPro Install advises on whether a REC meter is appropriate for your system.

Stage 2: Distribution Impact Study and Technical Evaluation

After documents are submitted, Meralco conducts a technical evaluation to assess whether your solar installation can be safely connected to their distribution network.

DIS

Distribution Impact Study (DIS)

Meralco evaluates the potential effect of your solar installation on the local distribution system. The DIS assesses whether the existing transformer and network infrastructure can safely accommodate your system’s export capacity.

DAS

Distribution Asset Study (DAS)

If the DIS determines that distribution facility upgrades are required before your system can be connected, Meralco conducts a Distribution Asset Study. DAS fees are determined based on the scope of required upgrades. SolarPro Install monitors and follows up on the DIS/DAS status throughout this stage.

Hosting Capacity Consideration

Meralco limits the total solar capacity per distribution transformer. If your transformer is near its hosting capacity limit, additional evaluation may be required. Most standard residential systems (3 kWp to 10 kWp) are well within typical hosting capacity.

Meralco Hosting Capacity per Transformer

Maximum aggregate solar PV capacity that can be connected to each transformer size without adverse effects on the Meralco distribution network.

Transformer Size (kVA)	Max Hosting Capacity (kW AC)	Typical Residential Fit
10 kVA	7 kW	Up to ~5 kWp system
15 kVA	7 kW	Up to ~5 kWp system
25 kVA	10 kW	Up to ~8 kWp system
37.5 kVA	14 kW	Up to ~10 kWp system
50 kVA	19 kW	Up to ~15 kWp system
75 kVA	29 kW	Up to ~22 kWp system
100 kVA	38 kW	Up to ~30 kWp system

Applicable to single-phase distribution transformers within the Meralco franchise area only. Meralco conducts a final assessment based on actual system conditions.

Stage 3: Meralco Inspection and Approval

Before the bi-directional meter is installed, Meralco conducts a physical inspection of your property and solar system.

INS

Facility and Service Entrance Inspection

Meralco inspects your facility and service entrance to verify that the solar installation meets all required safety and technical standards. This includes checking the inverter connections, wiring, and overall system configuration.

CFEI

CFEI Submission Timing

The Certification of Final Electrical Inspection from the LGU is submitted after the Meralco service entrance inspection and before meter replacement. Timing coordination between LGU inspection and Meralco inspection is critical — SolarPro Install manages this coordination to prevent delays.

APR

Approval and Meter Scheduling

Once Meralco approves the inspection, they schedule the bi-directional meter installation. The DIMC fee (not to exceed ₱3,000 for residential per ERC Advisory September 22, 2025) must be settled before this stage proceeds.

Stage 4: Meter Installation and Energization

The final stage is the physical installation of the bi-directional meter and the formal commissioning of your solar PV system.

Bi-Directional Meter Installation

Meralco replaces your existing standard meter with a bi-directional meter that measures electricity flowing in both directions — power imported from Meralco and power exported from your solar system. The DIMC fee covers the cost difference between your old meter and the new bi-directional meter. For residential customers, this fee shall not exceed ₱3,000 per ERC Advisory dated September 22, 2025.

REC Meter (Optional)

A Renewable Energy Certificate meter may also be installed to track Renewable Energy Certificates generated by your system. Installation is voluntary. If you choose not to install a REC meter, you must sign a notarized affidavit of waiver. RECs can still be calculated using the official ERC formula based on installed capacity and capacity factor.

System Testing and Commissioning

Meralco conducts final testing of the solar PV grid interconnection to verify that the system is operating safely and correctly. This includes checking the export and import readings on the bi-directional meter.

Energization and Net Metering Activation

Once the meter is installed and the system is tested and commissioned, your solar system is officially energized under the net metering program. Excess electricity exported to the Meralco grid from this point forward earns bill credits on your next monthly statement.

Net Metering Application Timeline

The total time from document submission to energization typically takes two to four months. The main variable is Meralco’s Distribution Impact Study processing time and LGU CFEI issuance.

1–2W

Document Preparation and Submission

SolarPro Install prepares all documents. Submission to Meralco typically takes 1 to 2 weeks from solar installation completion. LGU CFEI issuance varies by municipality — some issue within days, others take 2 to 4 weeks.

4–8W

Distribution Impact Study

Meralco’s DIS typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. If a Distribution Asset Study is required, add additional time. SolarPro Install follows up with Meralco regularly during this stage.

1–2W

Inspection and DIMC Fee Settlement

Meralco schedules the facility inspection after DIS approval. Once inspection is passed and the DIMC fee is settled, meter installation is scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks.

Meter Installation and Energization

Meralco installs the bi-directional meter and commissions the system. Net metering credits appear on your next monthly Meralco bill after energization.

How SolarPro Install Handles the Application for You

The net metering application process requires coordination between multiple parties — Meralco, your LGU, and the ERC. SolarPro Install manages the entire process as part of every installation.

Document Preparation

We prepare your Application Form, Amended Net-Metering Agreement, and all supporting documents. You only need to review and sign.

CFEI Coordination

We coordinate with your LGU to schedule the CFEI inspection and obtain the certificate on your behalf. We understand the requirements across different LGUs in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan.

COC Fee Management

We handle the COC Application Fee payment process to the ERC on your behalf and provide full documentation for your records.

Meralco Follow-Up

We follow up with Meralco on the DIS status, inspection scheduling, DIMC fee, and meter installation until your system is fully commissioned and energized.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Net Metering Application

How long does the net metering application take?

Typically two to four months from document submission to energization. The main variable is Meralco’s Distribution Impact Study, which takes 4 to 8 weeks. LGU CFEI issuance time also varies by municipality.

What is the DIMC fee and how much is it?

The DIMC (Difference in Meter Cost) fee covers the cost difference between your existing Meralco meter and the new bi-directional meter. For residential customers, this fee shall not exceed ₱3,000 per ERC Advisory dated September 22, 2025. It must be settled before Meralco proceeds with meter installation.

Do I need to get the CFEI myself?

The CFEI must be issued by your LGU, but SolarPro Install coordinates the entire CFEI process on your behalf — scheduling the LGU inspection, preparing supporting documents, and obtaining the certificate.

Is notarization required for the Net-Metering Agreement?

No. Notarization of the NMA is NOT mandatory. Electronic signatures are accepted by Meralco. SolarPro Install prepares the NMA for your digital signature before submission.

What happens if my transformer has no more hosting capacity?

If the aggregate solar capacity on your local transformer is at its limit, Meralco may require a Distribution Asset Study before approving your connection. In some cases, system size may need to be adjusted. SolarPro Install checks hosting capacity as part of the site assessment process.

Can I start generating solar power before the net metering application is approved?

Operating a solar system connected to the Meralco grid without registration exposes the customer and neighbors to safety risks. SolarPro Install follows the correct sequence: complete installation, obtain CFEI, submit to Meralco, and energize only after official approval and meter installation.

Does SolarPro Install handle the entire net metering application?

Yes. SolarPro Install manages the complete net metering application as part of every solar installation — document preparation, CFEI coordination, COC fee management, and Meralco follow-up through to energization. No separate engagement or additional fee is required.

Let SolarPro Install Handle Your Net Metering Application

SolarPro Install is ERC Net Metering accredited and Meralco-accredited. We manage every stage of the application on your behalf — from document preparation through bi-directional meter installation. Request a free site assessment for your Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, or Bulacan property.