Exported solar is not valued like a retail purchase
Approved net metering uses a bidirectional meter to record imports and exports. Export credit is linked to the utility's applicable generation-cost methodology, not a one-for-one refund of every retail bill charge. Ralos defaults to PHP 16/kWh import and PHP 10/kWh export as October 2026 user-supplied planning assumptions, not verified tariffs; confirm the current rate and credit treatment with your utility.
For a larger array with persistent surplus, compare the added annual export benefit against the incremental net-metering project cost. Storage offers a different service: shifting energy and, with the correct backup equipment, resilience. Neither option always gives a better financial return.
Ralos planning allowances
Ask for a breakdown of professional plans, permit processing, service-entrance work, utility-related items and installer services. Confirm inclusions, taxes and exclusions before comparing quotations. Outside Meralco's franchise, ask the serving utility for its own process.
| Planning input | Amount |
|---|---|
| Comparison-tool default | PHP 50,000 |
| Actual project cost | Varies by location and property |
Keep official fees separate
Meralco's current documentary checklist lists a PHP 1,500 COC application fee and a residential difference-in-meter-cost fee of up to PHP 3,000 when applicable. Those items do not explain a PHP 50,000 project allowance by themselves. Site works and professional services must be identified separately.
Your export-readiness checklist
Begin the paperwork while learning from your Starter. Plan expansion as approval approaches, subject to final design and a separate approved order.
The available capacity of your local distribution network can constrain a proposed installation. Approval is not guaranteed. Even a small non-export system needs utility coordination and export-limiting protection for its design.
Starter -> learn actual use
|
utility readiness
|
approved expansion plan
|
activation -> export credits- Start with your serving distribution utility: request its current application pack and technical checklist.
- Coordinate service-entrance protection, meter location and electrical plans with qualified professionals.
- Arrange the LGU's Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI). Meralco requires it after service-entrance inspection and before meter replacement, if applicable.
- Complete the utility assessment, documents, agreement, meter work and commissioning.
- Count export credits only after utility authorization and activation.
Two meters, and an inspection certificate
| Item | Its job |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional meter | Records grid imports and eligible exports. |
| Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) meter | Records renewable generation; not the import/export meter. |
| Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) | LGU electrical inspection document; not export permission. |
Learn first, expand deliberately
Keep current no-net-metering savings separate from a future export scenario. Unused production is energy, not a percentage of your bill. Future credits depend on activation, actual surplus and applicable rates.
Batteries offer backup resilience, not an automatic improvement in payback. Review actual use before adding equipment.
Sources and further reading
Official and manufacturer references checked 24 October 2026. Requirements and product terms can change.