Egypt: market & regulation 2 min read
Net Metering in Egypt: Requirements, Steps and How the Credit Works
A plain-language guide to net metering in Egypt: who can apply, the paperwork, the role of the distribution company and accredited installer, and how exports are credited.

Net metering is what makes grid-tied solar pay off in Egypt. Put simply, the electricity you generate but don’t use at that moment flows into the grid and is later deducted from your consumption, so you only pay for the difference.
Key takeaways
- You apply through your regional electricity distribution company, using an installer accredited by it.
- A bi-directional meter records imports and exports.
- Billing is monthly on net consumption, and surplus carries forward to later months.
- Annual surplus is not usually paid out in cash, so size the plant to your consumption.
How net metering works
During the day the panels sometimes produce more than you use, and the meter registers exports. At night you draw from the grid. At month end: imports − exports = net consumption, billed on the usual tariff tiers.
Who can apply?
- Grid-connected homes and villas.
- Shops, commercial and office buildings.
- Factories and facilities on low and medium voltage, within the capacity of their connection point.
Very large systems may fall under different contractual rules, so confirm the allowed size with the distribution company before design.
The practical steps
- Consumption review: we analyse 12 months of bills to size the plant.
- Design using inverters and equipment from approved lists.
- Application through the accredited installer, with documents (electricity contract, owner ID or commercial register, technical drawings).
- Technical review and contract.
- Installation and testing, followed by the distribution company’s inspection.
- Bi-directional meter installation and the start of net billing.
A common mistake: oversizing
Because annual surplus isn’t normally paid out, a plant much larger than your consumption produces energy you won’t be paid for. The right design covers your annual consumption, or a large share of it.
How much will you save?
The real saving comes from the top tiers: every kWh your panels offset is deducted from the most expensive tier you pay. High-consumption homes and facilities therefore see the best returns. Work it out with the calculator.
An engineer visits to measure the space, review consumption and give a final quote.
How much would your plant save?
Get system size, cost and expected savings in under a minute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the net-metering process take?
It varies by distribution company and system size, typically from several weeks to a few months. A complete file submitted early saves a lot of time.
Does net metering work with a prepaid meter?
The meter is replaced with a suitable bi-directional meter as part of the process, handled by the distribution company.
Do I need approval from anyone besides the distribution company?
The framework is set by EgyptERA, but day-to-day you deal with the distribution company through the accredited installer.
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