How to Apply for Net Metering in Bangladesh (2026 Guide)

Introduction

Bangladesh's rooftop solar revolution just got a major upgrade. In August 2025, the Government of Bangladesh officially approved the Net Metering Guidelines – 2025, a landmark policy that fundamentally changes who can participate, how much solar capacity they can install, and how they get paid for the electricity they feed back to the grid.​

Whether you are a homeowner, a factory owner, or a hospital administrator — this is the most important solar policy update in Bangladesh in years. And the process of applying is now faster and more accessible than ever.

What Changed in the Net Metering Guidelines 2025?

Before diving into the process, here is a quick summary of what is new and different under the 2025 rules compared to the old framework:

Key Insight from TEL Engineers: The most overlooked change in 2025 is the mandatory solar clause — if you are applying to DESCO or BREB to increase your electricity sanctioned load and your existing load is already 10 kW or above on a three-phase connection, you are now legally required to install a net-metered rooftop solar system before the load increase is approved. Many building owners are unaware of this.

Who is Eligible for Net Metering in Bangladesh?

Under the 2025 guidelines, you are eligible if:

• You are an active consumer of BREB, DESCO, DPDC, NESCO, WZPDCL, or BPDB​
• You have no outstanding electricity bills at the time of application​
• You have a suitable rooftop or open area for solar panel installation
• Your proposed system capacity does not exceed 100% of your sanctioned load​
• You are a single-phase or three-phase consumer (both are now eligible)​
• Your system uses an approved renewable energy source (solar PV qualifies)

Step-by-Step Net Metering Application Process

Step 1 — Get Your Engineering Design Package Ready

This is the step most applicants skip or underestimate — and the single biggest reason for application rejection or delay. Before you even open the online portal, your solar system must be properly designed by a qualified engineer. The design package must include:

• ✅ Solar panel layout plan (to scale)
• ✅ Single Line Diagram (SLD) showing PV array → inverter → AC panel → bidirectional meter → grid
• ✅ String connection diagram
• ✅ Earthing and surge protection diagram
• ✅ AC/DC cable sizing calculations
• ✅ System capacity calculation matching your sanctioned load

TEL Tip: The SLD and system capacity calculation are the two documents most frequently returned by utility engineers for revision. Ensure your SLD explicitly shows the anti-islanding protection function of your inverter and labels the generation meter and bi-directional utility meter as separate devices — utility engineers flag this when it is missing.

👉 Need a complete design package? See our Solar System Design & PV Engineering page.

Step 2 — Submit the Online Application

Go to the official net metering portal: nem.powerdivision.gov.bd​

• Click "Apply Now"
• Select your utility (BREB / DESCO / DPDC / NESCO / WZPDCL / BPDB)
• Enter your Consumer Account Number from your electricity bill
• Fill in your system details (capacity, inverter type, panel brand)
• Attach your engineering drawings and supporting documents
• Agree to terms and submit

After submission, you will receive a login ID and password via SMS and email to track your application dashboard.​

Step 3 — Utility Location Inspection (up to 10 Working Days)

After your application is submitted, the utility office will:​

1. Verify and accept or return your application (within 5 working days)
2. Schedule a field visit and notify you by SMS/email
3. A field inspector visits your rooftop, reviews the proposed installation area, distribution system connection point, and submits their report

TEL Tip: Before the field visit, ensure your rooftop is cleared and accessible. If your rooftop has water tanks or overhead obstructions, prepare a shading analysis to show the inspector you have already accounted for them in your panel layout. Field inspectors appreciate when applicants present a professional design package — it significantly speeds up their report submission.

Step 4 — Installation Approval & System Installation (up to 8 Months)

Once your application is approved:

• You will receive written/digital permission for system installation​
• You now have up to 8 months to complete the installation​
• Install strictly according to the approved drawings — any deviation will fail the evaluation in Step 5
• After installation, submit a second application on the same portal for system evaluation​

TEL Tip: Do not let your contractor deviate from the approved SLD or earthing design during installation — even minor changes (such as swapping inverter brand or changing cable routing) technically require a revised drawing submission. Keep a site installation log with photos for the evaluator.

Step 5 — System Evaluation by Utility (up to 10 Working Days)

A utility official visits your site to evaluate the installed system against the approved design. They will check:​

• Panel brand and specifications match the approved design
• String connections match the approved diagram
• Inverter model, rating, and anti-islanding protection
• AC and DC earthing connections
• Cable tray installation and conduit protection
• Bidirectional meter installation readiness

Step 6 — Agreement Signing & Meter Installation (up to 15 Working Days)

After a successful evaluation:​

• The utility verifies bill clearance
• Schedules an agreement signing date (notified by SMS/email)
• The bidirectional net metering agreement is signed between you and the utility
• The utility installs or activates the bidirectional smart meter
• Your system is commissioned and you begin earning from your excess solar energy

5 Engineering Mistakes That Delay Net Metering Approval

These are real issues TEL engineers have observed in the field — not commonly discussed online:

1. SLD shows no anti-islanding protection — Utility engineers specifically look for this; inverter datasheet alone is not enough; it must be shown on the SLD
2. System capacity exceeds sanctioned load — Even by a fraction; the 2025 guidelines allow up to 100% but not above — recalculate if your sanctioned load changes​
3. Earthing design missing or incomplete — Panel frame earthing and inverter PE must be shown as separate from the building's existing earthing system
4. Using non-SREDA-approved inverter or panel brands — Always cross-check with SREDA's approved product list at solar.sreda.gov.bd before purchasing equipment
5. Applying before clearing outstanding electricity bills — The application will be automatically rejected; clear all dues before submission​

How TEL Can Help You

Navigating the net metering application process requires both engineering precision and regulatory knowledge. At Triangle Engineers Ltd., we provide:

• ✅ Complete solar system design package (all drawings required for approval)
• ✅ SREDA-compliant SLD, earthing diagram, string diagram, and layout plan
• ✅ System sizing calculation and energy yield report
• ✅ Application documentation preparation and submission support
• ✅ Utility liaison and field visit coordination
• ✅ Revised drawings support if the utility returns your application

👉 [Explore Our Solar System Design Service →] Solar System Design & PV Engineering

👉 [Contact Here for a Free Consultation → or Call +8801325074113