Net Metering in Egypt — Regulations, Permits & Grid Connection
Connecting a solar system to Egypt's electricity grid is supervised by two bodies: the Egyptian Electricity Regulatory Authority (EgyptERA) for licensing, and the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) for installer certification. Understanding the difference between Net Metering and Net Billing — and which regime applies to your case — determines how much you actually recover from surplus energy fed to the grid.
By the Ases Kahraba team — Last updated: May 2026
Quick Answer
Complete guide to Egypt's net metering system: Net Metering vs Net Billing difference, EgyptERA's role, residential and commercial system size caps, integration fees, and the full permit application process.
Net Metering vs Net Billing — What's the Difference in Egypt?
| Criteria | Net Metering | Net Billing |
|---|---|---|
| How credits work | kWh for kWh — surplus offsets your bill | Surplus paid at a lower feed-in rate |
| Maximum size | Up to 50 kW for residential | 50–500 kW (commercial & industrial) |
| Governing body | Local electricity distribution company | EgyptERA + distribution company jointly |
| Credit period | Monthly rollover — resets annually | Periodic cash payment at Feed-in tariff |
| Best for | Residential apartments & villas (≤50 kW) | Factories, commercial complexes, solar farms |
Official Fees Summary
100–300
EGP — Application
300–400
EGP — Tech study
500–1,000
EGP — Integration
Connection Procedures & Permits — Step by Step
- Step 1 — Application to distribution company: Submit a formal application to your local electricity company (Cairo, Assiut, Delta, South Delta, etc.) with proposed system specs. Administrative fees: EGP 100–300 depending on company. Required documents: ownership/lease deed, system drawings, inverter and panel specifications. Timeline: 4–12 weeks for initial approval.
- Step 2 — Technical study & connection approval: The distribution company studies whether local grid capacity can accommodate your system. Outcome is a Connection Agreement. Technical study fees: EGP 300–400. If rejected: you can appeal through EgyptERA. Timeline: 15–30 days.
- Step 3 — Mandatory safety requirements before connection: Anti-Islanding protection in the inverter (automatic shutdown when grid fails) — legally required to protect utility workers. RCCB residual current device. External isolation switch accessible to the distribution company. UV and heat-resistant solar DC cables. DC and AC wiring completely separate.
- Step 4 — Installation & final inspection: Installation must be done by an NREA-certified company only. Followed by technical inspection from the distribution company. Integration fees: EGP 500–1,000 depending on system size. After approval: bidirectional meter installed by the distribution company. Timeline: 15–45 days from inspection request.
- How Net Metering credits appear on your Egyptian bill: Energy exported to grid (daytime) offsets energy drawn (nighttime) at 1:1 ratio. Monthly surplus carries forward. At year-end: unused credit is zeroed out (no cash payment under Net Metering). Therefore: size your system to cover 90–100% of consumption — not more.
- NREA installer certification requirements: The installing company must be registered and certified with NREA. Registration requires: technical certifications for workers, documented test equipment, and a track record of completed projects. Verify certification: the database is available on the NREA website. Warning: a system installed by a non-certified company cannot be officially connected to the grid.
- Common procedural mistakes: Installing before getting distribution company approval — leads to power disconnection and a fine. Using an inverter without certified Anti-Islanding — illegal. Submitting specs different from actual equipment to the technical study — voids the agreement. Exceeding the 50 kW residential cap without switching to the Net Billing regime with EgyptERA.
Want to know the full system cost? Solar price breakdown 2026 — panels, inverter, batteries & labor ←
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EgyptERA and what is its role in solar energy?
EgyptERA is the Egyptian Electricity Regulatory Authority (egyptera.org). Its role: granting grid connection licenses, adjudicating disputes between consumers and distribution companies, and overseeing the application of Net Metering and Net Billing regimes. If the electricity company rejects your application without justification, you can appeal directly to EgyptERA.
What is the difference between Net Metering and Net Billing in Egypt?
Net Metering (for residential systems ≤50 kW): surplus offsets your bill at 1:1 — one kWh exported equals one kWh deducted from consumption. Net Billing (for larger commercial/industrial systems): surplus is paid at a Feed-in tariff lower than consumption price. For homes and apartments: Net Metering is the standard applicable regime.
How long does it take to get a solar grid connection permit in Egypt?
Real total: 3–6 months. Breakdown: initial approval from distribution company: 4–12 weeks; technical study and connection agreement: 15–30 days; final inspection and meter installation: 15–45 days. An NREA-certified company typically follows up on these procedures on your behalf.
What is the maximum solar system size for homes in Egypt?
For residential Net Metering: maximum 50 kW. Systems between 50–500 kW: fall under the Net Billing regime and require additional EgyptERA authorization. For factories and commercial complexes: can exceed 500 kW with special NREA licensing. For a typical apartment or villa: 3–10 kW is sufficient and well within the residential cap.
What are the fees for connecting solar to Egypt's grid?
Administrative application fee: EGP 100–300. Technical study fee: EGP 300–400. Integration fees (connection): EGP 500–1,000 depending on system size. Total official fees: approximately EGP 900–1,700 — far below the system cost itself. Note: some distribution companies collect these fees in a single combined payment.
What happens if you install solar without a permit in Egypt?
An unauthorized system: the electricity company is entitled to disconnect power to the entire building. Financial penalty and obligation to remove the system or complete licensing procedures. You cannot legally sell surplus to the grid. Building insurance may void electrical damage coverage if the system is unlicensed.
Do I need a certified company to install solar or can I self-install?
For any grid-connected system (On-Grid or Hybrid): an NREA-certified company is mandatory — this is a legal requirement for official grid connection. You can purchase panels and inverter yourself to reduce cost, but connection and inspection must be done by a certified installer. Fully off-grid systems disconnected from the grid: no certification required.