The Saudi Electricity Company's net metering programme allows solar system owners to export excess electricity to the grid and receive equivalent credits against their consumption — effectively using the grid as a free battery. The application process is multi-step and requires specific technical documentation that must meet SEC standards. We prepare and submit every document, track your application status, and coordinate the smart meter installation — so the process requires minimum involvement from you.
What's Included
Complete technical documentation package per SEC requirements: single-line electrical diagram, site plan, panel layout drawing, inverter specification, protection relay settings, system generation estimate, and building electrical assessment.
Submission to the correct SEC regional office (Central, Western, Eastern, Southern, or Northern). Weekly status tracking. Direct liaison with SEC technical reviewers to resolve any queries that would otherwise cause delays.
Preparation of the system for SEC site inspection: labelling of all components, confirmation of protection relay settings, verification of AC disconnect switch accessibility, and coordination of inspection date.
Coordination with SEC metering department for smart meter installation scheduling. Bidirectional smart meter records both import (from grid) and export (to grid) — net metering calculation applied on your monthly bill.
SEC Certificate of No Objection and Connection Agreement documentation handled. These are required by some municipal authorities and homeowner associations before installation can proceed.
For systems already installed without net metering approval, we prepare and submit retrospective applications to bring unregistered systems into the SEC net metering programme.
How It Works
Pricing Guide
SEC net metering application management (included with system installation): SAR 0. Standalone net metering application for self-installed or other-contractor systems: SAR 2,000–4,000 depending on system size and region. Retrospective registration for unregistered existing systems: SAR 2,500–5,000. Application timeline: 8–14 weeks (cannot be shortened below SEC's minimum review period).
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents does SEC require for a net metering application?
SEC requires: (1) single-line electrical diagram showing the PV system, inverter, AC disconnect, and connection to the distribution board, (2) site layout drawing showing panel positions on roof, (3) inverter specification sheet confirming anti-islanding protection certification, (4) system generation estimate (kWh/year), (5) completed SEC application form signed by the property owner, (6) copy of electricity account details. We prepare all of these as standard.
Can I submit the SEC net metering application myself?
Technically yes — the SEC portal accepts applications from property owners. However, the technical documentation requirements (single-line diagram to SEC standards, protection relay settings, anti-islanding certification references) require electrical engineering knowledge to prepare correctly. Incorrect applications are rejected, requiring resubmission that adds 4–6 weeks. We prepare correct applications the first time.
Does SEC net metering work the same in all Saudi cities?
The process is standardised nationally, but execution speed and specific requirements vary by SEC regional office. Eastern Region (Dammam) is generally fastest. Western Region (Jeddah) has the most experience with residential applications. Central Region (Riyadh) has the highest volume of applications — allowing for standard approvals but sometimes slower response on queries. We know each regional office's preferences and format our applications accordingly.
What happens to my net metering credits if I export more than I import?
Under the current SEC net metering framework, excess export credits can be carried forward to the next billing cycle — they do not expire within the same billing year. If you consistently export more than you import (system is oversized for your consumption), the unused credits accumulate. SEC does not currently pay cash for excess generation at residential scale — oversizing the system beyond your consumption profile does not increase your financial return.