Net Metering in UAE Explained:

With soaring electricity demand and Dubai’s ambitious Clean Energy Strategy 2050, net metering has become one of the most attractive incentives for going solar in the UAE.

At Watts & Ergon, , a DEWA-approved solar EPC specialist, we help homeowners and businesses maximize the benefits of net metering through high-performance solar systems.

What is Net Metering?

Net Metering is a billing mechanism that allows solar panel owners to export excess electricity they generate to the utility grid and receive credits on their electricity bill.

Instead of wasting surplus power, your bi-directional smart meter tracks both the electricity you consume from the grid and the electricity you export. At the end of the billing cycle, you only pay for the net difference.

How Net Metering Works in Dubai (Shams Dubai Program)

DEWA’s Shams Dubai is the official net metering initiative in Dubai. Here’s how it works in simple steps:

1. Your solar panels generate electricity during the day.
2. The electricity is first used by your building (self-consumption).
3. Any excess power is automatically exported to DEWA’s grid.
4. You receive full retail rate credits for every unit (kWh) exported.
5. Credits are deducted from your future DEWA bills.
6. Unused credits roll over to the next months/years.

Important: There is no cash payout for excess credits — they only offset your electricity consumption.

Net Metering Benefits for Different Property Types

• Villas & Homes: Significantly reduce or even eliminate monthly DEWA bills, especially during high summer AC usage.
• Hotels: Offset massive daytime cooling and lighting loads while enhancing green credentials.
• Malls & Retail: Large rooftops generate high volumes of power during peak shopping hours.
• Offices & Commercial Buildings: Lower operating costs and support ESG and green building certifications.

Typical Savings & Payback with Net Metering (2026 Estimates)

Property Type	System Size	Est. Annual Savings (AED)	Payback Period	25-Year Benefit (AED)
3-4 Bedroom Villa	10–20 kW	8,000 – 18,000	4 – 6 years	180,000 – 400,000+
Boutique Hotel / Small Office	50–100 kW	22,000 – 45,000	4 – 5.5 years	400,000 – 900,000
Medium Mall / Office Tower	250–500 kW	115,000 – 240,000	3.8 – 5 years	2.4M – 5M+

*Estimates based on current DEWA tariffs, high solar irradiance in Dubai, and typical consumption patterns. Actual savings vary based on system design and energy usage.

Net Metering in Other Emirates (Quick Comparison)

Emirate	Utility	Program	Max System Size	Credit Type
Dubai	DEWA	Shams Dubai	Up to 1 MW per plot (rooftop)	Full retail rate credits
Abu Dhabi	ADDC / AADC	Small-Scale Solar PV Netting / Self-Supply	Up to 5 MW	kWh credits (no cash)

Why Choose Watts & Ergon for Your Solar + Net Metering Project?

As a trusted DEWA-approved solar contractor in Dubai, Watts & Ergon offers end-to-end services:

• Free site assessment and customized system design
• Premium Tier-1 solar panels and inverters
• Complete DEWA Shams Dubai approval handling
• Professional installation with minimal disruption
• System monitoring and long-term maintenance
• Financing options available

Watts & Ergon, – Your Reliable Partner for Clean Energy Solutions in the UAE.