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Green tariff 2026 in Ukraine: how the new Net Billing replacement works for private homes
Desire to connect «"Green tariff"» and earn on solar energy or at least completely close their electricity bills forces thousands of Ukrainians to search for relevant information. However, in 2026, the rules of the game in alternative energy have changed dramatically.
The classic payments for new stations have been replaced by a much more flexible European model — Net Billing (net metering system). This is no longer just a theoretical bill, but a fully operational tool to which all modern equipment is adapted. If you are planning to build a solar power plant (SPP) this year, this analysis will help you understand the new realities.
What is Net Billing and how does this mechanism work?
Unlike the "Green Tariff", where the state bought each kilowatt-hour generated by a solar power plant (SPP) at a fixed price in foreign currency, Net Billing is based on the principle of financial netting..
The system works according to a clear and transparent algorithm:
Own consumption: Work solar panels primarily aimed at covering the current needs of the house (operation of household appliances, pumps, lighting systems).
Surplus transfer: If the generation of a solar power plant exceeds current consumption (for example, at sunny noon), the excess electricity is automatically exported to the general grid.
Cash loan: Each kilowatt transmitted is not just recorded by the meter - it is instantly converted into money on your individual account. The calculation is made at real market prices for electricity, which are valid directly at the specific hour of generation.
Cost reimbursement: In the evening or in winter, when solar generation is not enough, you consume electricity from the grid, but pay for it with the "solar" money accumulated in your account.
The main advantages of the Net Billing system
Complete absence of tax burden: Unlike direct earnings on the "Green Tariff", the funds credited to your personal account in the Net Billing system are considered an active bonus (deposit) for payment of utility services. They not taxable Personal income tax (18%) and military service (1.5%).
Process automation: The balance between consumed and produced energy is automatically calculated by the universal service provider. You don't have to wait for government payment schedules or fill out a bunch of paperwork every month.
Seasonal deposit of funds: The energy surplus generated during the active summer season does not burn out at the end of the month. The funds are accumulated and carried over to the following periods, allowing you to close your electricity bills during the cold and gloomy winter months.
Legislative regulation in Ukraine
The implementation and operation of the net metering system is clearly regulated by Ukrainian legislation. The main legal basis is Law of Ukraine "On Alternative Energy Sources"« taking into account the fundamental changes made to the basic Law No. 3220-IX.
Permitted power: Private households have the right to connect solar power plants with a capacity of up to 30 kW. This volume is quite sufficient to ensure the complete energy independence of a large residential building.
Legal registration: To switch to the new system, the owner must conclude an additional formal agreement with the local universal service provider for the purchase and sale of electricity under the net metering mechanism.
Digitalization of the procedure: The National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Utilities (NCRECU) is consistently simplifying the rules of the retail market. Modern connection procedures are focused on minimizing bureaucratic steps and quick integration into the network through digital services.
What equipment is needed to run the system?
Transition to Net Billing requires precise technical re-equipment of the node accounting and proper selection of power equipment:
Smart two-way meter (ASKOE): A special metering device with a remote data transmission module. It records not only the amount of energy consumed and delivered, but also the hourly time of its circulation. Your local distribution system operator (DSO) is responsible for installing and programming this unit.
Modern inverter: The heart of the station, which is able to synchronize the generation of panels with the general network and flexibly manage energy flows.
Approximate cost of equipment on the Ukrainian market
Please note: The prices listed are approximate market indicators and may fluctuate depending on the configuration, additional monitoring modules, and exchange rate changes.
Practical advice from an engineer on implementing a solar power plant
Preliminary audit of the local network: Before purchasing solar panels and an inverter, be sure to contact the REM to check the technical condition of your power transmission line and transformer substation. The network must be physically capable of stably receiving the rated power of your future station without critical voltage drops or surges.
Using the Zero Export feature: Choose inverter equipment that supports intelligent export limitation (Zero Export function). This will allow you to independently set limits for current output to the grid, flexibly balancing between energy storage in your own batteries and sales at a commercial rate.
Priority for hybrid systems: For maximum security, it is worth investing in hybrid inverters. Unlike pure grid models that shut down completely during grid failures, a hybrid system continues to operate. It not only participates in the Net Billing program, but also instantly switches the house to battery power (e.g. LiFePO4) during blackouts.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to switch to Net Billing if the station is already operating on the "Green Tariff"?
Solar power plant owners who managed to arrange the classic "Green Tariff" at the high fixed rates of previous years usually remain on the old scheme, as it is more financially advantageous for direct earnings. However, for all new plants being put into operation, Net Billing becomes the unalternative and most profitable standard.
What happens if too much cash surplus accumulates over the course of a year?
All accumulated funds are stored in your personal account in the form of a virtual cash loan. These funds cannot be transferred to cash or withdrawn to a bank card - they are used exclusively to compensate for the cost of electricity consumed from the grid during periods of low solar activity.
If you are looking to optimize your home's energy consumption and choose equipment that is guaranteed to meet all current standards of Ukrainian energy networks, contact specialists. Electro-Shop. We will help you fulfill engineering calculation and complete your solar system system with the most reliable components for stable operation in the Net Billing system. Write to Viber or Telegram. You can also write to us by email or call us. Here contacts