If your system was installed after 2023, you are on Net Billing.
Since 1 January 2023, all new photovoltaic installations in Greece operate under the Net Billing scheme. Existing Net Metering contracts continue until they expire. The fundamental difference: with Net Billing, surplus energy is sold at the wholesale market price (MEAD), not offset 1:1 in kWh. This makes smart sizing and battery storage more important than ever.
Net Billing vs Net Metering — Full Comparison
| Criterion | Net Billing | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Who it applies to | New installations from 2023 onwards | Existing contracts (grandfathered) |
| How surplus energy is valued | Wholesale market price (MEAD) — variable | 1:1 kWh offset against consumption |
| Settlement period | Monthly (credit carried forward quarterly) | Annual (12-month rolling period) |
| Importance of self-consumption | Very high — surplus fetches a lower price | Moderate — kWh are offset equally |
| Value of battery storage | Highly recommended — boosts self-consumption to 70–85% | Less critical — export is offset at retail value |
| Typical payback period | 3–6 years (depending on sizing & battery) | 5–8 years (existing installations) |
| Maximum system size | Up to 500 kWp (residential up to 10.8 kWp) | Varied by contract terms |
| Availability for new installations | ✅ Yes — the current scheme | ❌ No — closed to new applicants |
Each Scheme in Detail
What Is the MEAD Price?
The MEAD (Market Energy Avoidance Dispatch) is the wholesale electricity price determined by the day-ahead energy market in Greece. It is the price at which surplus solar energy injected into the grid is valued under the Net Billing scheme.
The MEAD price fluctuates daily based on market conditions. Our team monitors market trends and factors them into the design of every system to ensure the best possible economic outcome for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Net Metering to Net Billing?
The transition is automatic when your Net Metering contract expires. You cannot voluntarily switch before the contract ends, but you can prepare by adding battery storage now, so that when the switch happens your self-consumption ratio is already optimised.
How long do Net Metering contracts last?
Net Metering contracts signed before 2023 typically run for 25 years from the date of connection. When the contract ends, the installation automatically falls under the Net Billing framework in force at that time.
Is Net Billing profitable without a battery?
Yes — especially for businesses that operate during daylight hours and self-consume most of their solar output. For households, the payback period is longer without a battery because a large proportion of production (around 65%) is exported at the lower wholesale rate. Adding a battery significantly improves the economics for residential users.
What is virtual Net Billing?
Virtual Net Billing allows the energy credit from a photovoltaic system to be applied to a different supply meter — for example, a solar installation on a farm offsetting the electricity bill of a business in a different location. This is a powerful option for companies with multiple premises or for landlords and property groups.
What happens to unused credit under Net Billing?
Any credit not used to offset a monthly bill is carried forward. At the end of each quarter, any remaining positive balance is paid out to you in cash. This means you never lose the value of the energy your system produces.
How do I know which scheme I am on?
Check the date your photovoltaic system was connected to the grid. If you were connected before 1 January 2023, you are on Net Metering. If you were connected from 2023 onwards, you are on Net Billing. Your DEDDIE connection agreement and energy supplier contract will confirm this.
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