The NEPRA solar licensing rules have been clarified by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, confirming that solar users not connected to the national grid do not require any license.
Officials stated that the NEPRA solar licensing rules apply only to consumers who are part of net metering or net billing systems, meaning those directly linked with the national electricity grid. Off-grid solar users remain outside this regulatory framework.
According to the authority, there is no proposal under consideration to bring off-grid solar users under licensing requirements. This clarification aims to address confusion among small-scale solar energy consumers across the country.
The NEPRA solar licensing rules have been updated for grid-connected systems, especially under the new net billing mechanism introduced for new consumers. These changes are part of broader regulatory adjustments in the power sector.
Officials further explained that users with higher load requirements connected to the national grid must obtain licenses from NEPRA. Earlier, only consumers above 25 kilowatts were required to be licensed, but this structure has now been revised.
Under the updated NEPRA solar licensing rules, even consumers with 25 kilowatts or less load connected to the grid will now require licensing. The regulator will also issue these licenses directly.
NEPRA will charge a fee of 1,000 rupees per kilowatt for licensing. Previously, consumers up to 25 kilowatts obtained approval from distribution companies without any fee, marking a significant shift in policy.
