NEPRA license made mandatory for solar system users across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy has made it mandatory for all solar system users to obtain a license from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), introducing new regulatory requirements for electricity generation.

According to NEPRA sources, consumers installing solar systems will now be required to secure a license based on their power generation capacity.

Previously, distribution companies were authorized to issue licenses for systems up to 25 kilowatts, often at no cost. However, under the new amendments introduced by the Power Division, obtaining a NEPRA license has become compulsory for all such users.

Sources further revealed that consumers will now have to pay a fee calculated at Rs1,000 per kilowatt, along with submitting a pay order in favor of NEPRA. Earlier, licenses for systems up to 25 kW were issued free of charge.

Under the revised rules, eligible consumers will be able to obtain connections under the net billing system, while those using hybrid solar technology will be exempt from the licensing requirement.

The move is aimed at streamlining solar energy regulation and ensuring proper oversight of distributed power generation in the country.