The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) announced on Saturday that individuals using solar power systems not connected to the national grid are exempt from licensing requirements. This clarification comes amid increasing adoption of rooftop solar installations across Pakistan.
NEPRA emphasized that off-grid solar consumers are outside its regulatory jurisdiction, and there are no current plans to impose licensing obligations on them. The authority specified that its regulations apply exclusively to consumers linked to the national grid through net metering or net billing arrangements.
In a significant development, NEPRA has introduced net billing for new solar users connected to the grid, mandating that all such consumers must obtain licences from the regulator. Previously, only those with solar systems exceeding 25 kilowatts were required to secure licences.
Under the updated framework, licences will now also be issued for solar installations with loads of 25 kilowatts or less. NEPRA will charge a fee of 1,000 rupees per kilowatt for issuing these licences. Earlier, consumers with systems up to 25 kilowatts only needed approval from their respective distribution companies, and no licensing fee was applicable.
This clarification arrives as Pakistan experiences a surge in solar energy adoption, driven by rising electricity prices and frequent power outages, encouraging more households and businesses to install solar systems.
