Nepra clarifies no approval needed for off-grid solar

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has clarified that consumers installing off-grid solar systems do not require its approval, while on-grid users must follow existing net metering regulations.

In a statement, the power regulator said solar net billing consumers are required to obtain approval under the established framework, which includes a one-time fee of Rs1,000 per kilowatt for grid-connected systems.

Nepra said the clarification was issued after reports created confusion by suggesting that all solar users must obtain a new licence from the regulator.

It said that under existing rules, approvals for systems above 25kW are issued by Nepra, while distribution companies handle applications for systems below that threshold.

The regulator emphasised that no new tax has been imposed on solar installations and described claims of fresh licensing requirements as misinformation.

Separately, the Power Division also rejected reports that the federal government had made it mandatory for all solar users to obtain licences from Nepra.

Officials said the licensing framework for net metering already exists and remains under the regulator’s jurisdiction, with no recent changes introduced.