NEPRA license made mandatory for solar installations

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) license has been made mandatory for all consumers installing solar power systems under new amendments introduced by the Power Division of Pakistan.

According to details, consumers will now be required to obtain a formal license to generate electricity based on their system capacity.

In addition to the licensing fee, applicants will also need to submit a pay order in favour of NEPRA.

Sources said the revised policy introduces an additional charge of Rs 1,000 per kilowatt (kW) for solar installations.

Previously, consumers installing systems up to 25kW were issued licenses free of cost.

Under the new framework, consumers may also be provided connections under a net billing mechanism, replacing or modifying earlier arrangements.

Officials say the changes aim to regulate the growing solar sector more effectively, though the move is expected to increase upfront costs for consumers.