A major regulatory change has been introduced for consumers adopting solar energy in the country. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has decided to further simplify the approval procedure for solar systems up to 25 kW by amending the Solar Regulations 2026.
According to a notification issued by Nepra, solar projects up to this capacity will no longer need to take separate permission from the regulatory authority. Instead, the concerned distribution company (Disco) will be able to directly issue approval after examining the applications.
This change has come at a time when the trend towards solar energy in the domestic, commercial and small business sectors in the country is continuously increasing. According to experts, simplifying the approval process can help speed up the processing of applications and save consumers from unnecessary administrative steps.
Energy sector observers say that the transfer of powers to the lower level will also increase the responsibility of electricity distribution companies, while timely decisions on applications are expected to provide better convenience to consumers.
However, even under the new system, implementation of all prescribed regulations related to technical, safety and grid connection will continue to be mandatory.
According to experts, this move can be part of the efforts to promote renewable energy, as a simple and transparent procedure can attract more consumers to install solar systems. If this policy is implemented effectively, it can also help reduce pressure on the traditional electricity system and promote the use of alternative energy.
The recent amendment to NEPRA is being seen as an administrative convenience, which aims to make the approval of solar systems faster, more transparent and more effective for consumers, while also strengthening the growing role of renewable energy in the electricity sector.