In a major policy shift, the Ministry of Energy has made it mandatory for all solar system users to obtain a license from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, introducing new fees and regulations for electricity generation.
According to NEPRA, users will now be required to secure a license based on their system’s power generation capacity.
Previously, distribution companies were authorized to issue licenses for systems up to 25 kilowatts. However, under new amendments introduced by the Power Division, obtaining a NEPRA license has been made compulsory for all such installations.
Reports added that consumers will also have to submit a pay order in NEPRA’s name as part of the licensing fee, calculated according to their load requirements. Before these amendments, systems up to 25 kilowatts were granted licenses free of charge.
Under the revised rules, consumers will now have to pay an additional Rs1,000 per kilowatt.
NEPRA officials further said that, following these changes, consumers will be eligible for connections under net billing projects, while those using hybrid technology will be exempt from the licensing requirement.
Meanwhile, the price of solar panels has surged by up to Rs8,500, further increasing the financial burden on consumers who are increasingly turning to solar energy as an alternative power source.
According to market sources, the price of a 585-watt solar panel has surged by up to Rs8,500, pushing its cost to nearly Rs25,000. Consumers expressed shock at the sudden increase.
Sellers attribute the rise to increased demand during the summer season.
