Want to live a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective lifestyle in Dubai? Switching to solar energy is a smart move. Before requesting a solar connection, the first step is to obtain a solar panel installation permit from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
The best part? DEWA has some approved consultants and contractors who handle the complete permit issuance and connection process. But how does the solar panel installation process happen? Let’s get into the details.
- Overview
- Service Requirements
- How to Request a Solar Panel Installation Permit and Connection in Dubai
- How to Track the Permit Application Status
- How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels
- FAQs
Overview of Solar Permits and Connections in Dubai
As part of its sustainability initiatives, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has initiated multiple solar energy projects. DEWA collaborates with various contractors to execute successful solar panel installations. Installing a solar panel offers benefits such as reduced electricity bills, a lower carbon footprint, and increased property value.
To request solar panel installations in Dubai, the first step is to hire a qualified contractor. The contractor or consultant will then request a solar panel installation permit on your behalf. But what is a solar permit, and why is it required?
Solar permits are a legal requirement for a solar panel installation in Dubai. DEWA issues permits such as solar panel installations after a detailed inspection, ensuring that the property meets the safety, compatibility and quality standards.
Whether it’s a residential or a commercial property, solar permits are mandatory for solar connections. Here is what you should know before requesting solar permits:
Service Requirements
The following documents are required for a solar panel installation permit application:
- Affection plan (applicable only to properties in free zone areas).
- Complete details of the solar module, solar inverter and interface protection unit (only if the product is not listed on DEWA).
- Design assessment input form (.XLSX format).
- Total connected load maximum demand/MDB/SDMB, schedule incorporating existing load/kWh metres and proposed solar generation metres (PDF format).
- Single-line diagram of the proposed grid-tie solar PV system, indicating kWh metres, inverters, interface protection system, and low-voltage distribution system (PDF format).
- Site setting layout, indicating the location of proposed solar panels, associated equipment and KWh metering (PDF format).
- Production details in kWp and kWh per annum (PDF format).
- Proposed solar generation metre, PV panels, inverters, MDBs/SMDBs installation details (PDF format).
- Wiring layout and PV system elements sizing (string design, inverters, solar cables and breakers) (PDF format).
- Explicit acceptance and agreement to the terms and conditions of the connection agreement (PDF format).
- Additional documents for all of the above cases (varies by applicant).
How to Request a Solar Panel Installation Permit and Connection in Dubai
Go solar with DEWA and request a solar panel installation permit. Let’s look into the step-by-step application and installation process:
Hiring a Contractor or Consultant
Here’s how to hire a DEWA-approved solar panel installation contractor or consultant:
- Visit the DEWA official website.
- To choose the best solar panel installation company, go to ‘Solar Community’.
- Find the list of ‘Enrolled solar PV contractors and consultants’.
- Once you have hired a contractor, they will submit the solar permit application and handle the inspection and installation.
Request a Solar Permit and Connection
Follow these steps for a solar panel permit issuance and connection process:
- Visit the DEWA official website.
- Head to the ‘Solar Permits and Connections’ service page.
- Click ‘Apply for Permits and Connections’ on the left side menu.
- Upload all the required documents for the solar permit.
- Submit the form and receive an application reference number.
- DEWA will review the application and accept, reject or return it. If the application is rejected or returned, the applicant must resubmit it with the correct details. If approved, DEWA will issue a no-objection certificate and a permit for solar panel installation.
- Once the application is approved and the site is ready for inspection, the contractor will provide an estimated cost for the solar panel installation.
- After this, the contractor will initiate an inspection request to DEWA.
- DEWA will notify the contractor of the inspection date and time.
- After inspection, DEWA will issue the results on the same day. If approved, move on to the next step. If there are any restraints, resolve them first and then reapply for inspection.
- DEWA will then notify you of the solar panel installation date and time.
- On the specified date, the DEWA contractors will complete the meter and solar connection process.
Service Time
The total service time for permit issuance and solar panel installation is about 11 days.
Service Fees
There are no service fees for permit issuance. However, the fees for solar panel installation vary depending on the applicant and the property’s size.
How to Track the Permit Application Status
While the DEWA-approved contractors or consultants submit the permit application, you can track its approval or rejection status. Here is how to check the solar panel installation permit issuance status:
- Go to the DEWA website or the DEWA mobile application (Play Store | App Store).
- Log in to the website.
- Head to the Solar Permit and Connections Tracking Service.
- Use the application reference number to view the status.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels
Capital Expenditure, or the cost of solar panel installation, depends on various factors. There is no single cost of installing solar panels at home. Here is what is included in this cost:
Capital Expenses (CapEX)
These are one-time costs incurred during system setup and installation:
- Type of installation (new build integration or retrofit to an existing structure)
- Size and capacity of the solar PV system
- Brand and efficiency of solar panels, inverters and related components
- Fees charged by the chosen contractor or DEWA-approved installer
Operating Expenses (OpEx)
These are recurring costs involved in maintaining system performance:
- Routine inspections and servicing
- Panel cleaning and upkeep
- Occasional part replacements (e.g., inverters or cables)
FAQs
Yes, DEWA issues a no-objection certificate (NOC) in conjunction with a solar panel installation permit. This is mandatory for solar inspections and connections in Dubai.
No, DEWA-approved consultants and contractors are responsible for the installation of solar panels on homes.
These are the details about solar panel installation in Dubai. With benefits such as reduced carbon footprint, affordability, and environmental protection, investing in solar energy is one of the best decisions. Get a solar installation permit and connection, and make a shift towards a sustainable lifestyle.
Meanwhile, you can learn about Shams Dubai, a sustainability initiative by DEWA. Solar panel installations in Dubai fall under this initiative, encouraging property owners to generate solar energy and connect it to DEWA’s grid.
Furthermore, homeowners in Dubai can find answers to their frequently asked questions from DEWA.
