Do You Need NEPRA Approval for Solar in Pakistan? 2026 Rules Explained

If you are planning to install solar in Pakistan, the approval requirements depend on the type and size of the system and whether it is connected to the electricity distribution grid.

This guide explains the current NEPRA prosumer rules, the 25 kW threshold, concurrence requirements and the difference between grid-connected and off-grid systems.

NEPRA approval for solar in Pakistan 2026

2026 Prosumer Regulations

February 9, 2026 — New Prosumer Regulations

NEPRA notified the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Prosumer) Regulations, 2026 on February 9, 2026. The regulations introduced the current prosumer framework for consumers who generate electricity and interact with the distribution system.

The framework uses separate accounting for electricity imported from and exported to the grid under the applicable rates.

Existing approvals, licences, concurrences and agreements that were valid under the previous regulations are subject to the provisions applicable to those agreements.

April 2026 — Changes to the Prosumer Regulations

NEPRA issued further amendments during April 2026, including an amendment concerning the concurrence fee.

Because the rules changed during 2026, consumers should use the latest NEPRA regulations and notifications rather than relying on older articles or social media posts.

Who Needs NEPRA Approval for Solar?

The requirement for NEPRA concurrence depends mainly on the size of the distributed generation facility and whether the system is connected to the distribution grid. If you are also applying for a new electricity connection, see our MEPCO New Connection guide for the general connection application process.

Under the August 2026 amendment described on this page, systems of 25 kW or below do not require NEPRA concurrence. The concerned distribution company handles the applicable approval process.

Systems above 25 kW remain subject to the applicable NEPRA concurrence requirements.

Solar setup	NEPRA concurrence
Off-grid system with no grid connection	Not required
Grid-connected system up to 25 kW	NEPRA concurrence not required
Grid-connected system above 25 kW	Subject to applicable NEPRA concurrence requirements
Existing agreement under the previous regulations	Continue according to the applicable agreement

For a MEPCO consumer, the relevant distribution company handles the approval of a system that falls within the 25 kW or below category.

Is Solar Still Worth It in Pakistan?

Solar can still be useful for households and businesses, but the financial benefit depends on how the system is used.

A grid-connected system that exports electricity is affected by the current prosumer and net billing rules. Your electricity bill can also include taxes, surcharges and other adjustments, so understanding your current bill can help when comparing solar costs. A system designed mainly for self-consumption can reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid.

Using appliances while solar generation is available can also increase self-consumption. Batteries can store excess electricity for use later, but whether a battery is worthwhile depends on the system size, electricity use, battery cost, and available solar generation.

Before installing a system, compare the expected electricity savings with the cost of the panels, inverter, batteries if needed, installation, and any applicable grid-connection requirements. You can use our MEPCO Bill Calculator to estimate your current electricity cost before comparing potential solar savings. You can also review our MEPCO Solar System NEPRA License guide for information about solar-related licensing requirements.

The Short Versi

For the latest regulatory information, check the NEPRA official website and the current Prosumer Regulations before submitting an application.

FAQs

No. Under the August 2026 amendment described on this page, a distributed generation facility of 25 kW or below does not require NEPRA concurrence. The applicable process is handled by the concerned distribution company. Systems above 25 kW remain subject to the applicable NEPRA requirements.

NEPRA concurrence is not a monthly charge. Any applicable fee depends on the size of the system and the current regulatory requirements.

The applicable fee depends on the size of the distributed generation facility and the current regulations. Check the latest NEPRA fee and application requirements before applying.

A 5 kW system is within the 25 kW threshold described in the August 2026 amendment. NEPRA concurrence is therefore not required under that rule, while the applicable distribution-company process still applies.

A solar system that is genuinely off-grid and has no connection to the distribution system does not fall under the grid-connected prosumer concurrence process.

Under the earlier net metering framework, imported and exported electricity were handled according to the applicable net metering rules. Under the 2026 prosumer framework described on this page, electricity imported from and exported to the grid is accounted for separately under the applicable rates.

Existing approvals, licences, concurrences, and agreements that were valid under the previous regulations continue according to the applicable terms and billing mechanism until their expiry, subject to the current regulations.

It depends on whether the hybrid system is connected to the distribution grid and operates under the prosumer framework. A genuinely off-grid system does not fall under the grid-connected prosumer concurrence process. For a grid-connected hybrid system, check the applicable requirements with the concerned distribution company.

Using appliances while solar generation is available can increase self-consumption. The best time varies with season, weather, location, panel orientation and system design. You can also see our MEPCO Peak Hours guide to understand how peak and off-peak periods can affect electricity use.