The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has amended the Solar Regulations 2026, allowing consumers installing solar power systems with a generation capacity of up to 25 kilowatts (kW) to proceed without obtaining prior approval from the regulator.
According to a notification issued by NEPRA, the authority to approve such installations has now been delegated directly to the relevant electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), a move aimed at simplifying the approval process for small-scale solar users.
The regulatory change comes as Pakistan continues to witness rapid growth in solar energy adoption amid persistently high electricity tariffs and recurring power shortages. Rising energy costs have prompted households and businesses across the country to increasingly shift towards solar power as a more affordable and reliable alternative.
The trend is no longer limited to high-income consumers, with middle- and lower-income households also investing in solar systems to reduce electricity bills and improve energy security. Industrial and commercial consumers have likewise accelerated their transition to renewable energy.
According to recent estimates, between 15 and 25 per cent of Pakistani households now use solar energy in some form, ranging from basic lighting solutions to fully integrated rooftop systems and grid-connected hybrid installations.
The latest regulatory amendment is expected to further encourage the adoption of solar power by reducing administrative hurdles for consumers.
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