DEWA Solar Regulations 2026 — Everything You Need to Know

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) regulates all solar installations connected to the grid in Dubai through the Shams Dubai programme. Understanding these regulations ensures your system is compliant and eligible for net metering credits.

Shams Dubai Programme Requirements

• Eligible properties: All residential, commercial, and industrial properties with DEWA accounts
• System size: No maximum limit for residential. Must not exceed connected load capacity.
• Installer requirement: Must use a DEWA-approved solar contractor
• Equipment approval: All inverters and panels must be from DEWA's approved vendor list
• Safety standards: Comply with DEWA's Technical Standards for Distributed Renewable Resources

Application Process

1. Design submission: Your installer submits the system design to DEWA for approval
2. NOC issuance: DEWA reviews and issues a No Objection Certificate (2-4 weeks)
3. Installation: System is installed per the approved design
4. Testing and inspection: DEWA inspects the installation for compliance
5. Meter installation: DEWA installs a bi-directional meter
6. Activation: System goes live with net metering enabled

Technical Requirements

• Anti-islanding protection: Inverter must disconnect within 2 seconds of grid failure
• Power quality: THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) must be below 5%
• Power factor: Must maintain 0.9 or above
• DC isolation: DC isolator switch required between panels and inverter
• Earthing: System must be earthed per UAE electrical code

Net Metering Rules

• Excess generation credits are applied monthly against consumption
• Credits cannot carry forward between billing cycles (use it or lose it)
• No cash payment for excess generation — credits only
• The bi-directional meter records import and export separately

Deye Compliance

Deye hybrid inverters meet all DEWA technical requirements including anti-islanding (less than 10 ms disconnect), THD below 3%, and power factor above 0.99. Multiple Deye models are on DEWA's approved vendor list. Check with your installer for the latest approved model list.