Solar Power Benefits with Shams Dubai Net Metering Program

Understanding Shams Dubai Program

In 2015, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai unveiled Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy, which aims to produce 75% of Emirates’ energy from clean sources by 2050.

To help achieve this ambitious goal, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched the Shams Dubai Net Metering program. This program allows DEWA customers, whether residential, commercial or industrial, to install solar plants at their facilities (e.g. factory, warehouse, building, school) and utilize the solar electricity to realize savings on their monthly electricity bills. Under this scheme, any surplus electricity units generated by a solar plant are stored as credits and can be used to offset electricity consumption in future bills.

By the end of 2019 a total of 5,620 solar installations were connected to DEWA’s grid, totaling 164.2 MW.

Benefits of the Shams Dubai Program

1. Savings on Electricity Bills
   Solar systems allow customers to reduce operating costs and save on their monthly electricity bills
   
2. Generation of Solar Credits
   Credits generated when a solar system produces excess electricity can be stored indefinitely and offset consumption in future electricity bills
   
3. Create a greener environment
   Shams Dubai is encouraging customers to go green, meet their sustainability goals and most importantly, help save the environment
   
4. Eliminates the need for battery storage
   Unlike off-grid PV systems, PV systems connected via Net Metering do not need to rely on expensive battery storage systems because the process of generating and storing solar credits effectively allows customers to use DEWA’s grid like a battery system, allowing them to draw electricity from DEWA when solar power is inadequate
   

How can I go solar?

Shams Dubai’s easy-to-navigate website provides potential customers with all the information they need if they wish to proceed with a solar installation. Such information includes:

• Basic details about solar systems
• List of DEWA approved solar contractors and consultants that are authorized to install solar plants in Dubai
• Details about the documents and procedures required as part of the connection process (handled by the customer appointed contractor or consultant), which include
  
  1. Obtaining a DEWA, No objection certificate (NOC)
  2. Obtaining DEWA Design approval
  3. Steps for inspection and connection of the solar system
  4. Steps for solar plant commissioning

The website also includes a solar calculator application that enables customers and the general public to estimate how much they can save on their electricity bills if they proceed with a solar installation.

More information can be found on the Shams Dubai website.