Shams Dubai — DEWA's rooftop solar connection scheme

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Who is eligible?

Shams Dubai is a connection framework, not a subsidy. DEWA describes it as its first smart initiative under the Distributed Renewable Resources Generation (DRRG) programme, implementing Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 46 of 2014. It lets a Dubai premises generate solar electricity, use it on site, and export the surplus to DEWA's network.

Who is eligible. Any Dubai premises with a DEWA supply, subject to two hard limits. First, capacity: installed capacity "cannot exceed the applicable share of the Total Connected Load as per the Shams Dubai Connection Conditions, Section 2.2", and DEWA may impose a lower threshold "should it be justified by technical limitations related to the integration of your PV system into the power distribution grid". Second, agency: you cannot apply yourself — the application comes from a consultant or contractor enrolled with DEWA, who acts as your agent.

Ground-mounted panels are outside the initiative. Where a producer holds more than one consumption account, the resolution directs the generated electricity to be consumed in the real estate on the same plot to which those accounts relate.

What you get. Not money. Surplus energy "will be exported to DEWA distribution network through a Net Metering scheme, this surplus energy will be credited and used to off-set future consumption of electricity" — and "the producer shall not be paid any money for the excess electricity". Set-off between surplus and imported energy is itself limited by the resolution. In practice that means a system meaningfully larger than your own annual consumption banks credit you may never spend, so right-sizing matters more here than in a market that buys your exports.

What it costs to join. A one-off connection fee, "currently set at D 1,500", reduced significantly for systems below 10 kWp that need no generation check-meter. DEWA states no further specific charges are added to future bills on an ongoing basis. You must also hold a signed Operation and Maintenance contract with an enrolled provider before connection.

What DEWA does not offer. Asked directly whether there are tax incentives for commercial or industrial enterprises installing solar, DEWA's answer is one line: "No tax or other incentives are currently being offered."

How to apply, step by step

  1. Pick a contractor or consultant from DEWA's enrolled list. You cannot apply yourself: DEWA's connection process states applications are made through 'one of DEWA's enrolled consultants or contractors', who 'will act as your agent'. The current list is a PDF on dewa.gov.ae dated 31/07/2025.
  2. Your contractor reviews feasibility against DEWA's standards and calculates your capacity limit. DEWA's own note: 'The capacity installed cannot exceed the applicable share of the Total Connected Load as per the Shams Dubai Connection Conditions, Section 2.2 "Limits to capacity of Renewable Generators".' DEWA may impose a lower threshold for grid-integration reasons.
  3. The contractor submits the Getting Solar Permits & Connections application to DEWA (Stage A, steps 2–3). Site plans, system design and proposed-equipment details go in; equipment must be compliant with DEWA standards and manufacturers must supply a certificate of compliance.
  4. On design approval, you and the contractor are given an estimate of the connection fee. DEWA's FAQ puts the one-off charge 'currently set at D 1,500', reduced significantly for systems below 10 kWp where no generation check-meter is required.
  5. Sign the Operation and Maintenance contract. DEWA requires the customer to present a signed O&M contract as part of the connection process, and the service provider must itself be an enrolled Electrical & DRRG Solar PV consultant or contractor.
  6. The contractor notifies DEWA that fieldwork is complete and submits the Solar PV Inspection Application (Stage B, step 4). Installations above 100 kW need a successful plant performance test beforehand.
  7. DEWA inspects the site, you sign the connection agreement, DEWA installs the meters and connects the system (Stage B, step 5). DEWA supplies and installs both the export/import meter and, where required, the generation check-meter.
  8. Generate (Stage C, step 6). Electricity is used on site; surplus is exported and credited against future consumption.

Status updates

5 August 2026

Tracker created and every claim on it re-read against dewa.gov.ae today. The three pages behind it — Shams Dubai, the Connection Process and the FAQ — are all live and unchanged in substance from our 4 August guide research.

5 August 2026

Connection fee still published as a one-off AED 1,500, with the reduction for sub-10 kWp systems that need no generation check-meter. DEWA has not attached a review date to that figure.

5 August 2026

STALE SOURCE, FLAGGED: the enrolled contractors and consultants PDF on dewa.gov.ae is still dated 31/07/2025 — over a year old — beside DEWA's own note that 'This list will be updated regularly'. Download the current file yourself before signing; do not accept a contractor's screenshot.

5 August 2026

DEWA's published capital-cost guidance remains the Q2 2021 figure ('4,500-5,000 D/kWp range for small villa-size systems'), dated by DEWA itself. Five years old and not used as a default anywhere on this site.

4 August 2026

Position on incentives verified verbatim: 'No tax or other incentives are currently being offered.' The scheme is a connection framework, not a subsidy.

Frequently asked questions

Does DEWA pay cash for surplus solar electricity?

No. DEWA's FAQ states the surplus 'will be credited and used to off-set future consumption of electricity' and that 'the producer shall not be paid any money for the excess electricity'.

Can I apply to Shams Dubai myself?

No. Applications are made through consultants and contractors enrolled with DEWA, who act as your agent. Choosing an enrolled firm is the first practical step and the only non-negotiable qualification.

How much solar can I install?

Installed capacity cannot exceed the applicable share of your premises' Total Connected Load, per Section 2.2 of the Shams Dubai Connection Conditions. DEWA may impose a lower threshold if the local distribution grid requires it. Your contractor calculates the figure for your connection.

What does the connection cost?

DEWA's FAQ gives a one-off connection fee 'currently set at D 1,500', which can be reduced significantly for systems below 10 kWp where no generation check-meter is needed. DEWA adds that no further specific charges are added to future bills on an ongoing basis.

Are there tax breaks for going solar in Dubai?

No. DEWA's FAQ is explicit: 'No tax or other incentives are currently being offered.' The financial case is the electricity you stop buying.

Does this apply outside Dubai?

No. Shams Dubai is DEWA's programme for the emirate of Dubai. Other emirates have their own utilities and their own rules, and parts of Sharjah are served by EtihadWE rather than SEWA — confirm the authority for your address.

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