ECRA launches ‘Shamsi’ portal to explore feasibility of installing solar PV system

Logo of Electricity & Cogeneration Regulatory Authority

The Electricity & Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) announced the launch of the "Shamsi" portal for the small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

The new portal allows the consumer to know the economic feasibility and estimated costs of installing a solar energy system in a home or facility, before connecting it to the public electrical network, ECRA said in a statement.

The Shamsi portal provides the consumer with an easy-to-use electronic calculator that helps in analyzing the financial and technical aspects of the estimated installation cost, as well as provides various other support services.

It also allows the qualified consultant to conduct an economic feasibility study of installing the solar energy system at the consumer’s facility, the statement said.

The e-calculator provides a detailed cost estimate, estimated revenues and savings based on the solar power generated, applicant’s consumption rates, and payback period, the statement indicated, noting that this are necessary steps in the process of connecting solar energy systems to the public electrical network distribution system.

The authority clarified that the small-scale solar PV systems will have capacity of no more than 2 megawatts, installed in one of the facilities, and connected in parallel with the distribution system of the electrical service provider.

There is an agreement between the two parties - the electrical service provider and qualified consumer - to install the small-scale PV system by identifying the terms and conditions, application form, net bill approvals, and linking the PV system to the distribution network.

ECRA indicated that the consultants responsible for designing, inspecting, installing, and maintaining small-scale solar PV system are qualified and certified by the relevant qualification committee in accordance with the controls and requirements set by the organizations. This ensures installation and connection’s efficiency and quality for the purpose of protecting consumer rights.

The move is part of the authority’s task to provide adequate, reliable, high-quality, and sustainable electricity services by enabling diverse sources according to the consumer capability.

The Shamsi portal comes after the completion of the organizational and technical arrangements with the various parties related to the use of solar energy systems across the Kingdom.

Several entities have participated in the project led by the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs (MoMRA), the Ministry of Commerce, ECRA, and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE), and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).

According to data compiled by Argaam, the Ministry of Energy announced today the readiness of work with small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.