Installing rooftop solar in Dubai runs through DEWA's Shams Dubai programme, which connects your panels to the grid under net metering so surplus generation is credited. The process is staged — a Solar NOC, then design approval, installation, inspection, and the net-metering meter and connection — and only a DEWA-enrolled solar PV consultant or contractor can carry it out. The Solar NOC is needed before the building permit, and the roof needs a Dubai Municipality structural clearance for the load, plus a community NOC for roof works. The Property Masters works with DEWA-enrolled solar contractors and manages the approvals on your behalf. We are the approvals-management service — DEWA issues the connection.
What Solar Approval Covers and Who Needs It
Rooftop solar in Dubai is connected to the grid through DEWA's Shams Dubai programme, which uses net metering — your panels offset your consumption, and surplus generation is credited against your bill. Anyone installing grid-connected rooftop solar on a villa or commercial building goes through this process.
Crucially, the work must be carried out by a DEWA-enrolled solar PV consultant / contractor — only enrolled firms can submit and execute the connection. We work with DEWA-enrolled solar contractors so the application is accepted.
The Staged Solar Process
Solar approval is staged, and the order matters:
- Solar NOC — DEWA issues the Solar NOC for the installation. The Solar NOC is needed before the building permit, so it sits early in the sequence.
- Design approval — DEWA reviews and approves the PV system design submitted by the enrolled consultant / contractor.
- Installation — the enrolled contractor installs the system.
- Inspection — DEWA inspects the completed installation.
- Net-metering meter and connection — DEWA installs the net-metering meter and connects the system to the grid.
The Roof — Structural Clearance & Community NOC
Two further approvals apply to the roof itself:
- Dubai Municipality structural clearance — the roof load of the panels and mounting needs a DM structural clearance, especially for larger or commercial installations. We confirm the structural requirement for your roof.
- Community NOC — for villas and units in master communities, the community NOC for roof works comes first, as with any external works.
What the Submission Has to Address
The following are typically required — confirm for your project:
- PV system design prepared by a DEWA-enrolled solar consultant / contractor.
- Roof structural information for the DM load clearance.
- Community NOC for the roof works where applicable.
- The unit's tenancy / ownership and electrical-account details for the net-metering connection.
Timelines & Fees
DEWA does not publish a fixed fee or timeline for the Shams Dubai solar process in a form we can state as fact, and it depends on the system size and the building. So we do not quote a solar fee or a day-count — fees and timelines vary — we confirm the current figures for your specific installation with DEWA and the DM structural side rather than rely on a number that may be wrong.
We also carry out the works
We are a licensed fit-out contractor as well as an approvals-management service, so the same company that submits this application can deliver the project it covers:
Not sure which approval applies to your unit? Start at the fit-out approvals hub.
Official authority links & regulations
Always verify fees, timelines and process details on the live official page before relying on them — authorities update these without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does rooftop solar approval work in Dubai?
It runs through DEWA's Shams Dubai programme, which connects your panels to the grid under net metering so surplus generation is credited against your bill. The process is staged — a Solar NOC, then design approval, installation, inspection, and the net-metering meter and connection — and only a DEWA-enrolled solar PV consultant or contractor can carry it out.
Do I have to use a DEWA-enrolled solar contractor?
Yes. Only a DEWA-enrolled solar PV consultant or contractor can submit and execute the Shams Dubai connection. Using a non-enrolled firm means the application will not be accepted. We work with DEWA-enrolled solar contractors so your installation is approved and connected correctly.
When do I need the Solar NOC?
The Solar NOC is needed before the building permit, so it sits early in the sequence. After the NOC comes DEWA design approval, then installation, then inspection, then the net-metering meter and grid connection. We sequence the Solar NOC first so it does not hold up the rest of the works.
Does my roof need separate approval for solar?
Yes. The roof load of the panels and mounting needs a Dubai Municipality structural clearance, especially for larger or commercial installations, and for villas and units in master communities the community NOC for roof works comes first. We confirm the structural requirement and manage the community NOC alongside the DEWA process.
How much does a solar installation approval cost?
DEWA does not publish a fixed fee or timeline for the Shams Dubai solar process, and it depends on the system size and the building, so we don't quote a solar fee or a day-count. We confirm the current figures and a realistic timeline for your specific installation with DEWA and the Dubai Municipality structural side rather than rely on a number that may be out of date.