sun2X Energy Team
Renewable Energy Specialists — UAE & GCC
The sun2X team combines decades of C-level experience in high-voltage battery systems, electric drivetrains, solar energy and grid infrastructure across European and international markets, now applied to the UAE renewable energy landscape. All technical content on this site is based on direct project experience with DEWA, ADDC and UAE authority approvals.
Quick Answer: Shams Dubai Net Metering
How does Shams Dubai net metering work?
Under Shams Dubai, DEWA credits any excess solar energy you export to the grid at the full retail rate of AED 0.38/kWh. Credits never expire — they roll over indefinitely and offset future bills. Large commercial sites can offset 90%+ of their electricity costs. All DEWA-connected buildings with a DEWA-approved solar installation are eligible.
What is Shams Dubai?
Shams Dubai is the net metering programme operated by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Launched in 2015 and significantly expanded since, it allows any DEWA customer — residential, commercial or industrial — to install rooftop solar panels and receive credit for excess electricity exported to the grid.
The programme is named after the Arabic word for sun (شمس), and it plays a central role in Dubai's strategy to have solar panels on all buildings by 2030. For property owners, Shams Dubai is the mechanism that makes solar financially attractive: instead of wasting surplus generation, you earn full retail-rate credits on every kilowatt-hour you export.
How Shams Dubai Credits Work
The key numbers:
- ●Credit rate: AED 0.38/kWh (full DEWA retail rate — same as you pay for grid electricity)
- ●Credits roll over indefinitely — they never expire
- ●Credits appear monthly on your DEWA bill
- ●Large industrial sites can offset 90%+ of their electricity bills
This is a particularly generous net metering scheme by international standards. In many markets, utilities pay only wholesale rates for exported solar — often as little as 30–50% of the retail rate. DEWA's full retail-rate crediting means every kilowatt-hour your panels generate has the same value whether you consume it directly or export it.
Who is Eligible?
Any DEWA-connected property can apply for Shams Dubai, provided:
- ●The property has an active DEWA connection
- ●The solar system is installed by a DEWA-approved contractor
- ●The system uses DEWA-approved inverters and protection devices
- ●The installation complies with IEC 61727 interface protection standards
- ●For systems above 200 kW: a formal grid study and DEWA approval of the connection scheme
The Shams Dubai Approval Process — Step by Step
Site Survey & System Design
sun2X conducts a full site survey including roof structural assessment, shading analysis, grid connection capacity check and load profile review. We design the optimal system size and configuration.
DEWA Application & Letter of Credit (LOC)
We submit the complete application to DEWA including single-line diagrams, equipment specifications and the protection relay design. DEWA issues a Letter of Credit (LOC) — typically within 4–8 weeks.
Dubai Municipality / Trakhees NOC
Depending on the zone (Dubai Municipality, JAFZA or other Free Zone), a No-Objection Certificate is required before installation. sun2X manages all submissions — typically 18–24 documents.
Installation
UAE labour law restricts outdoor work 12:30–15:00 in summer (June–September). Night-shift installation may be required for cabling work. Equipment is staged in climate-controlled warehousing before installation day.
DEWA Commissioning & Meter Installation
DEWA conducts a commissioning witness test and installs the bidirectional meter. Final energisation typically occurs 8–16 weeks from LOC. From this date, your Shams Dubai credits begin accumulating.
Solar Mandate by 2030 — Act Now
Dubai has mandated solar panels on all buildings by 2030. Early movers gain three significant advantages: they lock in preferred DEWA connection slots (which become scarce as adoption accelerates), they secure lower panel prices (solar module costs have been declining at ~5%/year CAGR) and they accumulate Shams Dubai credits from a larger system size than later entrants may be permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Shams Dubai credits expire?
No. Credits roll over indefinitely from month to month and are offset against future consumption. They appear as a credit line on your monthly DEWA bill.
What is the maximum system size?
Residential systems are generally capped at the contracted load (sanctioned capacity). Commercial systems can match or exceed contracted load with DEWA approval. Systems above 200 kW require a formal grid study.
Can tenants apply for Shams Dubai?
The Shams Dubai application must be made by the DEWA account holder, which is typically the property owner or the entity that holds the DEWA connection. Tenants generally need landlord co-operation to participate.
Is Shams Dubai available in Free Zones?
Free Zone properties served by DEWA can participate in Shams Dubai. Properties in zones with their own utility (e.g. JAFZA with DEWA, some with district cooling) follow the standard process but may require additional NOCs from the Free Zone authority.
Ready to Start Your Shams Dubai Application?
sun2X handles the entire DEWA approval process as part of our turnkey service — from initial site survey to commissioning witness test.
Start Your Application