Domestically, the installation of
photovoltaic systems for residential
and commercial use is guided
by a regulatory framework. This
framework gives the National
Utilities Regulatory Commission
(NURC) authority to licence,
regulate and issue permits to
persons wishing to generate
electricity from a renewable source.
In keeping with this mandate,
the Commission has developed
and published interconnection
application procedures for the
generation of electricity from
solar photovoltaic sources. The
procedures are inclusive of a
Photovoltaic application form
which is mandatory for applicants
seeking to connect to LUCELEC’s
electrical network.
It must be noted that the NURC
does not grant permission for
the installation of solar panels.
However, if there is intent on
the part of the solar panel
owner to supply electricity to
the national grid, a permit is
required. Permits are valid for
only six months, therefore it is
important that applicants secure
all documentation and approvals
within this time period. In the event
that this does not occur, permits
would have to be extended.
Residential customers are currently
allowed to generate up to 5kWp
and commercial customers up to
25kWp.
When applying for a permit,
persons seeking to connect to
the national grid must submit a
completed photovoltaic application
form along with the following
documents:
• Land Register
• Certificate of Incorporation
(where applicable)
• Panel Information
• Inverter Information
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Electrical schematic of PV
system
• Certificates of Conformity
• Requisite fee
These documents are then
submitted to LUCELEC for
further review and approval. Once
reviewed, if approved by LUCELEC,
an approval letter and permit will
be issued by the NURC.
Persons wishing to supply
electricity to the grid would
also need to enter into an
Interconnection Agreement with
the grid operator. Therefore,
customers who want to connect
their solar panel systems in a
manner which allows them to
supply energy to the national grid
will first need to meet LUCELEC’s
requirements for interconnection
including, but not limited to,
www.slyoumag.com | September-October 2019
submission of a valid Certificate
of Inspection from the Electrical
Department of the Ministry of
Infrastructure and mandatory
payments for processing and
interconnection fees prior to
signing the Interconnection
Agreement.
If persons do not intend to connect
their solar panels to the national
grid, no permission is required
from the NURC to install. However,
it is strongly recommended that
such persons utilize the services
of qualified professionals such as
licenced electricians, electrical
engineers and/or contact the
Government Electrical Inspection
Department to ensure that
installations conform to standards
that are safely and correctly
executed. It is also to be noted that
LUCELEC may have its own specific
requirement with respect to the
safety and separation of supplies
for solar panels connected to its
electrical network.
For further information, contact
the National Utilities Regulatory
Commission at:
Tel: (758) 456- 0866/ 456- 0867
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nurc.org.lc
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