QAZAQ GREEN. Kyrgyzstan has drafted a regulation that, for the first time, provides a comprehensive framework for installing rooftop solar power systems. The document is intended to simplify the deployment of renewable energy while establishing clear technical and legal requirements for property owners and businesses, Economist.kg reports.

The initiative was developed on the instruction of the Cabinet of Ministers in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy. Its goal is to reduce dependence on imported electricity and ease pressure on the power system during peak demand. The policy focuses on microgeneration, where electricity is produced directly at the point of consumption.

A key innovation is the clear classification of system types and operating rules. Rooftop solar installations will be allowed to operate both off-grid and grid-connected, including the option to export excess electricity. This requires the installation of bidirectional meters and the conclusion of a power purchase agreement with the utility.

An important threshold is set at 15 kW. Systems below this level are exempt from licensing when selling electricity, making market entry significantly easier for households and small businesses. Larger installations will require a license.

The document also sets out detailed technical requirements. Before installation, an assessment of the roof’s load-bearing capacity is required, along with grid connection specifications from the National Electric Grid of Kyrgyzstan (NESC) and preparation of design documentation. Structures must withstand wind speeds of up to 45 m/s, as well as snow loads and the weight of the equipment.

Safety provisions are also specified. Firebreak passages of up to 1.2 meters must be maintained between panels, all equipment must be grounded, and systems must include remote shutdown capability. The use of combustible materials is prohibited.

To install solar panels, only an urban planning clearance is required; inclusion in the register of construction projects is not necessary. This significantly reduces administrative procedures and project timelines.

The document also establishes operational requirements, including regular inspections, panel cleaning, maintaining an electronic logbook, and mandatory disposal of equipment at the end of its service life. Electricity sales to the grid must be formalized through a contract, which the utility is required to conclude within 14 working days.