Most solar content treats “the UAE has net metering” as a complete answer. It isn’t. Three separate regulatory frameworks currently govern how solar export credits work, depending on which utility serves your property — and the differences affect system sizing, battery value, and approval timelines.
The three frameworks, side by side
| Dubai (DEWA) | Ajman/RAK/Fujairah/UAQ (EtihadWE) | Abu Dhabi (ADDC/AADC) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit rollover | Indefinite | Expires yearly | Indefinite (netting framework) |
| Capacity limit | 1 MW per plot | 20 MW shared across 4 emirates | 5 MW per premises |
| Approval speed | ~4–8 weeks | Case-by-case, less mature | Case-by-case, newest framework |
| Residential maturity | Long-established | Established since 2024 | New in 2026 |
Dubai — DEWA / Shams Dubai
Net metering credited at the property’s own consumption slab rate, with unused credits rolling over indefinitely. Managed through DEWA’s Hab Reeh self-service platform, using a DEWA-certified contractor and approved equipment — the fastest and most mature process of the three.
Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain — EtihadWE
A two-meter import/export structure with a monthly comparison, under the Distributed Solar System (DSS) program launched September 2024. The key difference: unused surplus credits expire at year-end, making accurate sizing against real consumption more financially important than in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi — ADDC / AADC
Energy netting — surplus credited as a kWh offset, not paid in cash — under an existing regulation now layered with the DoE’s newer 2026 Solar Energy Self-Supply Policy, which only opened to residential villa owners this year. Requires Regulation & Supervision Bureau (RSB) approval ahead of the utility connection application.
Sharjah — an open question worth naming honestly
We don’t currently have a confirmed, formally published net-metering program for SEWA that we’re comfortable stating definitively. If you’re evaluating solar for a Sharjah property, confirm the current program status directly with SEWA or an installer partner familiar with Sharjah rather than relying on a generic claim.
⚖️ An installer who sizes a system, discusses battery storage, and sets approval expectations the same way regardless of your emirate probably isn’t accounting for these differences. That’s worth asking about directly before signing anything.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-26. Costs, utility requirements and partner terms should be confirmed before acting.
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