Many villa owners in Dubai find themselves waiting weeks—or even months—for DEWA approval to install solar energy systems. Surprisingly, the delay is often not due to the system itself, but to a few simple but critical oversights:
- Non-compliance with the Dubai Building Code,
- Missing documentation, or
- Hiring a non-certified contractor.
👉 In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete solution, based on the latest Dubai Municipality regulations, the Dubai Building Code 2021, and official DEWA guidelines.
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What to Do If Your Solar Application Gets Delayed by DEWA
If your solar panel application has been pending for more than 30 days without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from DEWA, it’s time to take action.
Here’s what you need to check first:
- Design Compliance – Does your solar design fully adhere to the Dubai Building Code?
- Documentation – Have all required files been submitted correctly to the municipality?
- Contractor Accreditation – Are you working with a DEWA-approved contractor under the Shams Dubai initiative?
If any of these factors are missing, DEWA may delay—or even outright reject—your application.
✅ Once you’ve confirmed everything is in order, submit a fast-track review request directly through DEWA’s official portal to escalate your case.
1. How Can I Check Why My DEWA Solar Application Is Delayed?
To verify the reason behind a delayed No Objection Certificate (NOC) for your solar panel installation, follow these steps through the official DEWA portal:
- Visit the “Track Application” page.
- If you’re a UAE national, enter your Emirates ID.
- If you’re a foreign resident, enter your property ownership document.
- Submit the form to view your application status.
You’ll be shown one of several possible statuses, such as:
Status | Meaning | Required Action |
Draft | Application is incomplete | Upload the missing documents |
Review | Application is being evaluated by DEWA | Wait 7 to 14 business days |
Modification Required | Errors detected that need correction | Review and address the comments |
Approved | Application has been approved | Proceed to the installation phase |
Rejected | Application has fundamental issues | Reapply from the beginning |
💡 Regularly monitoring your application status is crucial for avoiding delays. Be sure to follow any update or correction instructions promptly, ensuring a smooth path toward your DEWA approval process and solar installation.
2. How Can I Ensure My Solar Installation Complies with the Dubai Building Code?
To meet the Dubai Building Code requirements for rooftop solar installations, your system must align with the following technical standards:
- Anti-Islanding Protection
Your inverter must comply with UL 1741, ensuring it automatically shuts off during grid outages for safety. - Panel Certification
Solar panels must be listed on DEWA’s approved vendor list and carry the IEC 61730 certification for fire and electrical safety. - Mounting Structure
The racking system must be wind-resistant and made of non-combustible materials suitable for UAE climate conditions. - Installation Clearance
Panels must be installed at least 1.5 meters away from the roof edges, ensuring safe access and compliance with fire regulations.
💡 Remember: Your solar panel layout plan requires Dubai Municipality drawing approval. Follow our 2025 Dubai Drawing Approval Guide to ensure your technical submissions meet all CAD standards and avoid redesign fees.
Want to avoid dealing with code complexity and documentation headaches?
Let DAEM CONTRACTING LLC handle your full design review—ensuring your system is 100% compliant from day one.
3. How Can You Ensure All Your DEWA Solar Documents Are in Order?
To avoid delays in your solar permit approval, make sure the following documents are fully prepared and correctly submitted:
- Design Submission Form (Excel)
Download this directly from the official Technical Document Templates page on the Shams Dubai platform. - Single-Line Diagram (PDF)
Must clearly show the solar meter, system layout, and Anti-Islanding protection. - Panel Layout Plan (PDF)
Accurately drawn to scale (1:1), showing panel positions and roof clearances. - Solar Connection Agreement (PDF)
Signed by both the property owner and the licensed contractor. - Owner ID or Title Deed Copy
UAE nationals must submit their Emirates ID; non-nationals must attach the title deed for ownership verification.
📌 All documents must be uploaded via the official Shams Dubai portal.
💼 Need peace of mind before you submit? Let DAEM contracting perform a final document check—so you get it right the first time.
4. How Choosing a DEWA-Approved Contractor Speeds Up Your Solar Approval
Selecting a DEWA-certified solar contractor is one of the most critical decisions you can make to reduce delays in your solar installation approval. Only approved companies are authorized to submit applications directly via the Shams Dubai portal—bypassing manual verification steps that could add unnecessary time to your project.
Choosing an approved contractor not only helps expedite the submission of the application, but also provides support in later stages:
- Code-Compliant Design from the beginning: Licensed providers are well-versed in DEWA’s technical standards and design requirements, reducing the likelihood of design rejections or revision requests.
- Immediate Error Resolution: Even if comments or issues arise, registered contractors can use the DEWA Solar Contractor App to communicate directly with DEWA engineers, ensuring that any problems are resolved within just three days.
Just as DEWA has strict requirements for solar contractors, Dubai Civil Defense maintains its own approval process for safety certifications. Learn how to navigate both systems efficiently in our Step-by-Step Guide to Dubai Approval Processes
5. How to Submit an Urgent Review Request for Your Solar Approval (DEWA)
If your solar application is complete but still pending, you can file an urgent review request to accelerate the approval process.
Here’s how to do it:
- Download the official review request form from the Shams Dubai website.
- Fill out the form in coordination with your DEWA-approved contractor, ensuring all technical details are accurate.
- Pay the review fee (AED 300) via the approved payment channels.
- Submit the completed form, along with:
- A copy of your original application
- A written explanation of the reason for the expedited review
📌 Processing times typically range from 2 to 5 business days, depending on the case.
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How Can You Ensure All DEWA Approval Documents Are Ready for Installing the Solar System in Your Villa?
To avoid any delays in obtaining your solar panel installation permit, you must make sure that the following documents are fully prepared:
✔️ Design Template (Excel) – Download it from the official technical document templates page (Forms)
✔️ Single-Line Diagram (PDF) – Clearly showing the solar connection meter and the Anti-Islanding system
✔️ Solar Panel Layout Plan (PDF) – Drawn to a 1:1 scale
✔️ Solar Connection Agreement (PDF) – Signed by both the property owner and the contracting company
✔️ A copy of the owner’s ID (for UAE nationals) or the title deed (for non-citizens)
Conclusion: Start Your Solar Journey the Right Way
Installing a solar system in Dubai isn’t just an environmental choice—it’s a smart investment in energy efficiency and long-term savings.
But the success of that investment hinges on navigating the approval process with precision, staying compliant with the Dubai Building Code, and partnering with a DEWA-certified contractor.
💡 Whether you’re just starting the design phase, experiencing delays, or need to file an urgent review—DAEM’s expert team is ready to support you every step of the way, handling the technical and regulatory complexities on your behalf.
📞 Don’t waste time on trial and error.
Get in touch with us today and let our specialists help you secure DEWA approval faster—with complete technical accuracy and full compliance.
Client Questions, Expert Answers
1. What is the cost of installing a home solar system in the UAE?
The total cost of a residential solar power system in the UAE typically ranges between AED 30,000 and AED 50,000, making it a smart long-term investment for reducing electricity bills.
2. What is the amp-hour capacity of lithium batteries used in solar systems?
Lithium solar batteries are available in a wide range of capacities, starting from 100 Ah up to 1000 Ah. The appropriate capacity depends entirely on your system’s specific energy consumption needs.
3. How many amps does a 500-watt solar panel produce?
A 500W solar panel can generate between 12.82 and 13.69 amps, depending on environmental conditions and the system’s voltage setup
4. How Do I Submit an Urgent Review Request for DEWA’s Solar Panel Installation Approval?
Once you’ve confirmed that all your documents are complete, you can submit an urgent review request by downloading the official review form from the Shams Dubai website. Then follow these steps:
- Fill out the form in coordination with your approved contractor to ensure all information is accurate
- Pay the service fee of AED 300
- Submit the request along with a copy of the original application and a clear explanation of the reason behind the urgent review
M. Hussam Almahmoud
M. Hussam Almahmoud Graduated From Aleppo University BSC in Mechanical Engineering, CEO and partner In White Eagkes Hen trd ( established in 2005 , White Eagle Transport Est 2008 , City care Fire Est 2010 , Daem Contracting Est 2014 , Abraj Wa Mabani cont Est 2016 , White eagles gen trd LTD Est 2021 in Manchester UK , Partner in ICE Elektronik Dis Ticarat limited Sirketi Istanbul turkey
