Resourcesasia | 31/07/2023 | Renewable Energy, Electricity

RESOURCESASIA.ID, JAKARTA – The Indonesian Rooftop Solar Installer Association (PERPLATSI) has expressed its support for PLN’s decision to remove the capacity limitation for rooftop solar panel (PLTS Atap) installations, which had previously been restricted to only 10–15% of the total connected capacity over the past year.

This policy shift comes as part of a draft revision to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Regulation No. 26 of 2021, which aims to eliminate the rooftop solar capacity cap. While welcoming this positive step, PERPLATSI also raised concerns about several key points in the proposed regulation changes that it believes could hinder the growth of rooftop solar adoption in Indonesia.

Among the concerns are the proposed removal of the net metering system, which currently allows excess electricity generated by solar panels to be exported to the PLN grid and credited against the user’s electricity bill. Additionally, the development of rooftop solar is still subject to a quota system to be determined by PLN and approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Another restriction includes limiting solar panel installation applications to only two periods per year—January and July—which PERPLATSI believes could discourage potential users.

Despite these issues, PERPLATSI appreciates PLN’s continued efforts to support renewable energy development and facilitate the transition to green energy. This aligns with the vision of the Director of Various New and Renewable Energies at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, who aims for Indonesia’s energy needs to be fully met by renewable sources by 2060.

PERPLATSI urges PLN to ensure that information about the removal of rooftop solar capacity limits and the updated procedures for installation approvals is transparently disseminated through all Customer Service Units (UP3) across the country. The association also calls for the acceleration of the licensing process and the replacement of advanced meters for PLN customers applying for rooftop solar, in accordance with the timeframes stated in the Ministerial Regulation.

PERPLATSI believes that transparency and efficiency in this process will encourage broader adoption of solar energy and significantly accelerate Indonesia’s green energy transition. The association hopes that, with these changes, more households and businesses across Indonesia will be empowered to harness solar power, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and help the country meet its carbon emissions targets.

Looking ahead, PERPLATSI remains committed to actively contributing to this process and supporting Indonesia’s journey toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

About PERPLATSI
The Indonesian Rooftop Solar Installer Association (PERPLATSI) is dedicated to promoting and supporting the adoption of solar energy throughout Indonesia. PERPLATSI collaborates with the government, private sector, and communities to expand renewable energy usage and build a greener, more sustainable future for the nation.