Industrial Rooftop Solar Energy Systems and the National Quota Policy

The growing energy demand has made the industrial sector the largest electricity consumer in Indonesia, accounting for around 30% of total national consumption. To maintain operational efficiency while supporting the country’s decarbonization goals, industries are increasingly adopting rooftop solar energy systems.

As a leading solar energy solution provider in Indonesia, SUN Energy actively supports the clean energy transition in the industrial sector by providing rooftop solar systems in compliance with Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 2 of 2024 on Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Power Systems under Electricity Supply Business Licenses (IUPTLU).

Rooftop Solar Quotas as the New Direction of Solar Energy Policy

Since 2024, the government has implemented a national rooftop solar quota system to maintain grid stability and accelerate clean energy integration. According to the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) 2025–2034, the total rooftop solar quota across 11 power systems for 2024–2028 amounts to 5,746 MW, with yearly allocations of 901 MW in 2024, 1,004 MW in 2025, 1,065 MW in 2026, 1,183 MW in 2027, and 1,593 MW in 2028.

Regions with high industrial activity, such as Java-Madura-Bali, receive the largest quota, followed by Sumatra and Kalimantan. This policy requires industries to plan their rooftop solar projects strategically. In high-demand regions, quotas may fill up quickly, making early permit applications a crucial step.

Although capacity limits exist, the quota system enables more predictable investment planning. With transparent annual allocations, companies can prioritize solar energy development without disrupting production activities.

Steps to Install Rooftop Solar Systems for the Industrial Sector

Under the new quota framework, the installation process of industrial rooftop solar systems follows four main stages, coordinated between the government and solar project developers:

1. Feasibility Study and Energy Audit

Industries must conduct an energy audit and consumption analysis to determine the optimal system capacity. This feasibility study ensures that the solar energy system effectively reduces electricity costs without creating power imbalances.

2. System Design and Technical Preparation

The next step involves preparing the technical design, including solar panel layout, inverters, and other components, ensuring compliance with industrial construction and safety standards.

3. Permit Application and Quota Allocation

Permit applications are submitted online on a first-come, first-served basis according to the available quota in each region. Once the quota is filled, projects will be placed on the waiting list for the next allocation period. Quota registration and evaluation occur twice a year, in January and July, allowing for more transparent and organized project planning.

4. Installation and Operation

Once approved, installation proceeds until commissioning and operation. The generated solar power is used to support daytime production activities, reducing dependence on the national grid.

By following these steps, industries can ensure that rooftop solar projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with regulations. To anticipate limited quotas, prospective users are advised to start coordination with solar developers at least four months before the quota period opens, allowing sufficient time for technical studies and permit submission.

For instance, if the quota period opens in January, the ideal preparation period begins in September of the previous year. For the July quota period, planning should start in March to ensure all documents are ready in advance.

Toward a Low-Carbon Industrial Future

Although the quota policy introduces new administrative challenges, it also reflects the government’s commitment to measured clean energy development. Amid these regulatory changes, collaboration between the government, industries, and solar energy developers such as SUN Energy is key to accelerating the realization of rooftop solar projects in Indonesia.

For the industrial sector, rooftop solar energy systems are not merely an energy project. They represent a long-term business strategy to reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen sustainability credibility. With supportive regulations and experienced partners, solar energy is becoming the foundation for Indonesia’s industrial transformation toward a low-carbon future.

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References:

1. https://web.pln.co.id/media/siaran-pers/2024/01/penjualan-meningkat-ini-upaya-pln-listriki-sektor-bisnis-dan-industri-sepanjang-tahun-2023 
2. https://jdih.esdm.go.id/common/dokumen-external/Permen%20ESDM%20Nomor%202%20Tahun%202024.pdf 
3. https://iesr.or.id/upaya-mendorong-efektivitas-pemenuhan-kuota-plts-atap/ 

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