⚡ Govt. Denies Rooftop Solar Restrictions, Cites Grid Stability Measures

Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka has dismissed claims that the Government is curtailing rooftop solar, emphasizing a commitment to expand renewable energy to support the national economy. • Policy Updates & Capacity Limits: • The 2026 rooftop solar capacity target has already been exceeded, prompting temporary approval monitoring by utility providers (EDL and LECO) for grid stability. • Pre-Sept 11 approvals remain valid. New applications are moving to the ‘Net Plus’ scheme. • Battery-backed zero-export systems are exempt from restrictions. • Current Solar Capacity: • Total installed solar capacity has surpassed 3,070 MW, with rooftop solar accounting for ~2,542 MW and ground-mounted projects for ~534 MW. • Solar currently meets 15% to 25% of Sri Lanka's daily electricity demand, with 25–30 MW added monthly. • 1,141.1 MW of rooftop capacity was added from 2025 to Aug 2026 (938.8 MW in 2025; 202.3 MW in Jan–Aug 2026). • Future Expansion Targets: • Plans aim to connect an additional 4,585.7 MW of solar power to the national grid by 2029. • 2027 target: 1,392 MW addition (500 MW rooftop solar, 442 MW small/medium projects, 450 MW large-scale parks). • To absorb daytime excess and manage grid stability, 1,240 MW/4,660 MWh of battery storage will be added between 2027 and 2029.