Sri Lanka’s solar capacity tops 3,070 MW as grid operator outlines new measures

Sri Lanka’s installed solar power capacity has surpassed 3,070 MW, with solar energy now meeting around 15% to 25% of the country’s daily electricity requirement depending on weather conditions, the National System Operator (NSO) said.

According to the NSO, approximately 2,542 MW of rooftop solar capacity has been connected under the Net Metering, Net Accounting and Net Plus schemes, while another 534 MW comes from ground-mounted solar projects.

The NSO said another 25-30 MW of solar capacity is currently being added each month through rooftop and ground-mounted projects that have already received approvals.

For 2027-2029, the NSO plans to facilitate an additional 1,392 MW of solar capacity, comprising 500 MW of rooftop solar, 442 MW of small- and medium-scale projects and 450 MW of large-scale solar parks. It also intends to add approximately 1,240 MW/4,660 MWh of battery energy storage capacity during the same period.

However, the NSO said rooftop solar additions envisaged for 2026 have already been exceeded due to rapid growth and existing technical limitations. Electricity distribution licensees, including EDL and LECO, have therefore been asked to closely monitor new rooftop solar approvals and capacity additions. The NSO described this as a temporary grid-security measure rather than a long-term restriction on renewable energy development.

Zero-export solar connections, which allow consumers to store daytime solar generation in batteries for use during the evening and night, will not be subject to these limitations. New applications will also continue to be accepted under the Net Plus scheme.

The NSO added that all solar applications approved before September 11, 2026, will be allowed to proceed without changes to their existing approvals.  (Newswire)

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