Introduction:

Investing in renewable energy, especially solar power plants, is one of the most attractive and promising economic opportunities in Iran and the world. Good returns on investment, guaranteed power purchase agreements (PPAs) by the government, and helping to protect the environment are all powerful incentives to enter this field. However, many potential investors face a big question: “Where do I start and what is the licensing process?”

At Solar Damavand Company , we not only specialize in the design and implementation of solar power plants, but also, as your advisor and companion, we clarify all the administrative and legal complexities of this path. This article is a detailed roadmap to familiarize you with the step-by-step steps of obtaining a permit to build a solar power plant in Iran.

Key prerequisites before starting the process

Before officially entering the office cycle, ensuring a few basic things will ensure your success:

۱. Secure suitable land:
Ownership: The land must have a definitive title deed or a valid long-term lease agreement.
Location: Proximity to the national electricity grid (substations or distribution) is a great advantage and often essential. The shorter the distance, the lower the connection fee.
Environmental conditions: The land should not be in the path of a flood, river or environmentally protected area and should have adequate sunlight.

۲. Company registration (for legal entities): The licensing process for legal entities (companies) is simpler and more specific. It is recommended to register a company with a renewable energy-related activity.

۳. Financial feasibility: The ability to finance the project, whether through personal contributions or bank facilities, must be clear from the beginning.

Step-by-step steps to obtain a solar power plant permit

The overall licensing process is managed by the Renewable Energy and Electricity Efficiency Authority (SATABA) . The steps are summarized as follows:

Step 1: Register in the SATBA system and receive a construction permit

This step is the official starting point of your journey.
۱. Logging in to the National Permits Portal: First, you must register your application for a “Renewable Power Plant Construction Permit” through the country’s National Permits Portal (mojavez.ir).
۲. Complete the information in the SATBA system: After the initial registration, you will be directed to the SATBA Integrated Renewable Projects Management System. At this stage, you will upload detailed information about the applicant (real or legal), land specifications (UTM coordinates, ownership documents), and general project information (requested capacity in megawatts).
۳. Initial review by SATBA: SATBA experts will review your documents. If complete, you will be issued with an initial construction permit. This permit allows you to follow the next steps to obtain other inquiries and permits.

Step 2: Obtaining necessary permits from other organizations (agreements)

With your SATBA construction permit in hand, you now need to obtain the following key agreements. Solar Damavand will be with you as a technical consultant throughout all these steps.

۱. Grid Connection Permit:
Importance: This is the most important and often most challenging permit.
Process: The application is submitted to the regional power company (for larger power plants) or the provincial power distribution company (for smaller power plants). These companies will conduct the necessary technical studies (load shedding, short circuits, etc.) to check the available capacity and the possibility of connecting to the grid at your proposed point. If the result is positive, a “Grid Connection Agreement” is issued.

۲. Environmental Permit:
Process: The application is sent to the relevant provincial Department of Environmental Protection. Experts from this organization will conduct an environmental assessment of the project site and ensure that the construction of the power plant will not harm the area.

۳. Land allocation permit (if required):
If the land belongs to national resources, an allocation permit must be obtained from the Land and Natural Resources Organization.

Step Three: Signing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

After successfully obtaining all the above agreements (grid connection and environmental), you are ready to conclude the main contract.
Submit documents to SATBA: You upload all the obtained permits back into the SATBA system.
Conclude the PPA: After the final review, SATBA invites you to sign a “guaranteed power purchase agreement”. This agreement is a document in which the government (through SATBA) commits to purchase the electricity generated by your power plant for a specified period (usually 20 years) at a set rate. This agreement is the main guarantee of your return on investment.

Step Four: Obtaining a building permit and starting construction operations

With the PPA in place, the project now enters the implementation phase.
Obtaining a construction permit: You will receive a construction permit for the control room, fencing, and power plant structures from the relevant municipality or village.
Commencing implementation: At this stage, Damavand Solar’s ​​expertise and experience come into play. We undertake the detailed engineering design, supply of high-quality equipment (panels, inverters, structures, etc.), and complete project implementation from excavation to final installation of the panels.

Step 5: Inspection, commissioning and commercial operation

Grid Connection: After the construction is completed, the power company physically connects the power plant to the grid.
Trial Start: The system is trial-run and final tests are performed.
Commencement of Commercial Operation: After final approval by the power company and SATBA inspectors, the “Commercial Operation Commencement Minutes” are signed, and from this date, your electricity meter will start working and the power plant will start generating revenue.

What is the role of Damavand Solar in this path?

The licensing process can be complex and time-consuming. Solar Damavand Company , relying on its experience and expert team, offers comprehensive services to investors to facilitate this path:

Initial consultation: Technical and economic evaluation of the project, assistance in selecting the right land, and providing a clear overview of costs and revenues.
Accompanying you in the licensing process: We assist you in preparing technical documents, following up on letters and correspondence with SATBA, the electricity company, and other organizations.
Detailed design and engineering: Providing detailed technical designs required for submission to the electricity company and other institutions.
Complete and turnkey implementation (EPC): After obtaining permits, safely entrust us with the complete implementation of your project so that we can build a power plant of the highest standard for you.

Investing in solar energy is an investment in the future. Let us at Solar Damavand smooth the complexities of this path for you and guide you to achieve sustainable income.