Jakarta. The industrial sector's energy needs continue to increase, making it the largest electricity consumer in Indonesia, accounting for approximately 30 percent of the national total. To maintain operational efficiency and support national decarbonization targets, more and more industrial players have begun using rooftop solar power plants as an alternative energy source.

Solar energy solutions provider SUN Energy actively supports the shift to renewables in Indonesia's industrial sector in line with the 2024 Energy Minister Regulation on Grid-Connected Solar Plants and Public Electricity Supply Business Licenses.

Rooftop Solar Power Quota: A New Direction for Solar Energy Development in Indonesia
Since 2024, Indonesia has set a national quota system for solar plants to maintain electricity grid stability and increase renewable energy integration. Based on the 2025-2034 power procurement plant, Indonesia sets the quota for rooftop plants for 2024-2028 at 5,746 megawatts or MW, with the following details:

• 901 MW (2024)
• 1,004 MW (2025)
• 1,065 MW (2026)
• 1,183 MW (2027)
• 1,593 MW (2028)

Regions with high industrial activity, such as Java, Madura, and Bali, received the largest allocation, followed by Sumatra and Kalimantan. This situation requires industry players to be more strategic in planning rooftop solar power plant development, especially in areas with high demand that are increasingly absorbing quotas.

While limiting capacity, the quota policy provides planning certainty. With a clear annual allocation schedule, companies can prioritize solar energy investments without disrupting production processes.

Steps for Installing Rooftop Solar Power Plants in the Industrial Sector
Under the new quota scheme, the construction of rooftop solar power plants in industrial facilities follows four main stages, which can be supported by rooftop solar project developers like SUN Energy:

1. Feasibility Study and Energy Audit
The company conducts an energy audit to determine the ideal solar power plant capacity. This stage ensures that the system built truly reduces costs without causing excess power or disrupting the internal grid.

2. System Design and Technical Preparation
The next stage includes the preparation of technical designs, such as panel layout, inverter configuration, and construction safety standards. The design must take into account building conditions and industrial operational needs.

3. Permit Application and Quota Utilization
Permit applications are submitted online using a first-come, first-served system, based on quota availability in each area. If the quota is full, the project automatically enters the waiting list for the next period. Quota evaluations are generally conducted twice a year, in January and July, so companies need to prepare documents early to avoid missing out on allocations.

4. Installation and Operation
After the permit is issued, installation is carried out until the system is ready for operation. The energy generated by solar power plants is used directly during daytime production hours, replacing some of the electricity supply from PLN and helping to reduce energy costs.

By following these steps, the industry can ensure that solar power plant installations are safe, efficient, and in accordance with regulations.

To anticipate quota limitations, companies should ideally begin consulting with solar power plant developers at least four months before the quota period opens. For example:

• For the January quota, preparation should ideally begin in September of the previous year.
• For the July quota, the planning process should begin in March.

Towards a Low-Carbon Industry
While the quota policy presents administrative challenges, this regulation demonstrates the government's commitment to more measured and consistent clean energy development.

Amidst these policy changes, collaboration between the government, industry players, and energy developers like SUN Energy is a key factor in accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar power plants in Indonesia.

For the industrial sector, the use of rooftop solar power plants is not just an energy alternative but a long-term business strategy to reduce costs, increase competitiveness, and strengthen sustainability credibility. With regulatory support and experienced partners, solar energy is now a critical foundation in the industry's transformation towards a low-carbon future.