Legal framework

Administrative procedures

1. PV Systems for Household Consumption Only

PV systems for own consumption under Article 151, para. 1, item 19 of the Spatial Development Act (SDA)

DESCRIPTION:
Photovoltaic systems for the generation of electrical energy from renewable sources, installed on existing single-family residential and holiday buildings, as well as on their adjacent land properties, where the generated energy is used exclusively for self-consumption, provided that the total installed capacity does not exceed 20 kW.

No building permit is required.

MAIN STEPS FOR LEGALIZATION:
1. Notifi cation to the Municipality for commencement of PV system installation
Submitted no later than 14 days prior to the start of construction.
The following documents must be attached to the notifi cation:
● Proof of ownership (copy)
● Current cadastral sketch of the property (copy)
● Structural design project – 1 copy
● Electrical design project – 1 copy
2. Notifi cation to the Municipality for completed PV system installation
Submitted within 14 days after installation.
3. Notifi cation to the electricity distribution company for completed PV system
Submitted within 14 days after installation.

2. Photovoltaic Systems for Self-Consumption

PV Systems for Self-Consumption under Article 25a of the Renewable Energy Act (REA)

DESCRIPTION:
Photovoltaic systems installed on roof and façade structures of building(s) connected to the electricity distribution network, as well as on adjacent real estate properties
located in urbanized territories, where the generated electricity is used exclusively for self-consumption.

The total installed capacity of the PV system may be up to twice the contracted capacity provided to the customer (consumer) at the property, but not exceeding 5 MW.

MAIN STEPS FOR LEGALIZATION:
1. Obtaining an Addendum to the Grid Access Agreement;
2. Obtaining a Design Visa (Planning Permit);
3. Obtaining an opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW);
4. Preparation of technical design documentation;
5. Obtaining a Building Permit;
6. Notifi cation to the electricity distribution company of the completed facility.
Required Documents:
● Proof of ownership of the property/building;
● Current cadastral sketch of the property.
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
Addendum to the Grid Access Agreement
Issued by: The respective electricity distribution company¹
Documents required: Proof of ownership of the property (notarial deed or equivalent)
Deadline: 14 days
Notifi cation: Standard form provided by the respective electricity distribution company
¹ For Electrodistribution South (EVN Bulgaria), applications and notifi cations are primarily submitted via the electronic portal: https://onlineservices.elyug.bg/account/login

3. PV Systems for Electricity Sale or Self-Consumption with Sale of Surplus Energy

DETERMINATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION CATEGORY FOR PV POWER PLANTS

Category III Construction

(in accordance with Article 137, para. 1, item 3, letter (d) of the Spatial Development Act – SDA)

  • PV power plant located on a property in an urbanized area with no buildings on the property;

A Detailed Development Plan (DDP) is required. The DDP may be prepared as part of a comprehensive project under Article 150 of the SDA, in which case the DDP and the PV project procedures are carried out simultaneously.

  • PV power plant located on a property in an agricultural area where the land use has been changed and no buildings exist on the property;

A Detailed Development Plan (DDP) is also required. In this case, the DDP must be approved first, followed by the PV project procedure.
For the preparation of a DDP to be possible, the agricultural land category must be between 7 and 10.

  • PV power plant with installed capacity above 1 MW, located on a property in an urbanized area with legally constructed building(s);

  • PV power plant with installed capacity above 1 MW, located on a property in an agricultural area with changed land use and legally constructed building(s).

No.

ED South

ED West

ED North

1

Current cadastral sketch of the property

Current cadastral sketch of the property

Current cadastral sketch of the property

2

Design visa (planning permit)

Design visa (planning permit)

Design visa (planning permit)

3

Grid connection opinion issued by the distribution operator

Grid connection opinion issued by the distribution operator

Grid connection opinion issued by the distribution operator

4

Opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW)

Opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW)

Opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW)

5

Preliminary grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

Preliminary grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

Preliminary grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

6

Preparation of technical design documentation

Preparation of technical design documentation

Preparation of technical design documentation

7

Approval of the electrical design by the distribution operator

Building Permit

Approval of the electrical design by the distribution operator

8

Building Permit

Final grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

Building Permit

9

Final grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

Project approvals by the distribution operator

Final grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

10

Grid access agreement

Construction of the PV power plant

Construction of the PV power plant

11

Construction of the PV power plant

Acceptance commission by ED West

Acceptance commission by ED North

12

Acceptance commission by ED South

72-hour trial operation

72-hour trial operation

13

72-hour trial operation

Energization

Grid access agreement

14

Power purchase agreement with a trader on the free market

Power purchase agreement with a trader on the free market

Power purchase agreement with a trader on the free market

15

Parallel connection to the grid

Grid access agreement

Parallel connection to the grid

16

—

Parallel connection to the grid

—

Main Steps for Legalization of Category III PV Power Plants²

No.

ED South (ER Yug)

ED West (ERM West)

ED North (ERP North)

1

Current cadastral sketch of the property

Current cadastral sketch of the property

Current cadastral sketch of the property

2

Design visa (planning permit)

Design visa (planning permit)

Design visa (planning permit)

3

Grid connection opinion issued by the distribution operator

Grid connection opinion issued by the distribution operator

Grid connection opinion issued by the distribution operator

4

Opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW)

Opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW)

Opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW)

5

Preliminary grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

Preliminary grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

Preliminary grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

6

Preparation of technical design documentation

Preparation of technical design documentation

Preparation of technical design documentation

7

Approval of the electrical design by ED South

Approval of all designs by the Fire Safety Authority

Project approvals by the distribution operator

8

Approval of all designs by the Fire Safety Authority

Design compliance assessment by a construction supervision company

Approval of all designs by the Fire Safety Authority

9

Design compliance assessment by a construction supervision company

Building Permit

Design compliance assessment by a construction supervision company

10

Building Permit

Opening of the construction site

Building Permit

11

Opening of the construction site

Final grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

Opening of the construction site

12

Final grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

Project approvals by the distribution operator

Final grid connection agreement with the distribution operator

13

Grid access agreement

Construction of the PV power plant

Construction of the PV power plant

14

Construction of the PV power plant

Approval of geodetic survey

State acceptance commission by DNCS

15

State acceptance commission by DNCS

Acceptance commission by ED West

72-hour trial operation

16

72-hour trial operation

State acceptance commission by DNCS

Grid access agreement

17

Power purchase agreement with a trader on the free market

—

72-hour trial operation

18

Energization and parallel connection to the grid

Energization after commissioning

Power purchase agreement with a trader on the free market

19

—

Power purchase agreement with a trader on the free market

—

20

—

Grid access agreement

—

21

—

Parallel connection to the grid

—

[1] Please note that some municipalities do not classify agricultural properties with changed land use and existing buildings as urbanized areas. In such cases, the PV power plant will be classified as a Category III construction. An example of such a municipality is Maritsa Municipality.

[2] Please note that the steps listed above outline the main procedures only and do not constitute a universal template. Depending on the specific photovoltaic power plant, additional procedures may apply.

4. Energy Storage for End Users

Battery under Article 116 or Article 117 of the Energy Act (EA)

DESCRIPTION:

ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY (BATTERY) INSTALLED AT AN ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATION FACILITY CONNECTED TO THE DISTRIBUTION GRID, without changing the agreed technical parameters of the generation facility (capacity, operating regime, etc.).

LEGAL FRAMEWORK:

Article 116, para. 11 of the Energy Act (EA)

When batteries are installed at existing renewable energy generation installations for which a building permit has already been issued, a new building permit must be obtained under the same conditions as those under which the original permit for the generation installation was issued.

MAIN LEGALIZATION STEPS:

  • Obtaining an Addendum to the Grid Access Agreement;
  • Obtaining a Design Visa;
  • Obtaining an opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW);
  • Preparation of technical design documentation;
  • Approval of the electrical design (for EVN Bulgaria Electricity Distribution – South);
  • Compliance assessment of the designs by a licensed construction supervision company (for third-category construction);
  • Obtaining a Building Permit;
  • Opening of a construction site (for third-category construction);
  • Construction of the facility;
  • State Acceptance Commission by the National Construction Control Directorate (DNCC) (for third-category construction);
  • Notification to the electricity distribution company for the completed facility.

Applications / notifications / requests to electricity distribution companies

(EVN Bulgaria Electricity Distribution – South, Electrodistribution North, Electrohold Distribution West)
are submitted using the respective company’s forms:

Fees:

Note:
For EVN South, applications and notifications are primarily submitted via the electronic portal:
https://onlineservices.elyug.bg/account/login

DESCRIPTION:

ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY (BATTERY) INSTALLED AT AN ELECTRICAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION FACILITY, without changing the agreed technical parameters of the consumption facility (granted and connected capacity, operating regime, etc.).

LEGAL FRAMEWORK:

Article 117, para. 12 of the Energy Act (EA)

In cases where batteries for electrical energy storage are installed in existing buildings, structures, or facilities for the own consumption of occupants—natural or legal persons—who do not feed the stored energy into the transmission or distribution grid, and where the batteries are not part of a renewable energy generation installation, no building permit or installation permit is required.

In such cases, the batteries are considered part of the electrical equipment of the facility (similar to electric heaters, air conditioners, etc.).

MAIN LEGALIZATION STEPS:

  • Obtaining an Addendum to the Grid Access Agreement;
  • Preparation of technical design documentation;
  • Construction/installation of the facility;
  • Notification to the electricity distribution company for the completed facility.
5. Standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

DESCRIPTION:

ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY, INCLUDING A CHANGE IN THE GRID CONNECTION CONDITIONS OF AN ALREADY CONNECTED FACILITY
(for the sale of energy on the free electricity market)

A battery energy storage system installed on a land plot without an existing power generation facility, intended to receive, store, and feed electricity into the electricity distribution or transmission grid at different times of the day, constitutes part of the technical infrastructure of electricity supply within the meaning of §5, item 31 of the Additional Provisions of the Spatial Development Act (SDA), and represents a construction within the meaning of §5, item 38 of the Additional Provisions of the SDA.

A building permit for a facility that is part of the technical infrastructure is issued in compliance with the general requirements of the SDA – based on an approved investment design, in accordance with the provisions of the effective Detailed Development Plan (DDP), and following coordination with the relevant control authorities and utility operators.

MAIN LEGALIZATION STEPS¹:

No. EVN South Electrohold Distribution West Electrodistribution North
1 Updated cadastral sketch of the property Updated cadastral sketch of the property Updated cadastral sketch of the property
2 Design visa Design visa Design visa
3 Grid connection opinion from the DSO Grid connection opinion from the DSO Grid connection opinion from the DSO
4 Opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW) Opinion from RIEW Opinion from RIEW
5 Preliminary grid connection agreement with the DSO Preliminary grid connection agreement with the DSO Preliminary grid connection agreement with the DSO
6 Preparation of technical designs Preparation of technical designs Preparation of technical designs
7 Approval of the electrical design by EVN South Approval of all designs by the Fire Safety Authority Approval of designs by the DSO
8 Approval of all designs by the Fire Safety Authority Compliance assessment of designs by a licensed construction supervision company Approval of all designs by the Fire Safety Authority
9 Compliance assessment of designs by a licensed construction supervision company Building Permit Compliance assessment of designs by a licensed construction supervision company
10 Building Permit Opening of the construction site Building Permit
11 Opening of the construction site Final grid connection agreement with the DSO Opening of the construction site
12 Final grid connection agreement with the DSO Approval of designs by the DSO Final grid connection agreement with the DSO
13 Grid access agreement Construction Construction
14 Construction Approval of geodetic survey State Acceptance Commission by DNCC
15 State Acceptance Commission by DNCC Acceptance commission by Electrohold Distribution West 72-hour tests
16 72-hour tests State Acceptance Commission by DNCC Grid access agreement
17 Power purchase agreement with a licensed electricity trader on the free market 72-hour tests Power purchase agreement with a licensed electricity trader on the free market
18 Energization and parallel connection to the grid Energization after commissioning Parallel connection to the grid
19 – Power purchase agreement with a licensed electricity trader –
20 – Grid access agreement –
21 – Parallel connection to the grid –

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

  • Proof of ownership of the land/building;
  • Updated cadastral sketch of the property.

APPLICATIONS / NOTIFICATIONS / REQUESTS

to electricity distribution companies (EVN South, Electrodistribution North, Electrohold Distribution West) are submitted using the official forms of the respective company:

Fees:

APPLICABLE LEGISLATION:

After grid connection and commissioning, the generated energy must also be reported to the Sustainable Energy Development Agency (SEDA).
Up-to-date information on documentation for the issuance and transfer of Guarantees of Origin, as well as quarterly reporting, can be found here:
http://www.seea.government.bg/

Electricity producers are also required to submit monthly reports to the Electricity System Security Fund and to pay 5% of their net monthly revenues.
More information:
https://www.fses.bg/
Ordinance of 11.12.2015 on the collection, expenditure, reporting, and control of funds of the Electricity System Security Fund:
https://lex.bg/en/laws/ldoc/2136703311

Additional general explanations aimed at facilitating investors in the administrative process

(can be expandable sections on the website)

Updated Cadastral Sketch of the Property

Issued by: Cadastre Agency, or by the Municipality where no cadastre exists.
Required documents: Proof of ownership (notarial deed, etc.).
Fee: Varies.
Deadline: Cadastre – 10 days (standard), 3 days (express); Municipality – varies.
Application: Not required (submitted directly at the counter or online); Municipality – official municipal form.

Design Visa²

Issued by: Municipality.
Required documents: Proof of ownership and original cadastral sketch; some municipalities also require a combined cadastral sketch prepared by a licensed surveyor.
Fee: Varies.
Deadline: Varies.
Application: Official municipal form.

Opinion from RIEW

Issued by: Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water.
Required documents: Proof of ownership and cadastral sketch.
Fee: None.
Deadline: 2–4 weeks.
Application: RIEW form / notification of investment proposal (Appendix No. 5 to Article 4(1) of the EIA Ordinance).

Issuance of a Building Permit

Issued by: Municipality.

Category VI constructions:
Designs, cadastral sketch, design visa, proof of ownership, RIEW opinion, electrical design approval letter, DSO opinion, preliminary grid connection agreement.

Category III constructions:
Designs, cadastral sketch, design visa, proof of ownership, RIEW opinion, Fire Safety Authority opinion, electrical design approval letter, DSO opinion, preliminary grid connection agreement, compliance assessment by construction supervision.

Fee: Determined individually by the municipality and project.
Deadline: Up to 1 month.
Application: Official municipal form.

¹ The listed steps outline the main procedure and do not represent a universal template. Additional procedures may apply depending on the specific project.
² In EVN South, applications and notifications are primarily submitted via the electronic portal:
https://onlineservices.elyug.bg/account/login
³ Some municipalities do not issue design visas for Category VI constructions.

The Main Legislation Directly Applicable to the Construction of Such Facilities Includes:

Renewable Energy Act
https://lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2135728864

Spatial Development Act
https://lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2135163904

Energy Act
https://lex.bg/bg/laws/ldoc/2135475623

Ordinance No. 6 of 24 February 2014 on the connection of electricity producers and customers to the electricity transmission or distribution grids
https://lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2136150122

APPLICATIONS / NOTIFICATIONS / REQUESTS

to electricity distribution companies (EVN South, Electrodistribution North, Electrohold Distribution West) are submitted using the official forms of the respective company:

For EVN South¹ –
https://www.elyug.bg/SpecialPages/documents/forms.aspx

For Electrohold Distribution West –
https://ermzapad.bg/bg/za-klienta/uslugi/drugi-uslugi/blanki-za-uslugi/

For Electrodistribution North –
https://erpsever.bg/bg/prisyedinjavane-kym-mrejata/dokumenti-za-prisyedinjavane-na-proizvoditeli

Fees:

EVN South –
https://www.elyug.bg/Producers/Connection/PricesPayment.aspx

Electrodistribution North –
https://erpsever.bg/bg/uslugi-i-ceni

Electrohold Distribution West –
https://ermzapad.bg/bg/za-klienta/ceni-i-nachini-na-plashane/

After grid connection and commissioning, the produced energy must also be reported to the Sustainable Energy Development Agency (SEDA).
Up-to-date information on the documentation required for the issuance and transfer of Guarantees of Origin, as well as quarterly reporting, can be found here:
http://www.seea.government.bg/

Electricity producers are also required to submit monthly reports to the Electricity System Security Fund and to pay 5% of their net revenues generated during the reporting month.
More information is available at:
https://www.fses.bg/

Ordinance of 11 December 2015 on the procedure and method for the collection, expenditure, reporting, and control of the funds of the Electricity System Security Fund:
https://lex.bg/en/laws/ldoc/2136703311

Detailed General Explanations Aimed at Facilitating Investors in the Administrative Process

(may be presented as expandable sections on a website)

Updated Cadastral Sketch of the Property

Issued by: The Cadastre Agency, or by the Municipality where no cadastre exists.

Required documents: Proof of ownership of the property (notarial deed or other).

Fee: Varies.

Deadline:
Cadastre Agency – 10 days (standard service); 3 days (express service).
Municipality – depends on the specific municipality.

Application:
Not required – submission directly at the counter or online via the website;
For municipalities – official municipal form.

Design Visa²

Issued by: Municipality.

Required documents: Proof of ownership (notarial deed or other) and the original cadastral sketch; some municipalities also require a combined cadastral sketch prepared by a licensed surveyor.

Fee: Varies.

Deadline: Varies.

Application: Official municipal form.

Opinion from the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water (RIEW)

Issued by: The respective Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water.

Required documents: Proof of ownership of the property and cadastral sketch.

Fee: None.

Deadline: 2–4 weeks.

Application: RIEW form / notification of an investment proposal
(Appendix No. 5 to Article 4(1) of the Ordinance on Environmental Impact Assessment).

Issuance of a Building Permit

Issued by: Municipality.

Category VI constructions – required documents:

  • Design documentation;

  • Cadastral sketch of the property;

  • Design visa;

  • Proof of ownership;

  • Opinion from RIEW;

  • Letter approving the electrical design;

  • Opinion from the electricity distribution operator (DSO);

  • Preliminary grid connection agreement with the DSO.

During the review process, the Municipality may request additional documents.

Category III constructions – required documents:

  • Design documentation;

  • Cadastral sketch of the property;

  • Design visa;

  • Proof of ownership;

  • Opinion from RIEW;

  • Opinion from the Fire Safety Authority;

  • Letter approving the electrical design;

  • Opinion from the DSO;

  • Preliminary grid connection agreement with the DSO;

  • Compliance assessment of the design documentation by a licensed construction supervision company.

During the review process, the Municipality may request additional documents.

Fee: Determined individually by each municipality and project.
Deadline: Up to 1 month.
Application: Official municipal form.

¹ In EVN South, applications and notifications are primarily submitted via the electronic portal:
https://onlineservices.elyug.bg/account/login

² Some municipalities do not issue design visas for Category VI constructions.

CONTACT US

We will answer all your questions

OUR ADDRESSES

145 Brezovsko shose Str
Plovdiv 4003

Yagodovsko shose Str
Plovdiv 4113

PHONE NUMBER

+359 (032) 511 564

EMAIL

office@solaritybg.com
sales@solaritybg.com

Technical Support (PV & Energy Storage Systems)

For technical support regarding photovoltaic systems and/or energy storage solutions:
Phone:
+359 894 301 007, +359 899 532 411
Email: support@solaritybg.com