As Pakistan moves ahead in terms of energy self-sufficiency & opting for environmentally friendly energy sources, solar power has carved a niche to address the increasing energy demand of the country. All year round sunlight helps in easily tapping solar energy which is cost efficient, pollution free & reliable. Among many relevant determinants of the choice of switching to solar technology, cost per watt of the solar panels weighs one of the most significantly. Knowing very well how much is the cost of solar panel per watt in Pakistan empowers the consumers to take appropriate measures in with regard to the purchase of a solar energy panel system. This article highlights and evaluates the issues of solar panel costs in Pakistan and the factors that influence the cost of solar panels in this country providing a current picture of the changing patterns of prices.
What is the Per Watt Cost?
The cost per watt solar cost refers to solar panels’ cost in proportion to the amount of electricity they can produce, and which is usually stated in terms of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) per watt. For example, if a 300 watts solar panel is sold for 15000 PKR, the cost per watt would be fifty rupees (15000/300).
Factors Influencing the Per Watt Cost of Solar Panels in Pakistan
Some of these include provision of certain factors that are helpful in determining the way solar panels are priced in Pakistan such as:
- Type of Solar Panels: Polycrystalline and mono crystalline are the two most common types of solar panels available for sale. As for mono crystalline panels, those are higher in efficiency and more beautiful in design though more expensive. Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand are not as effective but are relatively cheap and cheap hence most residential places use this type of panels.
- Reduction Factors: Government policies and incentives under these Objectives: Governmental expenditure on renewable energy projects and other incentives greatly mitigate the cost per watt of installed solar PV. More so in the case of Pakistan, net metering and excise tax exemption on solar equipment are some measures that have helped reduce the burden of solar energy costs.
- Cost Of Installation And Labor: Cost of installation depends on the nature or complexity of the specific project, solar system size and labor costs in different geographical locations. Bigger installations may behave quite to these economies of scale lowering their cost per watt.
- Market Demand and Supply Chain: A growth in the demand for solar energy solutions has been witnessed in Pakistan, mainly due to high electricity tariffs and the more recent troubles associated with frequent electric supply interruptions. There have been, global supply chain measures impacting the costs of the components needed for the assembly of solar panels causing depression in the local market especially, after the COVID 19 pandemic, its effects are still being felt.
- Technological Advancements: The solar production technologies are continuing to yield better solar cells’ efficiency. More efficient panels might be more costly per watt, yet in the long-term investment in these panels will be more economical.
Current Per Watt Cost of Solar Panels in Pakistan
According to the most recent estimates, as of the year 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Pakistan ranges between PKR 60 and PKR 100. These prices are due to the type and the quality of solar panels as well as the concerns in the projects being implemented.
- Low-End Solar Panels: These are sold at about PKR 60 to PKR 70 per watt on the high end. They are frequently polycrystalline panels or those from less prominent manufacturers.
- Mid-Range Solar Panels: Mid-range models can be purchased at PKR 70 and PKR 85 per watt. This includes conventional crystalline panels of well-respected companies or higher-performance polycrystalline panels
- Premium Solar Panels: The monocrystalline premium modules, generally of superior quality from recognized global brands, feature under the high price range of 85 to 100 PKR per watt.
Additional Costs to Consider
While the per-watt cost of solar panels is an important factor, it's crucial to account for the total cost of a solar power system. Additional costs include:
- Inverters: These convert the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) used by most household appliances. The cost of inverters typically ranges between PKR 5,000 and PKR 20,000 per kilowatt.
- Batteries: If opting for an off-grid system, batteries are needed for energy storage. Battery costs vary depending on their capacity and type (e.g., lead-acid, lithium-ion).
- Installation: Installation costs can account for 10% to 20% of the total system cost. Prices vary by region and the complexity of the installation process.
- Maintenance: Solar systems are generally low-maintenance, but periodic cleaning and inspection to ensure peak performance may incur additional costs.
Is It Worth Investing in Solar Energy in Pakistan?
Pakistan being a developing country, the expenses of ordinary electricity are soaring high and there are usually power crises, therefore one would rather invest in solar energy in Pakistan. The cost of solar panels in terms of per watt has been declining due to the promotional aspects from the government and technology progression making solar systems more marketable both for home owners and businesses.
According to studies, the payback period of a normal solar installation ranges from 3-5 years depending on the arrangement and usage of energy. Notably, people can also earn additional income by reparticipating in the grid allowing excess energy to be sold back to the network called net metering increasing the justification of investments on solar energy systems.
Solar Panel cost in Pakistan per watt has been taken as a significant measure for personal or business switching to solar energy. The price of a solar panel will adjust and will depend on technology used, brand and demand level. Nonetheless, the solar power energy potential in Pakistan continues to be a worthwhile risk for the national energy market. With good government policies backing further investment in solar power technology, the country has the potential to maximize its solar energy and help fight the evident shortage of energy obtained from fossil sources.
Had the decision of investing in solar energy be made today, sustainability for future generations along with energy independence for Pakistan can be achieved.
