Make in Pakistan: The Need of Hour Pakistan solar systems in fashion are providing sustainable and economical treatment for the current energy crisis, leading the pace of renewable energy solutions along with environmental-friendly energy source at large. India, which receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year, is a suitable place for large-scale solar panel installation as the country can utilize solar energy efficiently. The government has introduced various schemes to promote solar energy, aimed at encouraging the use of this clean energy source.
Pakistan has been grappling with an escalating energy crisis in recent years marked by regular power cuts and a heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels. Electricity demand is soaring — especially in the summer when demand for cooling peaks. To overcome this problem, Pakistan is turning to renewable energy, with solar power becoming a cornerstone solution.
Pakistan is well-positioned for solar power generation by virtue of its geographic locati0n, with an average of 4.5 to 6.5 kWh of solar energy per square meter per day received in the country. The government also engaged with international organizations to implement several solar energy projects that can contribute to addressing the increasing energy demands and lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
The government of Pakistan has implemented many policies and incentives to promote the solar power adoption. This includes tax exemptions, subsidies and financing options for people and businesses purchasing solar panels. The government’s main objective is to lower the cost barrier of solar energy, so more people can use it.
Key government initiatives:
Net metering: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) in Pakistan has implemented a net metering system that allows solar panel owners to sell their excess electricity generated back to the grid. This means that if people (or businesses) install solar panels, they will receive a return on their investment.
Solar Subsidy Scheme: To meet targets, the government has a number of schemes under which it has subsidized users in the solar power system installation for domestic, commercial and industrial sectors.
Green Energy Policy 2020: This policy lays the roadmap to increase the share of renewable energy to 30% in the national grid by 2030, with special emphasis on solar power.
Solar panel installation in Pakistan is classified according to its application, ranging from residential rooftop systems to large utility plants. The types of solar panel systems in Pakistan are classified based on their commonalities:
Residential Solar Panels: To save on electricity bills and provide a reliable power supply when the grid goes down, homeowners are increasingly installing solar panels. These systems range from 3 kW to 10 kW or more depending on energy needs of a household.
Commercial Solutions: Solar Panels for Businesses and Industry Solar energy is now being adopted by businesses and industrial facilities to minimize operations costs and achieve more energy-efficient facilities. However, these systems can also be much larger, with typical sizes from 20 kW to several megawatts.
Pakistan is also investing in utility: scale solar farms. These solar farms are connected to the national grid and can produce hundreds of megawatts of electricity. Already some of the biggest solar farms such as the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Punjab have become operational generating power for national grid.
The solar power industry in Pakistan is evolving rapidly, with technological advancements leading to more efficient and durable solar panels. High-efficiency solar panels, such as monocrystalline and bifacial solar panels, are becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan due to their higher energy conversion rates and longer lifespans.
One key area of innovation is the development of solar power optimizers, which help maximize the performance of solar panels. These devices are particularly useful in areas with partial shading or obstructions, as they can prevent power loss and increase overall system efficiency.
Another important development is solar panel cleaning equipment, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of solar installations. Dust and dirt can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their energy production. Effective cleaning solutions ensure that solar panels operate at their peak performance, which is essential for maximizing returns on investment. For more information about solar panel cleaning equipment, visit this link.
Pakistan has made great strides towards solar energy, but continues to face challenges in scaling solar power. Here are some of the major challenges:
High Upfront Costs: Although the cost of solar panels has fallen over the years, the upfront investment can still be significant for many people and companies. These costs are somewhat offset by government subsidies and financing options, but the affordability barrier remains.
Skilled Labor Scarcity: The solar energy sector faces a prevailing shortage of skilled labor, compromising the quality of installation and maintenance services. Training and capacity building programs come into play to solve this.
Grid Issues: Pakistan’s energy grid is antiquated and frequently incapable of effectively integrating renewables. One of the most significant aspect of solar energy expansion is to upgrade of grid infrastructure to make way for solar power.
To provide a clearer understanding of the solar panel adoption trends in Pakistan, the following table highlights key statistics related to solar power installations and government schemes:
Year
Total Installed Capacity (MW)
Government Subsidy Amount (PKR)
Number of Solar Projects
Net Metering Installations
2020
500 MW
5 Billion
1,200+
150+
2021
750 MW
6 Billion
1,500+
200+
2022
1,000 MW
8 Billion
2,000+
300+
2023
1,500 MW
10 Billion
2,500+
400+
The data in the table demonstrates the steady growth in solar energy adoption across the country, with increasing numbers of solar projects and net metering installations.
The adoption of solar panels in Pakistan is being catalysed by the government’s best policy framework, advanced technology, and the increasing interest of consumers. Despite challenges, the country’s immense solar potential and commitment to renewable energy would position it as a leader of solar energy in the coming years.
The cost of installing solar panels in Pakistan depends on several factors, including the size of the system, the type of solar panels (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film), and the location. On average, residential solar systems can cost between PKR 200,000 to PKR 1,000,000 for a 3 kW to 10 kW system. Larger commercial and industrial systems will have a higher cost. However, government subsidies and financing options can help reduce the upfront costs.
The payback period for solar panel installations in Pakistan typically ranges from 4 to 7 years, depending on factors such as system size, energy consumption, and the amount of sunlight in the region. The cost recovery period can be shortened with the use of net metering, which allows homeowners and businesses to sell excess energy back to the grid.
Yes, Pakistan offers several financing options for solar panel installation. Banks and financial institutions in the country provide loans with attractive terms for solar energy projects. Additionally, the government offers subsidized schemes and low-interest financing programs to help make solar installations more affordable for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
The warranty period for solar panels in Pakistan generally ranges from 10 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer. Most reputable solar panel brands offer a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty, which ensures that the panels will maintain at least 80% of their original efficiency over that period. It's essential to check the specific terms of the warranty when purchasing solar panels.
Yes, solar panels can still generate electricity during cloudy or rainy days, although their efficiency may be reduced compared to sunny days. Solar panels rely on light, not heat, so even in overcast conditions, they can still produce energy, but at a lower rate. To ensure continuous power supply, many solar energy systems are paired with battery storage or grid connectivity.
