Pakistan tops global solar panel importer
Pakistan has become the world’s leading importer of solar panels, outpacing major economies such as the United States, China, and Germany. This shift is driven by increasing energy demands, higher electricity costs, and an ongoing energy crisis, prompting both the government and citizens to turn to solar energy solutions. Unlike many other countries, the growth of solar energy in Pakistan has largely been driven by grassroots efforts. Here we will discuss how Pakistan tops the global solar panel importer.
Read more: Solar Panel Companies in Pakistan
پاکستان امریکہ، چین اور جرمنی جیسی بڑی معیشتوں کو پیچھے چھوڑتے ہوئے سولر پینلز کا دنیا کا سب سے بڑا درآمد کنندہ بن گیا ہے۔ یہ تبدیلی توانائی کی بڑھتی ہوئی طلب، زیادہ بجلی کی قیمتوں، اور توانائی کے جاری بحران کی وجہ سے کارفرما ہے، جس سے حکومت اور شہریوں دونوں کو شمسی توانائی کے حل کی طرف رجوع کرنے پر اکسایا جاتا ہے۔ بہت سے دوسرے ممالک کے برعکس، پاکستان میں شمسی توانائی کی ترقی بڑی حد تک نچلی سطح کی کوششوں سے ہوئی ہے۔ یہاں ہم اس بات پر بات کریں گے کہ کس طرح پاکستان عالمی سولر پینل درآمد کنندہ میں سرفہرست ہے۔
Import Statistics and Key Drivers
Pakistan imported over $2.1 billion worth of solar panels in the last fiscal year, primarily from China, which offers high-efficiency panels at competitive prices. The demand for solar panels has grown notably across residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors, with a rise in rooftop solar systems, particularly in urban areas.
Several factors have driven this surge in solar imports:
- Ongoing load shedding and energy shortages
- High electricity tariffs imposed by national grids
- Government incentives such as subsidies and net metering policies
- A growing public awareness of climate change and the importance of sustainability
These elements together have contributed to the rising adoption of solar energy in the country.
A Global Leader in Imports
Pakistan is the world’s largest solar panel importer, but it does not have a structured national renewable energy policy, large-scale global investments, or high-level political commitments.
During the initial six months of 2024, Pakistan brought in a remarkable 13 gigawatts worth of solar panels, chiefly sourced from China, for rooftop installations and various other uses. Such imports signal a notable shift towards adopting solar power and indicate a substantial move from dependence on the conventional power grid.
Read more: How to Install Solar Panels on the Roof.
13 Gigawatts are produced
In the first half of 2024, Pakistan imported 13 GW of solar modules from China. Pakistan is the third-largest market for Chinese solar module exports. The total installed grid-level capacity in Pakistan is expected to reach 680 MW this year, while the country has a total power generation installed capacity of 50 GW.
A Shift from the commercial taxes
Many consumers are choosing solar power to avoid interruptions and reduce costs associated with commercial electricity taxes and fees. Self-employed individuals, households, and small businesses are driving this shift, seeking reliable alternatives to the expensive and inconsistent electricity from the national grid. They are leading a grassroots solar energy revolution, achieving this growth without significant support from the government or foreign investment.
Net Metering Boosts Solar Adoption
The net metering system in Pakistan is a key factor promoting solar energy adoption, allowing users to sell excess electricity back to the national grid. This has led homeowners and businesses to view solar energy as both a cost-saving and income-generating option. The government has supported this shift through easier import processes and partnerships with private companies. In fiscal year 2024, solar panels are expected to supply nearly half of Pakistan’s electricity needs, primarily from off-grid installations. This trend reflects a disconnect between users and a struggling national grid, prompting many to adopt solar energy as a necessary solution.
A Deepening Disconnect from the Grid
Observers describe this rapid change as a growing rift between electricity users and the national grid, which still struggles with outages, poor planning, and increasing expenses. For many, adopting solar energy is seen less as an eco-friendly innovation and more as a necessary means of coping for both homes and businesses. The policy change has drawn criticism from stakeholders, who claim it weakens trust in the renewable energy industry.
Sharp Decline in Solar Panel Prices
The price of solar panels in Pakistan has really fallen because of different causes like alterations in the government’s policies, various competition faced, and a fall in the global price. With the announcement, the prices of solar panels have fallen steeply, with some offering discounts of 25% and above, especially in Sindh. For instance, a Grade-A 585-watt panel now sells for about Rs16,500 down from Rs22,000.
Current Prices of A-Grade Solar Panels (April 2025)
| Brand | Wattage | Price (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Imported | 545W | 16,500 |
| JA Solar (Single Glass) | 540W | 19,000 |
| Canadian (Tier 1) | 555W | 19,500 |
| Longi (Single Glass) | 550W | 20,000 |
| Canadian Topcon | 575W | 20,500 |
B-grade panels and other variants have experienced comparable price cuts as well.
Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Risk
The decline in prices may provide short-term benefits to consumers, but industry experts warn that changes in policies, such as reduced net metering rates, could hinder the long-term growth of Pakistan’s solar sector and discourage investors. As the country’s energy landscape becomes more consumer-driven, specialists stress the need for a unified strategy to ensure sustainability and stability.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s usage of solar energy is growing quickly, mostly as a result of the need for a more economical and effective way to generate power. Even though the country is presently the leading importer of solar panels, this change happened with little help from the government. Pakistan requires a solid plan and stable policy for solar and other renewable energy sources to maintain this success. If not, future growth may be at risk, and this significant change may slow it down.
پاکستان میں شمسی توانائی کا استعمال تیزی سے بڑھ رہا ہے، زیادہ تر بجلی پیدا کرنے کے زیادہ اقتصادی اور موثر طریقے کی ضرورت کے نتیجے میں۔ اگرچہ ملک اس وقت سولر پینلز کا سب سے بڑا درآمد کنندہ ہے، یہ تبدیلی حکومت کی بہت کم مدد سے ہوئی۔ اس کامیابی کو برقرار رکھنے کے لیے پاکستان کو شمسی اور دیگر قابل تجدید توانائی کے ذرائع کے لیے ٹھوس منصوبہ بندی اور مستحکم پالیسی کی ضرورت ہے۔ اگر نہیں، تو مستقبل کی ترقی خطرے میں ہو سکتی ہے، اور یہ اہم تبدیلی اسے سست کر سکتی ہے۔
FAQ’s
Why is Pakistan importing so many solar panels?
To reduce electricity bills and avoid power outages.
Where are the solar panels coming from?
Mostly from China—13 GW were imported in early 2024.
Is this solar power connected to the grid?
Mostly not. Many systems are off-grid or used privately.
Are solar panels getting cheaper?
Yes. Prices have dropped by 25% or more in 2025.
