Pakistan tops global solar panel importer

Unlike in many other countries, the growth of solar energy in Pakistan has occurred mostly through grassroots efforts. Here we will discuss how Pakistan tops global solar panel importer.

بہت سے دوسرے ممالک کے برعکس، پاکستان میں شمسی توانائی کی ترقی زیادہ تر نچلی سطح کی کوششوں سے ہوئی ہے۔

A Global Leader in Imports:درآمدات میں عالمی رہنما

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.

13 Gigawatts are produced:13 گیگا واٹ پیدا ہوتے ہیں

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:تجارتی ٹیکس سے ایک تبدیلی

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.

Energy Revolution and Net Metering:توانائی کا انقلاب اور نیٹ میٹرنگ

In fiscal year 2024, solar panels are estimated to have provided nearly half of Pakistan’s electricity needs, primarily through off-grid installations that aren’t included in official power generation statistics. This shift highlights a growing disconnect between energy users and the struggling national grid, which faces power outages, poor planning, and rising costs. Many view solar adoption not just as an eco-friendly choice but as a necessary solution for homes and businesses.

A Deepening Disconnect from the Grid:گرڈ سے گہرا رابطہ منقطع

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: Why?سولر پینل کی قیمتوں میں زبردست کمی: کیوں؟

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): A-گریڈ سولر پینلز کی موجودہ قیمتیں (اپریل 2025)

B-grade panels and other variants have experienced comparable price cuts as well.

Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Risk:قلیل مدتی امداد، طویل مدتی خطرہ

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:نتیجہ

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.