Solar panel prices have increased sharply across Pakistan since the beginning of the year, adding pressure on households and businesses planning to shift toward renewable energy. Buyers in major local markets are now paying significantly higher rates for popular imported Chinese solar panels, reflecting a broader upward trend in global and domestic factors affecting the sector.
Retailers report that Chinese solar panels in the 585-watt, 645-watt, and 720-watt categories have seen an average price increase of around Rs. 5,000 per unit. These models are among the most commonly used in residential and commercial installations, making the hike particularly noticeable for consumers.
According to market data, a 585-watt solar panel is currently selling for approximately Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 21,000, compared with Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 17,000 just a few months ago. Similarly, the 645-watt panel has risen to around Rs. 24,000 to Rs. 25,000, up from nearly Rs. 20,000 earlier.
The steepest increase has been recorded in the 720-watt segment. Prices for these high-capacity panels have jumped to between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 35,000, whereas they previously ranged from Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 25,000. This sharp rise has raised concerns among large-scale users and solar installers.
Saleem Memon, a solar panel importer and vice president of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, said the price surge is mainly due to rising global silver and copper costs. He explained that higher raw material prices have increased manufacturing expenses for Chinese companies, pushing the per-watt price from Rs. 22 to Rs. 33 over the past five months.
Memon warned that strong demand and further cost increases in China could raise the per-watt rate to Rs. 40 in coming months. He also cited import taxes and duties as contributing factors. Meanwhile, prices of solar batteries have increased by about 10 percent over the past month, adding to overall system costs despite Pakistan holding sizeable inventories from high import volumes.
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