Pakistan has become the largest importer of solar panels in the world, with imports reaching 17 gigawatts in 2024 more than twice the volume from the previous year. The surge, driven not by government incentives but by individual households and businesses, reflects a growing demand for cheaper and more reliable energy alternatives amid worsening power outages and rising electricity costs.
A report by British energy think tank Amber highlighted this trend as a “grassroots energy revolution.” The rapid adoption of solar panels has taken place without major public funding or a comprehensive national renewable energy strategy. Most of these installations are off-grid, meaning they do not show up in official records but still significantly reduce pressure on the national power system.
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Despite regulatory steps like net metering and eased import restrictions, recent government moves to lower buyback rates for surplus solar power have raised concerns. Industry experts fear such policy shifts could undermine investor confidence and slow down the sector’s momentum. Meanwhile, solar panel prices have dropped by up to 25% across markets, particularly in Sindh.
Analysts say Pakistan’s energy landscape is being reshaped from the bottom up. With millions opting for solar as a survival tool rather than an environmental choice, experts stress the urgent need for cohesive planning and policy alignment to ensure sustainable growth.
