Frustration rises as Pakistan’s government revises net-metering rates, reducing demand and causing price drop.
In Karachi, Hyderabad, and across the country, solar panel prices have dropped as anticipated due to the new policy, leaving consumers in distress.
Read more: Solar Panel Costs Decrease Again In Pakistan
Retailers report a decrease in the price of high-quality 585-watt solar panels, from Rs22,000 to Rs16,500, with further reductions expected. This pricing shift is seen as part of the government’s push to make solar energy more affordable.
The new policy promotes solar system installation and allows consumers to sell excess power, offering energy independence and potential income.
However, energy experts warn that solar system recovery time may now extend from 3-4 years to 10-12 years. Consumers feel betrayed by the policy, seeing it as a barrier to renewable energy adoption.
The Pakistani government delayed final approval of the revised solar net-metering policy after opposition from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal ministers. The cabinet decision seeks more stakeholder consultations before resubmitting recommendations.
Though already approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), further discussions are underway to address concerns about its effect on solar energy growth and consumer costs.
