ISLAMABAD: Consumers in Pakistan are set to benefit from record-low solar panel prices, making it an ideal time for households and businesses to invest in solar energy. Experts say that falling costs in the global solar market have translated into significant price reductions for solar systems in Pakistan.
Industry sources indicate that the global price per watt now stands at approximately PKR 13.50, the lowest price ever. Specialists emphasize that this development can be attributed to growing global production and stabilized solar sales, which will allow citizens to access this resource without paying extra costs.
In addition, price cuts will mean new policies introduced by authorities, such as removing all licensing requirements for small-scale solar installations (less than 25 kW).
Experts in the field claim that the installation of a solar power system represents a sensible investment in view of increasing prices of conventional electricity, as well as frequent load-shedding problems. It appears that there are substantial decreases in the prices of popular systems with output ranging between 5 kW and 10 kW.
According to experts, if the ongoing market trends of solar power in the global market continue, prices in Pakistan may drop even lower in the coming months, leading to increased consumption of renewable energy and savings on electricity bills for consumers.
NEPRA maintains licensing requirement for net metering solar users
Meanwhile, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has decided to maintain the licensing requirement for solar users under the net metering project.
According to sources, consumers installing solar systems ranging from 1 to 25 kilowatts will still be required to obtain a license from NEPRA. While the license fee for systems up to 25 kW has been waived, the authority to issue licenses will remain exclusively with NEPRA.
Sources explained that solar users seeking a net metering connection must submit their applications through NEPRA’s online portal. Only after providing the necessary license information will applicants be able to proceed. Applications without a generation license will not be accepted through the portal. NEPRA has already begun processing applications for users who have submitted their generation licenses.
The Power Division had requested the removal of the licensing requirement for systems up to 25 kw. However, while the fee has been waived, the licensing condition remains in place. NEPRA is expected to announce a final decision regarding the licensing requirement for systems up to 25 kW later this month.
