Solar panel prices in Pakistan have dropped again, reaching a new low due to a large supply of solar panels available in the market.
Reports say that the price per watt of solar panels has now fallen to Rs28. There is a chance that prices may decrease even further, especially in big cities like Karachi.
Earlier, the Federal Minister for Energy, Awais Leghari, said that 8,000 megawatts of solar panels were brought into Pakistan in just one year. This shows the growing demand for solar energy in the country.
Because of the potential in the Pakistani market, some local and international companies are planning to build factories to make solar inverters here. If these plans work out, Pakistan will save valuable foreign currency as fewer products will need to be imported.
The price drop for solar panels can vary depending on the city. For example, prices in Lahore may not be the same as in Karachi or other cities.
It’s important to note that these prices are for on-grid systems that connect to the national electricity grid. If you are thinking about buying a hybrid system that includes battery storage, the total cost will be higher because of the extra cost of batteries.
With the price of utility bills going up, this recent drop in solar panel costs may encourage more people to switch to solar energy in Pakistan.
Easy Guide to Buy Solar System in Pakistan
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right solar system for your home or business:
1. Assess Your Energy Needs
- Check your monthly electricity bill to see how much power you use (kWh).
- Calculate your peak load, which is the maximum amount of power you need at one time.
- Think about your future energy needs if you plan to use more electricity later.
2. Decide on the Type of System
- On-Grid: This system connects to the national grid, but it does not provide backup power.
- Off-Grid: This system works independently, but it needs batteries for backup.
- Hybrid: This combines both on-grid and off-grid features, giving you backup power when needed.
3. Pick the Right System Size
- Small (1-3 kW): Good for small homes with basic needs.
- Medium (5-10 kW): Ideal for larger homes or small businesses.
- Large (10-20 kW and above): Suitable for big businesses or factories.
4. Understand the Components
- Solar Panels:
- Monocrystalline: More efficient but expensive.
- Polycrystalline: Less efficient but cheaper.
- Inverter: Converts solar energy (DC) into usable electricity (AC).
- Batteries:
- Lead-Acid: Cheaper but doesn’t last as long.
- Lithium-Ion: More expensive but lasts longer.
- Charge Controllers:
- MPPT: More efficient.
- PWM: Basic and less efficient.
- Mounting Structures: These hold the panels and should be durable and resistant to rust.
5. Check Your Budget
- Make sure installation costs are included in the price quotes.
- Maintenance costs are low, but you should clean the panels every few months.
6. Choose a Reliable Provider
- Pick trusted brands and certified installers.
- Check for warranties and good customer service after installation.
7. Look for Financial Incentives
- Net Metering: You can sell extra electricity to the national grid and earn money.
- Government Incentives: Check if there are any subsidies or tax rebates to help reduce your costs.
8. Installation Process
- A technician will visit your location to see where the panels can be installed.
- Get quotes from different providers before making a decision.
- Installation usually takes 1-3 days.
- If you choose an on-grid or hybrid system, you will need to apply for net metering.
Maintenance and Monitoring
- Cleaning Panels: Clean your solar panels every 3-6 months to keep them working well.
- Inverter and Battery Checks: Regularly check your inverter and batteries to make sure everything is working smoothly.
- Monitoring Apps: You can use apps to check your solar system’s performance in real-time.