Solar System Price in Pakistan 2024

Solar system price in Pakistan varies depending upon the size, and total power generation capacity of the solar system. For a specified rated solar system, the total cost of a solar system depends on the price of the major components of the solar system. Solar panels, solar inverter, batteries, panel structure, cables, and installation charges. 

But as a rough estimate, you can consider the cost of each 1KW as 1 lac Pakistani rupees. The cost of each component varies depending on the various factors. I’ll explore this in detail to build a clearer understanding for you. Major components affecting the total cost of solar systems in Pakistan are

• Solar Panels
• Solar Inverter
• Batteries (Optional)

Major Components of a Solar System

Solar Panels

These are the heart of the PV solar system. They capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The price of solar panels depends on the size, efficiency, and brand. In Pakistan, solar panels of various brands are available in different wattages ranging from 100W to 600W. Nowadays the price of A-grade, Tier 1 solar panels is up to 40 rupees per watt. Solar panel prices have dropped as compared to around Rs. 100/watt in the last year. Click to see the daily updated latest Solar panel prices in Pakistan.

The cost of 500W solar panels for a 1KW solar system will be around 40,000 to 45,000 PKR.  For a larger system like 15KW solar system overall cost of solar panels will be less than the per watt rate for small size solar systems depending upon the latest price of solar panel. 

Solar Inverters

PV Solar inverters convert the DC (direct current) electricity produced by solar panels into AC (alternating current) electricity. AC is used to power up household appliances. The cost of inverters varies depending on their capacity and features such as PWM, MPPT, grid-tie, off-grid, or hybrid functionality.

Size or wattage of solar inverter needs to match the total wattage of your solar panels or load to ensure efficient operation. There are various types of inverters, such as grid-tie/On-Grid, hybrid, and off-grid, each with different features and price. As price of solar panels vary with brand, famous inverter brands are reliable and offer better warranties and performance but have higher price.

Inverter converts the 12V, 24V or 48V DC power into single phase 220V AC or three phase 440V AC by which users can run all household appliances safely. Solar inverter price in Pakistan fluctuates a lot depending upon the brand but 1KW solar inverter costs around 30,000 to  40,000 PKR while 5KW solar inverter costs around 75,000 to 125,000 PKR.

Various Types of Solar Inverters

Grid-Tie Inverters

On-Grid or Grid tie solar inverters convert DC from panels to AC and synchronize with the utility power to feed excessive power to the grid. Nowadays these inverters are the most commonly used as these do not require any backup power source or batteries to operate. However, these are suitable only for the large solar systems in the area of zero load shedding or no grid outage. This does not operate without grid power. 

Off-Grid Inverters

Off-grid inverters are designed to eliminate the need of grid supply. These inverters function well without electricity and operate with batteries as backup and power flow functionalities. They are much better and suitable for farfurlong remote areas. Also suitable for the areas where grid is not reliable and face many outages. 

Hybrid Inverters

Hybrid inverters offer more flexibility, hybrid inverters can operate in grid-tie mode and also have batteries to work during grid failure events. This can store energy and supply backup power during grid outages. They are a good choice for the people looking grid independence and avoid any disturbances.

Net Metering Solar Systems / Green Meter

Net metering is the latest billing scheme offered by electricity utilities in Pakistan. But it needs a special bidirectional energy meter known as green energy meter in Pakistan. So additional cost from the solar system is required to get approval and installation of this meter and electricity tariff. Below is its working

• Solar system generates electricity in the sun during the day.
• Excess power not used by you is exported back to the grid.
• The utility / WAPDA’s green meter runs backward and credits your account for the exported units of electricity.
• Using your accumulated credits, you draw power from the grid at night, during cloudy or during low sunshine periods.
• Net electricity bill is calculated using separate tariffs for the exported and imported electricity from the grid.
• There are special criteria for Net metering in various distribution companies in Pakistan. Approved vendors and companies are allowed to design and install solar system and starting from the specific wattage size.

Batteries

Batteries store additional electricity generated during the daytime by solar panels. This stored energy is used during periods of low sunlight or at night. The price of batteries also varies depending upon the size and technology used especially (e.g., lead-acid or lithium-ion). In Pakistan, battery banks for solar systems are available in various capacities, and sizes, typically ranging from 100Ah to 300Ah, available in 2V cells and 12V batteries.

Mounting Structures

Mounting structures are the most important accessory required during installation; these provide support for solar panels. These are necessary to securely install solar panels on rooftops or open ground. The cost of mounting steel structure depends on the type of roof (e.g., flat or sloped), the number of solar panels, and the quality of materials used. On an average, the estimated price of solar panel galvanized steel structure is almost 1000-2000 PKR per panel.

Miscellaneous Accessories

Cables and connectors, Circuit Breakers, and SPD are some of the essential accessories required for the successful installation and operation of the solar system. Cables and connectors for connecting solar panels, inverters, batteries, and output supply from the inverter to the load appliances. The price of these accessories depends on the site-to-site and quality, brand and requirements of the client.

How to Choose the Right Solar System Size For Your Needs?

1. Load: Before installing a solar system, it is very important to determine your load or energy requirements. Carefully note down the total load of the appliances, total appliances, backup requirements if any. You can calculate the load by the power rating of appliances such as 100W for a fan and a total of 5 fans will load 5x100W=500W. You can also get ideas from your utility bills. Load or design can also be calculated by using any online energy calculator or solar system design calculator.
2. Size of  Solar System: Once your requirements are clear about the load and energy consumption. You have a clear load profile for 24 hours then you can easily choose the size of the solar system to perfectly meet your requirements. For domestic requirements, people use 1KW to 15KW solar systems. You can also get help from the solar system designer.  
3. Battery Requirement: If you want to install solar system in isolated or remote areas where there is much grid outage issues you need the batteries to keep the backup of electricity. Size and capacity of the battery depends on the technical specifications of the inverter and backup time required for the load.

Conclusion

Solar system price in Pakistan depends on the capacity and quality of the solar products being installed. But Investing in installation of  a solar system in Pakistan has many benefits, including zero to reduced electricity bills, uninterruptible electricity, energy independence, and environmental friendly green energy. You can make well-informed decisions by understanding the major parts, sizing considerations, and factors affecting price. You should choose the best solar system for your needs and budget considerations.