Solar in Pakistan: what it costs and what to check

Solar has gone from a luxury to ordinary household infrastructure in Pakistan, driven by tariff rises and a collapse in panel prices. That also means a fast-growing second-hand market in panels, inverters and batteries — where the difference between a bargain and a write-off is not obvious from a photograph.

What actually drives the price

A solar quote is really four purchases: panels, an inverter, mounting structure, and optionally batteries. Panel prices per watt have fallen dramatically, so on most systems the inverter and batteries now dominate the cost. When you compare two quotes, compare them line by line — a cheap headline number usually means a weaker inverter or a thinner mounting structure that will not survive a storm.

On-grid, off-grid and hybrid

An on-grid system feeds surplus back to the grid and needs no batteries, which makes it the cheapest per unit generated — but it shuts down during load shedding, which surprises a lot of first-time buyers. Hybrid systems add batteries so you keep power when the grid drops. Off-grid means no grid connection at all and is mostly for remote sites. Decide which of the three you actually want before you collect quotes, because they are not comparable.

Net metering, realistically

Net metering lets you export surplus to your distribution company and offset it against what you import. Applications go through your DISCO and require an AEDB-approved installer, a bidirectional meter and an inspection. The paperwork is slower than most vendors imply — budget months, not weeks — and the approved system size is tied to your sanctioned load, so ask about that early rather than after you have bought panels.

Buying used panels without getting burned

Panels degrade slowly but crack easily. Look for micro-cracks in the cells, delamination or discolouration under the glass, corrosion on the junction box, and any sign the frame has been bent. Ask to see the panel producing under sun with a clamp meter rather than trusting a label. Panels salvaged from a hail-damaged or fire-damaged site are common in the resale market and often look fine from three feet away.

Inverters and batteries are where money is lost

An inverter is the component most likely to fail and the most expensive to replace, so used inverters need proof of working hours and a look at the fan and capacitors. Lithium batteries have a cycle count that matters far more than age — a two-year-old pack cycled daily may be closer to end of life than a five-year-old one used lightly. If a seller cannot tell you the cycle count, treat the battery as having no value in your offer.

Common questions

Is used solar worth buying in Pakistan?

Panels yes, if you can inspect them under sun and they show no cracking or delamination. Inverters and batteries are riskier — they carry most of the failure risk and their remaining life is hard to verify.

How long does net metering approval take?

Longer than most vendors suggest. It runs through your DISCO and involves an approved installer, a bidirectional meter and an inspection, so plan in months rather than weeks.

Does an on-grid system work during load shedding?

No. A standard on-grid system shuts down when the grid goes down, for safety. If you want power during outages you need a hybrid system with batteries.

What size system do I need?

It follows your consumption and your sanctioned load, not your roof space. Take twelve months of bills to an installer rather than sizing from a rule of thumb.

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