Solar panel prices in Pakistan have surged sharply since the start of the year, putting additional pressure on consumers and businesses alike. Imported Chinese panels, ranging from 585 to 720 watts, have seen price hikes of up to PKR 5,000, while rising global raw material costs and import taxes are driving further increases in the coming months.
As per local media reports, the prices of imported Chinese solar panels with capacities of 585, 645, and 720 watts have risen by an average of PKR 5,000 in local markets. As a result, the price of a 585-watt solar panel has increased from PKR 16,000–17,000 to PKR 20,000–21,000.
Similarly, the price of a 645-watt solar panel has risen from PKR 20,000 to PKR 24,000–25,000, while a 720-watt panel has jumped from PKR 22,000–25,000 to PKR 30,000–35,000.
Talking to a local channel, Salim Memon, Vice President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association and an importer of solar panels, said that rising global silver and copper prices have increased production costs for Chinese solar companies. This has caused the per-watt price of solar panels to rise from PKR 22 to PKR 33 over the past five months.
He added that with growing consumer demand and further price increases in China, the per-watt price could reach PKR 40 in the coming months.
Memon also said that import taxes on Chinese solar panels and local competition in technology are contributing to rising prices. Due to large imports over the past two years, the country now has substantial solar panel stocks. Not only have solar panels become more expensive nationwide, but battery prices have also risen, with a 10% increase recorded in the past month.
