Solar Power Becomes Pakistan's Largest Source of Electricity

In a remarkable energy milestone, solar power has become the leading electricity source in Pakistan. Between January and April 2025, solar farms supplied 25.3% of the country’s utility electricity, overtaking traditional sources like gas, nuclear, coal, and hydroelectric power.

Pakistan now joins a select group of fewer than 20 nations—including Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands—that generate over a quarter of their power from solar. This landmark shift reflects booming solar panel imports and rapid renewable adoption across industries and households.

• Solar’s share: 25.3% of utility power from January–April 2025.

• Import surge: Solar module imports rose from ~3,500 MW in 2022 to 16,600 MW in 2024. Over 10,000 MW imported in early 2025.

• Net-metering capacity: Surpassed 5.3 GW by April 2025.

• Industrial adoption: Businesses like Lucky Cement are integrating solar and battery storage to cut carbon emissions.

• Renewables target: Solar’s rise helps Pakistan’s goal of 60% renewables in power mix by 2030

Cheap Chinese panels flooded the market—Pakistan became a leading importer with 17 GW in 2024 

Global battery overcapacity lowered prices, making storage units affordable for factories and homes

Frequent blackouts and rising power rates drove wealthier consumers and industries toward solar and battery systems 

Off-grid solar installations surged, often outpacing national grid capacity 

Net-metering expansion (5.3 GW by April 2025) enables households and businesses to sell excess energy 

Subsidies and tax exemptions reduced barriers to solar adoption.

Factories like Lucky Cement in Nooriabad use solar + battery systems, cutting carbon and costs

Agrivoltaic pilots allow dual land use—solar panels rise above farmland

• Lower energy costs for those who can invest in solar and storage.

• Reduced emissions, aligning with climate and air quality goals.

• Energy independence, especially in rural and industrial areas.

• Reduced demand on aging grid infrastructure, easing strain during peak hours.

• Utility revenue loss: As consumers shift off-grid, power distribution companies (DISCOs) face reduced income 

• Grid instability: Back-and-forth power flows with rooftop solar create voltage and frequency issues 

• Unequal access: Wealthier households benefit most; middle-class renters are often excluded 

• Policy uncertainty: Government proposals to lower net-metering rates could stall growth

• Leading the world: Pakistan joined an elite group of solar-heavy nations—Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands—with 25%+ solar share 

• Global comparisons: Solar contributes ~11% to China’s grid; ~8% in the US; global average is  8%.

• Battery demand rising: Pakistan’s race to add energy storage aligns with global trends driven by lithium oversupply and price drops

Pakistan’s solar surge—from fifth-largest to largest source of utility electricity within two years—is a dramatic shift. Powered by cheap Chinese modules, supportive policies, and consumer demand, solar now delivers 25% of Pakistan’s grid electricity. While the transition offers clear economic and environmental wins, policymakers must act to support grid stability, equitable access, and sustainable utility operations.